What Is Alliteration?
8. The Gnome, The Gnat, & The Gnu
In this title to a children’s poem by Shel Silverstein, “gn” is fancifully used as a lure to spark the interest of younger readers. Through much of the poem, liberal and sometimes grammatically incorrect use of “gn” is used. Some of these words include gnome, gnat, gnu, gnasty, gnodded, gnarled gnew, and gnice.
The poem describes the conversation between the storyteller who encounters a gnome hitting a gnat. Altering some of the spelling of the words to incorporate more use of “gn,” it results in a whimsical poem that makes use of features that appeal to younger audiences - animals and mischievous behavior.
