alliteration is a figure of speech of the Portuguese language, which characterizes the consecutive repetition of identical or similar consonant sounds, mainly in verses and phrases.
A common example of using alliteration is popular "lock languages". The repetition of some phonemes in a certain sentence can be difficult to pronounce.
Example: "The mouse gnawed at the clothes of the king of Rome" or “Three sad tigers for three plates of wheat. Three wheat dishes for three sad tigers".
Alliterations are characterized by being harmonious and rhythmic repetitions. For this reason, she is considered one of the most explored figures of speech by symbolism poets, with emphasis on João da Cruz e Sousa, one of the forerunners of this literary artistic movement in the Brazil.
As a stylistic resource, alliteration is mainly used to create a continuous rhythm to the text, as well as a sound effect that enhances the conveyed message.
Alliteration and Assonance
With a similar meaning to alliteration, the assonance consists of the consecutive repetition of stressed vowel in a given sentence.
The main difference between alliteration and assonance is that the former is related to the repetition of the consonants, while the latter consists of the repetition of vowel sounds (vowels) identical.
Example:"I'm a mulattoO natO noO senseO latO, mulattoO democraticO from the coast” (Sugar Cane Fields Forever, Caetano Veloso).
Alliteration examples
"Voz veladas, velusive voz,
Volupies of vyolons, voz veladas
Vagam us veyes vortices veloquent
Of the vthen, vives, vat, vulcanized."
(guitars that cry, poem by Cruz e Sousa).
Learn more about meaning of Figures of Language.