1. Rhythm and Flow: Alliteration creates a pleasing rhythm and flow to the poem. The repetition of consonant sounds, particularly at the beginning of words, creates a musical quality that enhances the reading experience. This makes the poem more memorable and enjoyable to read.
2. Emphasis and Attention: Alliteration draws attention to specific words or phrases. This emphasizes their importance and helps them to stand out from the surrounding text. For example, the line "I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world" uses alliteration in "barbaric yawp" to highlight the speaker's raw and unrestrained voice.
3. Creating a Sense of Unity: The use of alliteration throughout the poem helps to create a sense of unity and connection between different sections. It weaves together the seemingly disparate elements of the poem, creating a more cohesive whole.
4. Evoking Sensory Imagery: Alliteration can be used to create vivid sensory imagery. For example, the line "The blab of the pave, tires of carts, sluff of boot-soles" uses alliteration to create a sound picture of city life.
5. Emphasizing Whitman's Themes: Alliteration is often used to emphasize Whitman's themes of inclusivity, self-reliance, and the interconnectedness of all things. For example, the line "Every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you" uses alliteration to emphasize the shared nature of existence.
In conclusion:
Alliteration in "Song of Myself" serves a multitude of purposes, enhancing the poem's rhythm, flow, emphasis, imagery, and overall theme. It is a subtle yet powerful tool that contributes significantly to the poem's impact and enduring power.