The Alliteration in Naomi Shihab Nye's "Making a Fist"

Explanation of the Alliteration in "Making a Fist"

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of words in close proximity. In the excerpt from Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "Making a Fist," the alliteration of the "d" sound in phrases like "life sliding out of me" and "drum in the desert" serves to mirror the beating of a drum. This literary device creates a rhythmic effect that emphasizes the speaker's sense of life slipping away.

The alliteration in these lines sets a tone of foreboding and adds depth to the speaker's emotions. By comparing the fading of life to the percussion of a drum, Nye conveys a sense of urgency and impending loss. The repeated "d" sound also enhances the auditory experience of the reader, drawing attention to the significance of the moment.

This use of alliteration not only adds musicality to the poem but also contributes to its overall meaning. The rhythmic quality of the drumbeat serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality. Through this literary device, Nye conveys the fragility and transience of life, inviting readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of existence.