Alliteration: A Literary Device with a Long History

Definition of Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words. It is a common form of figurative language that can be found in poetry, literature, and everyday speech. From Shakespeare to Stephen King, alliteration has been used by writers to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorability in their work.

Examples of Alliteration in Everyday Speech

Alliteration is commonly used in everyday speech, often without conscious effort. Here are a few examples:

• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
• She sells seashells by the seashore.
• The big brown bear growled.

Examples of Alliteration in Literature

Alliteration is a powerful tool that can be used to create various effects in literature. For instance, it can create a sense of rhythm and flow, enhance the memorability of a phrase or line, and emphasize certain words or ideas. Here are a few famous examples of alliteration in literature:

• "The curfew tolls the knell of parting day." - Thomas Gray
• "The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew." - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• "The world is too much with us." - William Wordsworth