Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven" is rich in alliteration, which contributes to its haunting and musical quality. Here are a few lines that illustrate this literary device:
-
"And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain" - The repetition of the initial 's' and 'u' sounds creates a soft, whispering effect that enhances the eerie mood of the poem.
-
"While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping" - The repetition of the 'n' sounds in "nodded" and "nearly" and the 't' sounds in "tapped" provides a rhythmic quality.
-
"Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!" - The 't' sounds in "take" and "thy," and the 'f' sounds in "form" and "off" create a strong emphasis on these key actions within the poem.
These examples show how Poe's use of alliteration enhances the overall atmosphere and musicality of "The Raven."
1 answer