What does the alliteration convey to the reader?
The alliteration in the excerpt from "Making a Fist" by Naomi Shihab Nye conveys the following to the reader: It mirrors the beating of a drum.
Alliteration in Poetry
Alliteration is a literary device that involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close to each other. In poetry, alliteration can serve to create a musical or rhythmic effect, enhance the imagery, and draw the reader's attention to certain words or images. In the excerpt from Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "Making a Fist," the alliteration plays a significant role in conveying the speaker's emotions and experiences.
Mirroring the Beating of a Drum
The repeated use of the "d" sound in words like "felt," "sliding," "harder," and "heard" creates an alliterative effect that resembles the rhythmic beating of a drum. This choice of sound devices emphasizes the intensity and gradual fading of life within the speaker. The rhythmic quality of a drumbeat is mirrored in the flow of the words, capturing the reader's attention and creating a vivid auditory experience.
Emphasizing the Sounds on the Road
In addition to mirroring the beating of a drum, the alliteration also serves to emphasize the sounds on the road. The repeated use of the "d" sound creates a sonic connection to the surroundings and actions described in the poem. It draws attention to the auditory experience of the speaker as they feel the life sliding out of them and hear the drum-like beat becoming harder and harder to perceive. This emphasis on sound enhances the imagery and sensory details, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the scene and feel the impact of the diminishing vitality and fading soundscape.
Overall, the alliteration in the excerpt from "Making a Fist" by Naomi Shihab Nye plays a crucial role in conveying the speaker's emotions, enhancing the auditory experience, and creating a vivid and immersive poetic landscape for the reader to explore.