What is the Effect of Alliteration in Poetry

Alliteration is a literary device, which occurs in a series of words that have similar first consonant sound.  In other words, alliteration is identified when a series of words in a row have the same kind of sounds at the starting of the first letter. For example, She Sells Sea Shells on the Seashore. (Here,‘s’ is the most repeated consonant, so this is an alliterative phrase). The word ‘Alliteration’ originated from the Latin word ‘litera’ meaning ‘letters of the alphabet’. The main purpose of using alliteration in poetry is to draw the attention of the readers through the rhythmic phrase. Besides, it is also used to indicate that the words that have similar consonant sounds are important and convey a valuable message.

Alliteration is not only used in poetry, but also it is used in newspapers to create catchy headlines. Authors often use alliteration in newspapers, stories or poetries to get the attention of the readers. Let us understand the effect of alliteration in poetry.

1.    It creates a rhythm in the poem. By using alliteration, a poet creates a rhythmic sound in the poem. It makes the text more entertaining and appealing.

2.    The significance of using alliterative phrases in the poem is that it helps the listeners and readers to memorize the poetry. The repetition of a consonant sound within a line of the poetry tends to roll off the tongue. This rhythmic word enables a listener to remember the complete poem.

3.    Most of the words in the poem are lyrical, but the use of alliteration involves the listeners and readers completely.

4.    The use of alliteration in the poetry amuses and entertains the child. Many nursery rhymes encompass alliterative phrases that make the kids laugh. For example.

Hickory, dickory, dock,

The mouse ran up the clock,

The clock struck one, 

The  mouse ran down,

Hickory, dickory, dock.

5.    It creates a specific mood of the readers and listeners. The alliterative effect in the poetry often captures the attention of kids as well as adults. Besides, the alliterative words like ‘The Muffin Man’’, ‘Dull as Dirt’’, ‘’Tiny Tots’’, “Jack and Jill’ and ‘Incy Wincy Spider’, etc. create a comical effect and are widely used for advertisements.