Artful Alliteration in Lerner's Narrative Anonymous College

Ben Lerner's "10:04" stands as a testament to the author's ability to weave intricate narratives, using language as a medium for exploration and reflection. Within this literary masterpiece, the strategic use of alliteration emerges as a prominent stylistic choice, adding layers of meaning and resonance to the text. This analysis aims to delve deeply into the multifaceted role of alliteration in "10:04," examining how its intentional implementation contributes to the novel's aesthetic richness, thematic depth, and narrative complexity.

At its essence, alliteration is a sonic device that infuses language with a rhythmic quality, and in "10:04," Lerner employs it to craft a unique sonic architecture. The opening lines of the novel set the tone for this linguistic symphony: "The first time I saw the documentary, my apartment faced the back of the theater, and when the soundtrack swelled during the final sequence—the protagonist’s cat going missing for good—I could feel the vibrations of the bass through the walls." The deliberate repetition of the 's' sound in "saw," "soundtrack," and "sequence" creates a melodic cadence that draws readers into the narrative with a subtle, hypnotic rhythm. This sonic resonance is not just an...