Here's a breakdown:
* What it sounds like: Think of tongue twisters like "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers". The repeated "p" sound creates a catchy, memorable rhythm.
* How it works: Alliteration is a technique that uses the repetition of initial consonant sounds, like "s" in "She sells seashells by the seashore" or "w" in "Whispering winds whistled through the willows."
* Purpose in poetry:
* Creates a musical effect: The repetition of sounds adds rhythm and flow to the poem.
* Emphasizes words: Drawing attention to certain words, making them more memorable.
* Creates a sense of unity: Connecting related words and ideas.
* Evokes imagery and emotion: Specific sounds can evoke feelings or imagery, for example, "s" can suggest a soft, whispering sound.
Examples of Alliteration in Poems:
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe: "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary..." (Repetition of "w" sound).
* "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost: "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both..." (Repetition of "w" sound).
* "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost: "Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though..." (Repetition of "w" and "h" sounds).
In short, alliteration is a simple but powerful tool that poets use to enhance the sound and meaning of their work. It can be a subtle technique, adding a touch of musicality, or it can be more obvious and striking, attracting the reader's attention and emphasizing important words.