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Understanding Poetic Techniques (Grades 10–12)
1. ALLITERATION
Definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words.
How to recognise it
Look for two or more nearby words that begin with the same consonant sound.
Example
Refer to the line from Remember by Christina Rossetti
"Better by far you should forget and smile."
The repeated f sound draws attention to the words "far" and "forget," highlighting
the speaker's selfless wish that her loved one should find happiness rather than
remain burdened by grief. The soft, flowing sound creates a gentle, comforting
rhythm that reflects her compassionate and accepting tone. The alliteration therefore
reinforces the poem's central message that true love is selfless, as the speaker
ultimately values her loved one's happiness above being remembered.
Checklist for answering alliteration questions
✓ Identify the repeated consonant sound.
✓ Explain which words the alliteration draws attention to.
✓ Discuss how the sound affects the rhythm, pace or mood of the line.
✓ Explain what the alliteration emphasises or reinforces.
✓ Link the effect to the poem's theme, message or the speaker's attitude.
Exam Tip: Common Mistakes
✔ Explain WHAT is emphasised. ❌ It creates emphasis.
✔ Explain WHY it is emphasised. ❌ It sounds nice.
✔ Link it to the poem. ❌ It creates rhythm.
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Practice exam questions:
1.1 IEB – Ulysses (seen poem)
Refer to the phrase:
"drink Life to the lees."
Discuss how Tennyson's use of alliteration reinforces Ulysses' attitude
towards life. (2)
1.2 DBE – Shipwreck by Emily Dickenson (seen poem)
Refer to the phrase:
"Glee! The great storm..."
Explain the effect of the alliteration. (2)
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MEMORANDUM
The memorandum provides model responses that demonstrate the depth of
analysis expected in the examination. While your wording may differ, your answer
should explain the technique, its effect and how it contributes to the poem's
meaning.
1.1
The repeated l sound emphasises the words "Life" and “Lees”, drawing
attention to Ulysses' determination to experience life completely. The
repetition of the L sound draws out the words and slows down the pace,
reinforcing his belief that every moment should be embraced and savoured,
even in old age.
1.2
The repeated g sound emphasises the words "Glee" and "great",
immediately drawing attention to the speaker's overwhelming joy and relief
after surviving the storm. The hard g sound creates a bold, energetic opening
that mirrors the sudden emotional outburst of celebration. The alliteration
reinforces the dramatic contrast between the terror of the storm and the safety
that follows, highlighting the poem's central message that hope and triumph
can emerge from suffering.
Formula for answering an alliteration question
✓ Identify the repeated consonant sound.
✓ Explain which words the alliteration draws attention to.
✓ Discuss how the sound affects the rhythm, pace or mood of the line.
✓ Explain what the alliteration emphasises or reinforces.
✓ Link the effect to the poem's theme, message or the speaker's
attitude.
,2|Page
Understanding Poetic Techniques (Grades 10–12)
1. ALLITERATION
Definition
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words.
How to recognise it
Look for two or more nearby words that begin with the same consonant sound.
Example
Refer to the line from Remember by Christina Rossetti
"Better by far you should forget and smile."
The repeated f sound draws attention to the words "far" and "forget," highlighting
the speaker's selfless wish that her loved one should find happiness rather than
remain burdened by grief. The soft, flowing sound creates a gentle, comforting
rhythm that reflects her compassionate and accepting tone. The alliteration therefore
reinforces the poem's central message that true love is selfless, as the speaker
ultimately values her loved one's happiness above being remembered.
Checklist for answering alliteration questions
✓ Identify the repeated consonant sound.
✓ Explain which words the alliteration draws attention to.
✓ Discuss how the sound affects the rhythm, pace or mood of the line.
✓ Explain what the alliteration emphasises or reinforces.
✓ Link the effect to the poem's theme, message or the speaker's attitude.
Exam Tip: Common Mistakes
✔ Explain WHAT is emphasised. ❌ It creates emphasis.
✔ Explain WHY it is emphasised. ❌ It sounds nice.
✔ Link it to the poem. ❌ It creates rhythm.
,3|Page
Practice exam questions:
1.1 IEB – Ulysses (seen poem)
Refer to the phrase:
"drink Life to the lees."
Discuss how Tennyson's use of alliteration reinforces Ulysses' attitude
towards life. (2)
1.2 DBE – Shipwreck by Emily Dickenson (seen poem)
Refer to the phrase:
"Glee! The great storm..."
Explain the effect of the alliteration. (2)
, 4|Page
MEMORANDUM
The memorandum provides model responses that demonstrate the depth of
analysis expected in the examination. While your wording may differ, your answer
should explain the technique, its effect and how it contributes to the poem's
meaning.
1.1
The repeated l sound emphasises the words "Life" and “Lees”, drawing
attention to Ulysses' determination to experience life completely. The
repetition of the L sound draws out the words and slows down the pace,
reinforcing his belief that every moment should be embraced and savoured,
even in old age.
1.2
The repeated g sound emphasises the words "Glee" and "great",
immediately drawing attention to the speaker's overwhelming joy and relief
after surviving the storm. The hard g sound creates a bold, energetic opening
that mirrors the sudden emotional outburst of celebration. The alliteration
reinforces the dramatic contrast between the terror of the storm and the safety
that follows, highlighting the poem's central message that hope and triumph
can emerge from suffering.
Formula for answering an alliteration question
✓ Identify the repeated consonant sound.
✓ Explain which words the alliteration draws attention to.
✓ Discuss how the sound affects the rhythm, pace or mood of the line.
✓ Explain what the alliteration emphasises or reinforces.
✓ Link the effect to the poem's theme, message or the speaker's
attitude.
