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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
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Shirking and Sharking:
Dickens uses alliteration in the phrase "shirking and sharking" to add some levity to his descriptions of the unscrupulous lawyers in Bleak House. In Chapter 1, the narrator skewers the lazy and self-interested men with the following description:
Chizzle, Mizzle, and otherwise, have lapsed into a habit of vaguely promising themselves that they will look into that outstanding little matter, and see what can be done for Drizzle – who was not well used – when Jarndyce and Jarndyce shall be got out of the office. Shirking and sharking in all their many varieties, have been sown broadcast by the ill-fated cause [..]
"Shirking" is failing to complete a duty, or procrastinating. "Sharking" refers to inconveniencing people, but is also a swipe at the stereotypical image of the bloodthirsty lawyer as a "shark." Dickens here implies that these London lawyers alternately mess around or viciously attack. They alternate between doing nothing and acting self-interestedly on their clients' coin.
The rhyming names of the lawyers listed here refer to the rhyming names of the lords "Coodle," "Doodle," and the "Lord of Foodle"; useless men of any profession in Bleak House are all of a type, and it's a ludicrous one. It's also of note that the incomprehensible lawyer whom the Lord Chancellor first addresses in this chapter is called "Mr. Tangle": Dickens can't resist naming people after what they do, especially "shirkers" and "sharkers."
Related Themes:
