3.5 Alliteration and assonance
7 min read•august 20, 2024
are powerful tools in speech and debate. These literary devices use repetition of sounds to create rhythm and impact. repeats , while repeats within words.
Both techniques can make speeches more and . They add and to key points. However, speakers must use them judiciously to avoid sounding contrived. When applied skillfully, alliteration and assonance enhance the overall effectiveness of speeches.
Alliteration and assonance
- Alliteration and assonance are literary devices used in poetry, literature, and speeches to create a rhythmic and melodic effect
- These devices involve the repetition of certain sounds, which can enhance the impact and memorability of the words and phrases
Definition of alliteration
Top images from around the web for Definition of alliteration
A Simple Rule-Based Part of Speech Tagger - ACL Anthology View original
Is this image relevant?
Figurative Language | attanatta | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
myenglishabc - home View original
Is this image relevant?
A Simple Rule-Based Part of Speech Tagger - ACL Anthology View original
Is this image relevant?
Figurative Language | attanatta | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Definition of alliteration
A Simple Rule-Based Part of Speech Tagger - ACL Anthology View original
Is this image relevant?
Figurative Language | attanatta | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
myenglishabc - home View original
Is this image relevant?
A Simple Rule-Based Part of Speech Tagger - ACL Anthology View original
Is this image relevant?
Figurative Language | attanatta | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words or phrases
- Involves the repetition of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words
- Creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the language ()
Examples of alliteration in poetry
- "The silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" (Edgar Allan Poe, "The Raven")
- Repetition of the "s" sound creates a soft, whispering effect
- "Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before" (Edgar Allan Poe, "The Raven")
- Repetition of the "d" sound emphasizes the haunting and mysterious atmosphere
Examples of alliteration in speeches
- "We must all hear the universal call to like service" (Barack Obama, Inaugural Address)
- Repetition of the "l" sound creates a sense of unity and shared responsibility
- "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Inaugural Address)
- Repetition of the "f" sound emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear
Definition of assonance
- Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words or phrases
- Involves the repetition of similar vowel sounds, typically in the middle of words
- Creates a harmonious and musical effect (, )
Examples of assonance in poetry
- "Hear the mellow wedding bells" (Edgar Allan Poe, "The Bells")
- Repetition of the "e" sound creates a soft and gentle tone
- "Hear the loud alarum bells - Brazen bells!" (Edgar Allan Poe, "The Bells")
- Repetition of the "a" sound creates a sense of urgency and intensity
Examples of assonance in speeches
- "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" (John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address)
- Repetition of the "a" sound emphasizes the importance of civic duty and responsibility
- "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed" (Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have a Dream")
- Repetition of the "e" sound creates a sense of hope and aspiration
Alliteration vs assonance
- Alliteration focuses on the repetition of initial consonant sounds, while assonance focuses on the repetition of vowel sounds within words
- Alliteration creates a more pronounced and noticeable effect, while assonance creates a more subtle and harmonious effect
- Both devices can be used together or separately to enhance the impact of language
Effects of alliteration on audience
- Alliteration can create a sense of rhythm and musicality in speech, making it more engaging and memorable for the audience
- Repetition of consonant sounds can emphasize key words or phrases, drawing attention to important ideas
- Alliteration can create a sense of unity and coherence in speech, linking related ideas together
Effects of assonance on audience
- Assonance can create a sense of harmony and melody in speech, making it more pleasing to the ear
- Repetition of vowel sounds can create a subtle and subconscious effect on the audience, evoking certain emotions or moods
- Assonance can create a sense of flow and continuity in speech, linking ideas together in a smooth and natural way
Alliteration for memorability
- Alliteration can make words and phrases more memorable by creating a distinctive sound pattern
- Repetition of initial consonant sounds can make ideas stick in the audience's mind, even after the speech has ended
- Examples of memorable alliterative phrases include "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" and "She sells seashells by the seashore"
Assonance for memorability
- Assonance can make words and phrases more memorable by creating a subtle and harmonious sound pattern
- Repetition of vowel sounds can create a sense of unity and coherence in speech, making ideas easier to remember
