Much Ado About Nothing
by William Shakespeare
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Much Ado About Nothing: Alliteration 1 key example

New! Understand every line of Much Ado About Nothing.
Read our modern English translation.

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 Much Ado About Nothing

Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis:

Alliteration is used throughout Much Ado About Nothing to contribute to the lighthearted and comedic tone of the play. 

In Act 3, Scene 2, Claudio uses a metaphor that compares Beatrice and Benedick to bears. His use of alliteration in this metaphor foreshadows their future romantic coupling. After seeing Benedick leave with Leonato to ask for Beatrice's hand in marriage, Claudio says:

Hero and Margaret have by this played their parts with Beatrice, and then the two bears will not bite one another when they meet.

Act 3, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis:

Alliteration is used throughout Much Ado About Nothing to contribute to the lighthearted and comedic tone of the play. 

In Act 3, Scene 2, Claudio uses a metaphor that compares Beatrice and Benedick to bears. His use of alliteration in this metaphor foreshadows their future romantic coupling. After seeing Benedick leave with Leonato to ask for Beatrice's hand in marriage, Claudio says:

Hero and Margaret have by this played their parts with Beatrice, and then the two bears will not bite one another when they meet.

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