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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
Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Boots, Butter, Bread:
In Act 2, after Mr. Higgins has decided to host Eliza in his home and tutor her, he is confronted by his maid and head of house Mrs. Pearce. In a scene in the kitchen, both Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Pearce reference alliteration and use it to differing effects. Mrs. Pearce points out Mr. Higgins’s hypocrisy; he is supposedly training Eliza out of her lower-class mannerisms and way of speaking, yet he is guilty of using foul language himself. Mrs. Pearce confronts him, trying to encourage him not to use the word "bloody," in order to set a better example for Eliza. She cites examples of his use of the word, saying:
Only this morning, sir, you applied it to your boots, to the butter, and to the brown bread.
In Mrs. Pearce’s speech, the repetition of the /b/ sound is immediately noticeable. In her list, she implies his use of the word "bloody" without actually saying it herself. In each example, the audience can practically hear the omitted word, and the litany of examples takes on an almost-comical effect. Mr. Higgins responds and directly references the alliteration in an attempt to justify his actions. He says,
“Oh that! Mere alliteration, Mrs. Pearce, natural to a poet.”
Though Mr. Higgins’s response is a playful reference to the use of alliteration with this swear word, his justification also showcases his ego and furthers the audience’s sense of his hypocrisy. He justifies his use of the word "bloody" because it creates an alliterative effect when paired with other words that start with b: boots, butter, brown bread. He tries to make it seem as though his sense of himself as a poet makes it impossible not to speak with rhythm or repetition. Therefore, he is claiming that his use of an inappropriate word is due to his exaggerated mastery of the language instead of poor manners.
Related Themes:
