Why do poets use alliteration?

Poets use alliteration for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, they use it in order to create rhythm within lines of verse. This can be incredibly important if a poem is written in free verse. Additionally, they can use it in order to draw attention to a specific image.

How do you write a poem with alliteration?

To write a poem that uses alliteration, the only thing a writer has to do is repeat words that start with the same consonant sound. For example, “cat” and “caught” or “wish” and “want.” Anytime this occurs, you have an example of alliteration.

What should you look out for with poems with alliteration?

Look out for any repeating sounds, typically at the start or ends of the lines, and consonant sounding. Notice how an emphasis has purposefully been places on these words, and question why the poet did that (there usually is always a reason for alliteration in poetry: nothing is done by accident).

Is consonance the same as alliteration?

No, while both depend on the repetition of consonant sounds, consonance can be found within words, not just in their initial sounds. For example, the “t” sound in these lines from ‘The Tyger’ by William Blake : “And what shoulder, & what art, / Could twist the sinews of thy heart? / And when thy heart began to beat, / What dread hand? & what dread feet?”

Poems about Alliteration

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

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Nationality: American

Themes: Disappointment, Failure, War

Emotions: Frustration, Hopelessness, Regret, Sadness

Topics:

Alliteration

Change, Mythology

Form: Free Verse

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Icarus

by Edward Field

‘Icarus’ by Edward Field places the Icarus of Greek mythology in a modern context to explore themes of alienation and displacement.

In this poem, Field explores the myth of Icarus and places the story in a new, contemporary context. Throughout, the poet also demonstrates skillful examples of alliteration. Here, the poet uses the “f” sound twice in “feathers floating” and the “s” sound (which can also be considered an example of sibilance) in “Showed” and “spectacular.” “Hat” and “had” is one further example of alliteration in these two lines.

Only the feathers floating around the hat

Showed that anything more spectacular had occurred

Than the usual drowning. The police preferred to ignore

The confusing aspects of the case,

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Goblin Market

by Christina Rossetti

Christina Rossetti’s ‘Goblin Market,’ narrates the fantastical tale of Laura and Lizzie, delving into sin, redemption, and sisterhood.

Alliteration enhances various moods while bringing attention to certain aspects and adding to musical rhythm throughout. A few examples include—the 'l' sound in the similes using 'like' heighten the nervousness, creating a rapid pace that enhances the drama of the critical scenes; the 'c' and 'b' sound in goblins' cry 'Come buy, come buy' enhances their sweet song-like calls; the 's' sound in 'She sucked and sucked and sucked the more' when Laura eats the fruits compliments the suggestive language and carnality creating a sensual and erotic effect; the 'i,' 'n,' and 'g' sound in 'When they spied her peeping' and succeeding lines describing goblins when they see Lizzie looking at them, aptly convey their chaotic, wild, restless energy and excitement.