Question

Using "The Voice" read stanza 10:

“the snake in my spine is tensing
for combat
thoughts become forced and tight
the air is a sharp knife”

Which sound device is MOST clearly used in this stanza to create tension?

Group of answer choices

Alliteration in “snake…spine” emphasizing a tightening fear

Repetition of the word “thoughts” to show confusion

Rhyme between “combat” and “tight” to show conflict

Onomatopoeia to imitate the speaker’s heartbeat

Answer 1

Alliteration in “snake…spine” emphasizing a tightening fear.

The repeated s- sounds (snake, spine, s- in "is"/"tensing") create a hissing, tense sibilance that evokes the snake image and a sense of constriction.