What literary device involves the repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of words?

Alliteration is the literary device that focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. This technique is often used to create rhythm, musicality, or emphasis in poetry and prose. For example, phrases like "wild and woolly" or "she sells sea shells" demonstrate alliteration through the repetition of the initial consonant sounds, which can enhance the sound and flow of the text, making it more engaging for the reader.

In contrast, assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. Rhyme is primarily concerned with the similarity of sounds at the end of lines or words. Consonance pertains to the repetition of consonant sounds but can occur at any position within the words, not just at the beginning. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why alliteration specifically ties to the repetition of initial sounds.