How to Identify Poetic Sound Devices

What poetic sound device is represented in the highlighted portion of "Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward" by Gwendolyn Brooks?

Say to them, say to the down- keepers, the sun-slappers, the self-soilers,

Euphony

Alliteration

Assonance

End rhyme

Answer:

The highlighted portion of the poem represents the poetic sound device of alliteration.

Explanation: The poetic sound device represented in the highlighted portion of Gwendolyn Brooks' poem "Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward" is alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. In the highlighted portion, we can see the repetition of the 's' sound in words like 'say', 'slappers', and 'soilers'.

By identifying different poetic sound devices like alliteration, euphony, assonance, and end rhyme, you can enhance your understanding and appreciation of poetry. Paying attention to these techniques can also help you analyze the deeper meanings and emotions conveyed through the poet's choice of words and sounds.

Learning to recognize poetic sound devices can enrich your reading experience and allow you to engage with poetry on a more profound level. Explore more poems and practice identifying various sound devices to sharpen your literary analysis skills.