Alliteration: Points To Note 1
Alliteration: Points To Note 1
Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound, usually the first consonant, in a line. Because poetry is language that is written in order to be read and spoken, poets are very conscious of the sound effects their words will create, and how these sounds can enhance their message. This module will focus on alliteration and its effects. Points to Note 1 e probably encounter alliteration first in such tongue twisters as 'Round and round the rugged rock, the ragged rascal ran.' or in the repetition of s sounds in the sentence! 'The slippery sloosh and slide of slimy shimmering salmon.' " Background, #ses and $ffects a. %t was originally used by old $nglish poets as a structural device. $ach line was broken in half and the key words were linked by alliteration. e can see this in the translated lines &'any a sea-beast, strange sea-monster, Tasked him hard with their menacing tusks,' b. riters will use alliteration for memorability. (ey words and ideas linked by sound are easier to remember. $ffects will vary depending on the conte)t in which the alliteration appears. $ffects! orked $)ample 1 'The misery and moaning of the maimed soldiers rent the air.' The repeated m sound in misery, moaning and maimed links and emphasises the idea of suffering and destruction in war. $ffects! orked $)ample " 'The slippery sloosh and slide of slimy shimmering salmon.' The repeated s sound gives an impression of the fish moving *uickly through the water and almost replicates the swishing sound of the fish in the water. + Two things to watch a. The alliterative sounds can be on the stressed syllable in a word, not ,ust at the start. -or e)ample! Fish flashed effusively. Note that both the f sounds are repeated. b. %t is the sound that is repeated, not necessarily the same letter. -or e)ample! 'The sound of cicadas circled the field.' %n this e)ample the letter c carries an s sound as well as a k sound.
The eagle swoops with a whoosh on an unsuspecting prey. b. -or all you rugby fans, ade !tadium is an e)ample of assonance. The a has the same sound in both words. " #nomatopoeia .nomatopoeia is when a word sounds like its meaning. -or e)ample! !plash is supposed to capture the e)act sound of something hitting the water. $oom is the sound of an e)plosion. %runch is the sound of something breaking.
Clichs Points to Note 1 A clich is a worn out or overused expression, one we hear all the time, usually in conversation. We use clichs because they spring to mind more readily than creating new phrase. Here are some typical examples: The sponge was as flat as a pancake. He looked as white as a ghost. I'd like to give full credit to the team. (A recent statement from the rugby field.) Creati e writers try and a oid clichs so that their writing sounds fresh and original. !ewspaper "ournalists# especially sports writers and commentators come up with original descriptions but with repetition# they too become clichd.