Allliteration in Shakespeare's Sonnet 71

The first quatrain of this poem presents to the reader graphic images that help to bring about a mindset. “Than thou shall hear the surly sullen bell,” clearly invokes a mood of sadness. The alliteration of the “s” sound is profound in seizing the reader’s focus and from it, one can imagine a church bell. This bell tolls only after a

Simply put, Shakespeare wishes not to be mourned and bewailed after his death. He utilizes alliteration to not only emphasize certain images to his reader but also to give his sonnet a rhythm. The beat and pictures employed attest to and convey his theme clearly so his reader has no doubt as to what Shakespeare’s hopes are in regard to his passing.

Rhythm is also conveyed to a reader of sonnet 71 with the use of alliteration. Line 3 states “Give warning to the world that I am fled.” Here, the “w” sound repetition gives a flow to the poem in hopes that his reader will understand its true meaning. Life is rhythmic: a person is born, lives and dies. Shakespeare is not unlike everyone else – he too will die. However, he wants his friend and loved one not to be filled with unhappiness because of his death will be part of his life. Lines 5 and 6 further add to the rhythmic nature of this poem by

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