- Examples of memorable assonant phrases include "mad as a hatter" and "light the night"
Alliteration for emphasis
- Alliteration can be used to emphasize key words or phrases in speech, drawing attention to important ideas
- Repetition of initial consonant sounds can create a sense of urgency or intensity, making ideas more impactful
- Examples of alliterative emphasis include "" and ""
Assonance for emphasis
- Assonance can be used to emphasize key words or phrases in speech, creating a subtle and emotive effect
- Repetition of vowel sounds can evoke certain emotions or moods, making ideas more powerful and persuasive
- Examples of assonant emphasis include "" and ""
Overuse of alliteration and assonance
- While alliteration and assonance can be effective literary devices, overuse can make speech sound contrived or artificial
- Excessive repetition of sounds can distract from the content of the speech and undermine its credibility
- It is important to use alliteration and assonance judiciously and in moderation, balancing their effects with other rhetorical techniques
Subtlety in alliteration and assonance
- often involves subtlety and restraint
- Rather than using obvious or heavy-handed repetition, speakers can use these devices sparingly and strategically
- Subtle alliteration and assonance can create a subconscious effect on the audience, enhancing the impact of the speech without drawing undue attention to itself
Alliteration and assonance in famous speeches
- ", we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets" (Winston Churchill, "We Shall Fight on the Beaches")
- Alliteration of the "f" sound emphasizes the determination and resilience of the British people
- "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" (Martin Luther King Jr., "I Have a Dream")
- Assonance of the "i" sound creates a sense of hope and aspiration for a more just and equal society
Practicing alliteration and assonance
- To effectively use alliteration and assonance in speeches, it is important to practice and experiment with these devices
- Speakers can try writing short phrases or sentences that use alliteration or assonance, focusing on creating a specific effect or emotion
- Reading poetry or famous speeches that use these devices can also help speakers develop a sense of how they can be used effectively
Identifying alliteration and assonance
- To use alliteration and assonance effectively, speakers must be able to identify these devices in their own writing and in the speeches of others
- Alliteration can be identified by looking for repeated initial consonant sounds, while assonance can be identified by looking for repeated vowel sounds within words
- Practicing identifying these devices in famous speeches or poems can help speakers develop a keen ear for their effects
Incorporating alliteration and assonance in speeches
- When incorporating alliteration and assonance into speeches, it is important to use these devices strategically and in moderation
- Speakers can use alliteration to emphasize key words or phrases, or to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in their speech
- Assonance can be used to create a subtle and harmonious effect, or to evoke certain emotions or moods in the audience
- It is important to balance the use of these devices with other rhetorical techniques, such as metaphor, repetition, and rhetorical questions
Alliteration and assonance in debate
- In the context of debate, alliteration and assonance can be used to make arguments more memorable and persuasive
- Speakers can use alliteration to emphasize key points or to create a sense of urgency or intensity in their arguments
- Assonance can be used to create a sense of unity and coherence in arguments, or to evoke certain emotions or moods in the audience
- However, it is important to use these devices judiciously and not to rely on them too heavily, as they can be seen as a form of rhetorical manipulation
Alliteration and assonance for persuasion
- Alliteration and assonance can be powerful tools for persuasion in speeches and debates
- By creating a sense of rhythm, musicality, and coherence in language, these devices can make arguments more compelling and memorable
- Alliteration can be used to emphasize key points or to create a sense of urgency or intensity, while assonance can be used to evoke certain emotions or moods
- However, it is important to use these devices ethically and responsibly, and not to manipulate the audience's emotions or perceptions unfairly
Key Terms to Review (29)
Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words, often used to create rhythm, enhance memorability, or emphasize certain ideas. This literary device can make speeches more engaging and persuasive, making it a key tool for effective communication in various forms of rhetoric and oratory.
Alliteration and Assonance: Alliteration and assonance are two important rhetorical devices used in language to create rhythm and enhance the auditory experience of spoken or written words. Alliteration involves the repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words, while assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. These techniques not only contribute to the musical quality of language but also serve to emphasize particular ideas, making them more memorable and impactful.
Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words in a phrase or sentence, creating a musical quality and enhancing the rhythm of language. This technique is often used in poetry and prose to evoke emotion, emphasize meaning, or create a specific atmosphere. By focusing on the vowel sounds, writers can add a lyrical quality that helps their work resonate with readers or listeners.
Barack Obama's Inaugural Address: Barack Obama's Inaugural Address, delivered on January 20, 2009, marks a pivotal moment in American history as it was the first address of an African American president. The speech utilized rhetorical devices, particularly alliteration and assonance, to create memorable phrases and evoke emotional responses from the audience, emphasizing themes of hope, unity, and change.
Brave and Bold: Brave and bold refers to a style or approach characterized by confidence, courage, and a willingness to take risks. This term often highlights the power of expression in language, encouraging speakers and writers to present their ideas with assertiveness and originality, making their messages memorable and impactful.
Close reading: Close reading is an analytical technique used to gain a deep understanding of a text by paying careful attention to its language, structure, and meaning. This method involves examining the details within the text, such as word choice, imagery, and rhetorical devices, to uncover layers of meaning and thematic elements that might not be immediately obvious. It enables readers to engage critically with the text and appreciate its artistic nuances and complexities.
Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity within a phrase or sentence, often contributing to the overall rhythm and musicality of language. It is a key feature in poetry and prose, enhancing the auditory experience for the reader or listener by creating a pleasing sound pattern. This device often works hand in hand with other literary elements like alliteration and assonance, enriching the texture and depth of written works.
Daring Greatly: Daring greatly refers to the act of engaging in vulnerability and taking risks to pursue goals or passions, despite the fear of failure or judgment. It emphasizes the importance of courage and resilience in the face of uncertainty, suggesting that true success comes from the willingness to take bold actions, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven': 'The Raven' is a narrative poem written by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1845, that explores themes of loss, longing, and despair through the haunting visit of a mysterious raven. The poem is known for its musicality and dark tone, employing various literary devices, including alliteration and assonance, to enhance its emotional impact and create a lyrical quality that captivates the reader's attention.
Effective use of alliteration and assonance: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, while assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. Both techniques are used to create rhythm, enhance mood, and make phrases more memorable in speech and writing, thus enriching the overall communication experience.
Emphasis: Emphasis is the strategic stress placed on certain words or phrases to highlight their importance and convey meaning more effectively. This technique can be used to capture the audience's attention, enhance the emotional tone, and clarify the message being delivered. By manipulating vocal delivery and employing literary devices, emphasis can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of communication.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural address: Franklin D. Roosevelt's inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1933, marked the beginning of his presidency during the Great Depression. This address is notable for its powerful rhetoric, including the famous line, 'the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,' which aimed to instill hope and confidence in a struggling nation. Roosevelt's use of language in this address effectively utilized various literary techniques, including alliteration and assonance, to create a memorable and impactful message.
How now brown cow: The phrase 'how now brown cow' is a classic example used to illustrate the concept of alliteration and assonance in language. It combines repetitive initial consonant sounds in 'how', 'now', and 'brown', with the repeated vowel sound in 'how' and 'cow', creating a rhythmic and melodic quality. This playful phrase serves as a useful tool for understanding how sound patterns enhance spoken language.
Initial alliteration: Initial alliteration is a literary device where the same consonant sound begins multiple words in a phrase or sentence, creating a rhythmic and musical quality. This technique enhances the memorability of phrases, making them more impactful and engaging for the audience. It’s commonly used in poetry, speeches, and prose to emphasize particular ideas or themes through sound repetition.
Initial Consonant Sounds: Initial consonant sounds are the phonetic sounds made at the beginning of words that can help create rhythm and emphasis in speech and writing. These sounds play a crucial role in linguistic devices such as alliteration, where the repetition of these initial sounds enhances the musicality of language, and can also contribute to the use of assonance, which focuses more on vowel sounds but can coexist with consonantal patterns to create a rich auditory experience.
John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address: John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address, delivered on January 20, 1961, is a significant speech that marks his assumption of the presidency. It is famous for its inspirational rhetoric and vivid imagery, designed to unify the nation and encourage public service. The address incorporates literary techniques like alliteration and assonance, which enhance its rhythm and emotional impact, making it one of the most memorable speeches in American history.
