Literary Devices: Alliteration

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of alliteration in creative writing?

  • To create a rhyme scheme
  • To create a sense of conflict
  • To convey emotion through repetition of sound (correct)
  • To provide a sense of closure

What is the origin of the term 'alliteration'?

  • French
  • Italian
  • Latin (correct)
  • Ancient Greek

Which of the following is an example of alliteration?

  • Heavy loads
  • French fries (correct)
  • Sunny days
  • Happy moments

Who is credited with coining the term 'alliteration'?

<p>Giovanni Pontano (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for a phrase to be considered an alliteration?

<p>The words must start with the same sound (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following historical works is an example of alliteration?

<p>Macbeth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of alliteration?

<p>Creation of a rhyme scheme (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of alliteration in poetry?

<p>To lighten the mood and tone of a poem (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between alliteration in poetry and prose?

<p>Alliteration is used more sparingly in prose than poetry (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the playwright that commonly used alliteration in his works?

<p>William Shakespeare (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a song that includes alliteration?

<p>Let it Be (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do companies often use alliteration in their names?

<p>To create a memorable impression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a poem that features alliteration, such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?

<p>Chivalric romance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of alliteration on the reader or listener?

<p>It makes the message more memorable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the use of alliteration in music?

<p>None of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

What is Alliteration?

  • Alliteration is a literary device used in creative writing, where words in close proximity start with the same stressed consonant sound.
  • It requires the repetition of at least one beginning sound, but the words do not need to continue using the initial consonant.

History of Alliteration

  • The term "alliteration" was coined by Italian humanist Giovanni Pontano in the late 1400s.
  • The device has been used since the time of the Roman Empire, with famous examples including Macbeth by William Shakespeare and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Identifying Alliteration

  • Alliterations are easy to identify because the same sound is made at the beginning of words closely strung together.
  • Words do not need to start with the same letter, as long as they make the same sound.
  • Examples: "French fries", "First photo"

Alliteration in Literature

Poetry

  • Alliteration holds the same definition in literature as it does in common speech.
  • Poetry is the most common place to spot an alliteration, which can lighten the mood or set a happy tone.
  • Example: Excerpt from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, translated by J.R.R. Tolkien (1965).

Prose

  • Alliteration in prose adds a greater level of emotion and feeling from the speaker.
  • Example: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

Drama

  • Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare includes many examples of alliteration.
  • Alliteration accentuates the mounting inner tension of Juliet and continues building towards the final scene of the play.

Alliteration in Society and Culture

  • Alliteration is used in music to help recall lyrics, sing along, and unwind.
  • Examples: "Let it Be" by The Beatles, "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell, "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra.
  • Alliteration is used in company names, character names, and phrases to make them more memorable.
  • Examples: Dunkin Donuts, Mickey Mouse, "Dead as a doornail", "Home sweet home".

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