What technique does alliteration utilize?

Alliteration employs the technique of sound repetition, specifically focusing on the initial consonant sounds of words in close proximity to each other. This repetition creates a musical effect and can enhance the rhythm and mood of a piece of writing, making it more engaging and memorable. For example, phrases like "wild and whirling words" feature repeated initial sounds that contribute to the overall aesthetic and auditory qualities of the language.

The other techniques mentioned, such as simile (which involves comparing two different things using "like" or "as"), figurative meaning (which encompasses a range of literary devices that convey meanings beyond the literal), and hyperbole (which is the use of exaggerated statements for emphasis), do not pertain to the specific function of alliteration. Each of these serves distinct purposes in writing and poetry, but they do not encapsulate the essence of what alliteration achieves through sound.