technique – Almost An Author

Alliteration: The Sound of Poetry I

One unique attribute of poetry is the way it sounds. Using special techniques, such as alliteration, can bring your poems to life and add musical beauty.

In this series I’m going to explain the different ways you can create sound effects in your poems and why you might want to do that. I’ll be using Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem “The Raven” as an example. This piece contains multiple sound devices that work harmoniously together to create a musical masterpiece.

Sweet Sounds of Similarity

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds. In other words, the beginning sounds of certain words close together are the same. Note that the sound of the word’s first letter is important, not the letter itself. For instance, salad and celery are examples of this sound device even though they don’t start with the same letter.

Note: Typically this device is recognized as the repetition of consonant sounds only. Yet some sources may disagree as to whether alliteration also includes words that begin with the same vowel sound.

Regardless, Alliteration is important because it creates rhythm and is pleasing to the ear. In other words, it adds a musical element to poetry and even helps with memorization.

Consider your favorite song on the radio. I’ll bet you will find alliteration all over the lyrics if you listen closely next time.

The Difference One Device Can Make

Paying attention to the sounds you use in your poetry is essential. You should always select every word with a purpose in mind.

Read the following line from “The Raven” and my revised version. Listen to the difference in each:

“While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping” (original)

“While I rested, almost asleep, suddenly there came a tapping” (revised)

The first sentence is the way Poe originally wrote the line. Notice how the repeated “n” sounds add a pleasant sound as they roll out of your mouth. It’s actually more difficult on your tongue to read the second sentence. And it doesn’t sound nearly as nice as the original.

Here’s another example:

“Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken” (original)

“Upset at the quiet broken by reply so aptly expressed” (revised)

In both of these examples, the meaning is approximately the same, but the effect is dramatically different. Again, the alliterated words in the original line create a beautiful, memorable sound by adding a smooth rhythm to the poem.

And did you notice that alliteration is not used in isolation?

Generally sound devices enhance each other to create the ultimate effect on the reader. Throughout his poem, Poe uses alliteration along with multiple other techniques and devices, which we will explore in future posts.

[bctt tweet=”Paying attention to the sounds you use in your poetry is essential. #poets #poetry”]

Can You Use It?

Now, find a poem you’ve already written, or challenge yourself to write a new one. Examine each line carefully and try to see where you could use alliteration. A thesaurus is very helpful for finding synonyms. Just be sure to only use words that you know well and fit the context of your poem.

Do you have any questions or suggestions for using this sound device? Share them below.

The Art of Poetry

In my opinion, poetry is the high art form of all writing.

Crafting a meaningful poem can’t be done by anyone, but I believe anyone can learn to craft an extraordinary poem.

Hence the purpose of this blog A Pinch of Poetry where we will take our poetic talent to the next level.

Let’s consider visual art for a moment. We could agree that most anyone can draw, color, or paint even if on the level of creating stick-figure abstract art. But not everyone will become the next Van Gogh or Picasso.

So what makes renowned artists’ work more valuable than say a third-grade rendition of family life? What defines them as “artists” rather than someone playing around in paint?

Techniques and intention distinguish art and poetry because they create aesthetic beauty.

Professional artists employ certain techniques to create an effect on the viewer or reader. Every brush stroke and medium or color chosen is with a purpose. Nothing is accidental. If you study a work carefully enough, you will discover secrets hidden deep within it that the artist is trying to share with you.

So it is with the art of writing poetry.

[bctt tweet=”Authentic Poetry is truly a high art form. #art #poetry”]

Crafting a poem goes beyond penning words on a page. Many people can write a poem if given instructions just as so many could create a drawing. But only a few will take poetry to another level and create written art.

How so?

When creating a poem, the poet has to consider the subject and the meaning they want to get across in as few words as possible. Then he or she chooses the techniques which will best create images to convey those messages. Some of those techniques are metaphor, personification, meter, alliteration, etc.

While we all have had the definitions of these techniques mercilessly beaten into us by our English teachers, implementing them is not as easy as it might seem. And not all techniques are appropriate for every poem. A poet decides what will work just like a visual artist decides what colors to use in a painting.

Every word and technique chosen has a purpose and meaning. Nothing is accidental.

So if you’re already a poet then you can consider yourself an artist because authentic poetry is truly a high art form. If you’re not poetically inclined yet, I look forward to helping you get acquainted with the craft.

Consider it an artistic adventure.

Have you ever considered poetry an art? Tell me your thoughts below.

“VanGogh-View of Arles with Irises” by Vincent van Gogh – Web Museum (file). Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VanGogh-View_of_Arles_with_Irises.jpg#/media/File:VanGogh-View_of_Arles_with_Irises.jpg