Chapter 1: Understanding Alliteration

Initially, alliteration didn’t capture my interest when I was introduced to it. In middle school, when teachers described “whispering winds and willows” or recited the famous line about “seashells Sally sold by the seashore,” I often found myself rolling my eyes. At that time, writing wasn't an avenue I imagined pursuing.

Every example I encountered seemed contrived, echoing a sing-song quality that I found off-putting. However, over the years, I’ve come across instances where alliteration was effectively utilized. Yet, I still maintain that it works best when used sparingly.

This need for moderation doesn’t imply that alliteration isn’t prevalent in my writing. In fact, these days, I find it difficult to compose anything without some level of alliterative influence.

In various forms of writing, the more traditional approach to alliteration often feels forced. Many might dismiss genres like op-eds, film critiques, and political commentary as unsuitable for alliterative expression. For instance, in a serious discussion about current political dynamics, an overabundance of “B” words directed at Biden would seem excessive.

Instead, by subtly weaving in small alliterations throughout our text, we can infuse sentences with a vigor they may lack on their own. Keeping these instances understated allows for a more natural flow, as opposed to the more flamboyant uses found in creative writing.

Though not formally recognized in literature, I refer to these gentle uses of alliteration as “partial alliterations” or “scattered alliterations.” For instance, in the previous paragraph, I unintentionally included three partial alliterations in quick succession. The phonetic effectiveness of “phrases feeling somewhere shy… creative contexts” illustrated how alliteration can elevate prose.

These understated uses often don’t rely on words starting with the same letter. In one political article, I wrote “confident decrees” and “disparate systems,” both employing alliteration without distracting from the central message.

Some scattered alliterations might fall under consonance (the repetition of consonant sounds) or assonance (the repetition of vowel sounds). Integrating them subtly enhances the musicality of the text without overwhelming the reader.

When applied judiciously, alliteration can enrich a piece, drawing attention to crucial phrases while avoiding an overly poetic tone. At its best, it can elevate a sentence beyond its basic components.

For example, in an essay discussing generative AI's limitations, I wrote, “The nuance of language is lost.” While there were other ways to express that AI struggles to capture the full range of language, the repetition of “L” sounds provided a sharper impact than other alternatives I considered.

Cognitive psychology research indicates that repetition aids memory retention and impact. Scattered alliterations harness this effect by emphasizing specific sounds and concepts, making the text resonate more with readers.

Even in complex technical discussions, a phrase like “persistent problems” can underscore an issue while introducing a subtle rhythm. Similarly, while there are many ways to convey “free and fair elections,” that widely recognized term encapsulates the gravity associated with election cycles. Other phrases like “affordable healthcare access” and “digital data protection” function similarly, often appearing in cultural mottos and slogans.

I can’t pinpoint when this realization struck me. Yet, as a writer who seldom delves into poetry, alliteration has become a vital aspect of my craft. For much of my writing journey, I viewed sentences merely as vehicles for ideas. Although I enjoyed the process, I overlooked the artistic nature of language.

I always understood that sentences serve as connections, but I didn’t feel compelled to polish and refine each one I crafted. I didn’t rearrange lists or ponder how each word sounded alongside another. I never selected synonyms based on their phonetic charm, nor did I find delight in the subtle distinctions between words like “depict” and “portray.”

Different types of writing require varying degrees of freedom. Travel memoirs and creative pieces often offer the best opportunities for playful alliteration. However, in certain contexts, dissonance might better suit the narrative. Sometimes, it’s preferable to avoid alliteration entirely.

In more serious topics, excessive sound repetition can feel clichéd and unprofessional. For example, discussing climate change with phrases like “deluges drown desperate landscapes” diminishes the topic's seriousness. Similarly, recounting a conflict with lines like “sullen soldiers stormed strongholds” can seem overly dramatic at the expense of those involved.

By interspersing scattered alliterations throughout our writing, we find a balance between poetic elegance and clarity. This technique enhances the impact of our words, allowing us to infuse ordinary sentences with more energy and thoughtfulness.

Carefully selecting the sounds in our writing can broaden the creative process, enabling us to extract artistic value from what might otherwise be a bland mode of expression.

Chapter 2: Examples in Action

In "Alliteration Adventure 1228 — Hummus," viewers explore how alliteration can be a fun and engaging tool in writing.

The video "Alliteration Adventure 579 — Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" from The Wizard of Oz demonstrates the whimsical use of alliteration in storytelling.