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Literary Devices
Definition of Alliteration
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought the box of bricks to... read full definition
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “Bob brought... read full definition
Alliteration is a figure of speech in which the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the... read full definition
Key Examples in All's Well that Ends Well
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Branch to Propagate:
Early in the play Helen speaks to the King, using metaphor and alliteration as tools of persuasion as she asks him—if she succeeds in curing his illness—to let her choose her own husband:
Then shalt thou give me with thy kingly hand
What husband in thy power I will command.
Exempted be from me the arrogance
To choose from forth the royal blood of France,
My low and humble name to propagate
With any branch or image of thy state;
But such a one, thy vassal, whom I know
Is free for me to ask, thee to bestow.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—The Love of Laughter:
In this scene, the First and Second Lords and Bertram discuss a plan they have to expose Parolles as a coward. The First Lord uses alliteration and metaphor to foreshadow the upcoming disgrace of this villainous character:
Unlock with LitCharts A+O, for the love of laughter, let him fetch his drum. He says he has a stratagem for ’t. When your Lordship sees the bottom of his success in 't, and to what metal this counterfeit lump of ore will be melted [...] your inclining cannot be removed. Here he comes.
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Briers:
Near the end of “All’s Well That Ends Well,” Helen employs alliteration and metaphor as she reflects on the future and the relationship between actions and consequences:
Unlock with LitCharts A+When briers shall have leaves as well as thorns
And be as sweet as sharp. We must away.
Our wagon is prepared, and time revives us.
All’s well that ends well. Still the fine’s the crown.
Whate’er the course, the end is the renown.
Related Themes:
