Alliteration and Assonance
Alliteration
Is repetition of the same sound in different words for effect. It usually happens at the beginnings of
the words, and can add humour or power to poetry.
e.g. Rifles rapid rattle
Assonance
Is the repetition of the same or similar vowel sounds. For example: Joe drove home so slowly. The
following example, by Tennyson, is particularly effective because it uses both assonance and
alliteration. The repeated vowels are underlined.
All day the wind breathes
Low with the mellower tone
Through every hollow cave
And alley lone...
Both assonance and alliteration are powerful ways to:
 Allow the poem to flow more quickly as the sounds are repeated
 Slow the poem down as each word is emphasised
 Create clear images
 Add humour
 Create a certain mood or atmosphere
1. Write down five examples of alliteration and five examples of assonance.
2. Write a ten line poem that uses alliteration every second line and assonance every other
line.