What is alliteration?

Alliteration is defined as the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words. This literary device is often used to create rhythm, emphasize particular phrases, or enhance the musicality of language in poetry and prose. For instance, the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" showcases alliteration through the repeated "p" sound.

The focus on initial consonant sounds is what distinguishes alliteration from other literary devices. While similar devices might involve sounds that occur in the middle of words or using contrasting ideas, they do not adhere to the specific definition of alliteration as repeating initial consonant sounds. The mention of vowel alterations also highlights a different aspect of phonetics, which is not related to alliteration. Overall, recognizing alliteration involves identifying the pattern of sounds at the beginnings of words, which serves to enhance the artistic quality of writing.