Alliteration, the use of identical initial consonant sounds on a string of words, can realize a desired mood. Alliteration is usually taught as a poetic device, but it also works well in prose. Here are four examples:
She pressed her palms together in prayer promising piety to Providence.
The water felt like waves of sweat as I swam swiftly in the sweltering swamp.
He thunderously thrust his way through the thorny thicket.
Woe to those wastrels for their wanton ways!
Exaggerations? I suppose. When using alliteration, the idea is not to hatch a tongue twister but to create an effect that complements your point. Used sparingly and strategically, it can enliven your story line.
