#5

The way a poem reads has profound impact on its perceived meaning. Alliteration is the most common sound device and can really be used for almost any purpose depending on the repeated syllable. Sibilance is a form of alliteration and is a prime example of the influence a sound device can have over the meaning of a poem. The repeated s sound of sibilance can be meant to soothe or seem sinister. Inversion can place inflection on a different part of the sentence, completely changing the meaning. Caesura also can impact the feel of a poem. The full stop can lead to intentionally clunky stanzas but also just slow down the speed at which the poem can be read. Sound devices are a great way to add to the depth of a poem without making a piece too wordy and inorganic.