What does alliteration involve in literary terms?

Alliteration is a literary device that specifically involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. This technique can enhance the musical quality of a piece of writing and contribute to its rhythm and mood. When authors use alliteration, they often create a sense of unity or emphasis on particular words, which can make certain phrases more memorable.

For example, phrases like "wild and windy" or "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" showcase how the repetition of the initial consonant sound adds to the overall aesthetic and auditory appeal of the language. This technique is commonly found in poetry, prose, and even in brand names and advertising slogans, where a catchy sound can make a phrase stand out.

The other options relate to different literary devices, which don't align with the definition of alliteration. The option discussing the repetition of vowel sounds refers to assonance, contrasting terms relate to antithesis, and the rhythmic arrangement of words corresponds to meter or rhythm rather than alliteration.