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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
Part 1, Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Blood Blossomed:
Beloved uses alliteration to draw the reader’s attention to important images in the novel. One example is when Sethe arrives at Baby Suggs's house after escaping in Chapter 9:
She frowned and looked at her daughter-in-law bending toward the baby. Roses of blood blossomed in the blanket covering Sethe’s shoulders. Baby Suggs hid her mouth with her hand.
Alliteration connects the comforting words "baby," "blossomed," and "blanket" with the more concerning word "blood." This juxtaposition reflects the contradictory feelings regarding Sethe's arrival. While Sethe is bringing new life to 124 through her recently born baby and her own escape, she also brings the stained reminder of slavery and its cruelty to the already-free Baby Suggs. The beautiful imagery of roses blooming contrasts with the horror of Baby Suggs's realization about the large wound on Sethe's back. The comparison of the blood to roses also recalls Amy's comparison of Sethe's wound to a chokecherry tree, which links the two moments as beautiful displays of caring that arise from the awfulness of slavery. The artistic application of alliteration itself also enhances the beauty of the moment, further highlighting the contrasts at play in this scene that is equal parts tragic and heartwarming.
Related Themes:
