Printable worksheet on alliteration in poetry using Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing," designed for educational use.

Here are the answers to the questions on the worksheet based on the poem "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman.

What letter sound is repeated throughout the poem?
The letter s (the "s" sound).

Why do you think Whitman repeats this particular sound? What is the effect of the alliteration?
Whitman likely repeats the "s" sound because it creates a soft, flowing rhythm that mimics the sound of singing or humming. Since almost every line in the poem mentions someone "singing," this sound connects all the different workers together. The effect is that it makes the poem feel musical and united, showing how all these different people create one harmonious song for America.

Final Answer:
1. What letter sound is repeated throughout the poem?
The letter s (or the "s" sound).

2. Why do you think Whitman repeats this particular sound? What is the effect of the alliteration?
Whitman repeats the "s" sound to mimic the actual sound of singing, hissing, or humming. The effect is that it creates a musical rhythm that ties all the different lines together. It emphasizes the theme of unity, showing that while everyone has a different job, they are all part of one big, harmonious American song.