Light the night: Light the night refers to a phrase often used in poetry and song lyrics that evokes vivid imagery associated with illumination and hope during nighttime. It symbolizes overcoming darkness and bringing forth positivity, which can be enhanced through techniques like alliteration and assonance, creating musicality and emotional depth in language.
Mad as a hatter: The phrase 'mad as a hatter' is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is completely insane or eccentric. This expression is often linked to the historical practice of hat-making, where the use of mercury in the process caused serious neurological damage, leading to erratic behavior among workers. The phrase gained popularity through literature, most notably in Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' where the character of the Mad Hatter epitomizes whimsical madness.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream': Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' is a pivotal speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, advocating for civil rights and racial equality in the United States. This iconic oration employs powerful rhetorical devices, including alliteration and assonance, to create memorable phrases that resonate with audiences and emphasize the urgency of the civil rights movement.
Memorable: Memorable refers to something that is worth remembering or easily recalled due to its distinctive qualities. In the context of communication, it often relates to how effectively messages resonate with the audience, leaving a lasting impression through various techniques like sound patterns and repetition.
Musicality: Musicality refers to the quality of being musically expressive, demonstrating an understanding of rhythm, melody, and dynamics in spoken or performed language. It encompasses the use of sound patterns and emotional resonance that enhance the effectiveness of communication. In speech, musicality can create a captivating experience for the audience, making the content more memorable and engaging.
Persuasive: Persuasive refers to the ability to convince or influence others to adopt a certain viewpoint, belief, or course of action. This skill is crucial in communication, particularly in contexts that require the speaker or writer to sway an audience’s thoughts or feelings. Effective persuasive techniques often involve the use of emotional appeals, logical arguments, and stylistic elements that enhance the message and make it more compelling.
Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers: This phrase is a well-known tongue twister that exemplifies the literary devices of alliteration and assonance. It features the repetition of initial consonant sounds in 'peter,' 'picked,' 'peck,' and 'pickled,' while also showcasing the vowel sounds in 'peppers.' This phrase serves as an entertaining example of how these sound patterns can create rhythm and musicality in language.
Phonetic analysis: Phonetic analysis refers to the systematic study of sounds in spoken language, focusing on how these sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived. This analysis helps in understanding the phonetic features that distinguish different sounds, which can be crucial in identifying patterns such as alliteration and assonance, where specific sounds are repeated for effect.
Popularized in modern poetry: This phrase refers to the ways in which certain literary devices, themes, and styles became widely accepted and used by poets in contemporary literature. It showcases how poets adapted traditional elements, like sound patterns and rhythmic structures, to create fresh and innovative works that resonate with today's readers. This process of popularization often reflects cultural shifts, embracing modern experiences and emotions, and is particularly evident in techniques such as alliteration and assonance.
Seize the Day: Seize the day, often expressed in Latin as 'Carpe Diem', is a motivational phrase encouraging individuals to take advantage of present opportunities without procrastination. This concept emphasizes living in the moment and making the most out of current circumstances, rather than deferring action or waiting for the future. In literature and rhetoric, this idea is often explored through various stylistic devices that enhance its meaning and impact.
Sweet dreams: The phrase 'sweet dreams' refers to a comforting expression often used to wish someone a peaceful and pleasant night's sleep. In the context of sound and rhythm, it can be analyzed through alliteration, assonance, and the overall sonic quality of language, which can evoke emotions and imagery related to rest and tranquility.
Vowel sounds: Vowel sounds are the phonetic sounds produced when the airflow from the lungs passes through the vocal cords without significant obstruction. These sounds are essential in speech as they form the nucleus of syllables and play a crucial role in pronunciation and intonation.
We shall fight on the beaches: This phrase comes from Winston Churchill's famous speech delivered during World War II, emphasizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It captures the spirit of fighting on various fronts, serving as a rallying cry that employs powerful literary techniques, highlighting both repetition and emotional intensity while showcasing a relentless commitment to victory.