Alliteration is a phonetic stylistic device which aims at imparting a melodic effect to the utterance. The essence of this device lies in the repetition of similar sounds, in particular consonant sounds, in close succession, particularly at the beginning of successive words.
Often alliteration is seen with two words that have the same letter such as “swimming swan,” but alliteration can also be seen in the use of similar sounds, even if different letters are used. For example, “champagne” and “sure” don’t start with the same consonant but they sound similar in pronunciation. “Fade” and “phase” similarly have different starting letters but are close in sound.
Alliteration can be a fun literary device to greatly improve a poem’s storytelling. When read aloud, poems with alliteration have lots of passion and can create interest with the reader and others enjoying the poem.
Leaping Lions
Leaping Lions leap after lengthy naps.
They sleepily stretch strong appendages
To prepare properly for the precious hunt.
Young, youthful lions
Gallop gallantly on the grassland plains.
Then they too sleep serenely after strenuous stretching.