Alliteration

Alliteration is an English word derived from the Latin word littera which translates to ‘letter of the alphabet’ in English. It amounts to the conspicuous repetition of identical sounding consonants in successive or closely associated syllables within a group of words. They do not have to be the first consonant within the words. We also know them as head rhymes or initial rhymes.

Alliteration is used to call attention to certain words in a line and can create a pleasant rhythmic effect on a line of poetry. They will emphasize particular phrases or feelings within the line to draw the reader in and point out that there is something special going on. We can alter the mood of a poem through the use of different consonant sounds repetitively used in a line. Use soft melodious sounds to calm and relax, and use harsh sounds to create tension or give excitation.