What literary device involves the repetition of the initial sounds in a series of words?

The literary device that involves the repetition of the initial sounds in a series of words is alliteration. This technique is often used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, enhance mood, or draw attention to particular phrases, making the text more memorable and engaging for readers.

For instance, in phrases like "wild and whimsical winds" or "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," the repetition of the consonant sounds at the beginning of each word creates a musical quality that can emphasize the imagery and themes within the text. Alliteration allows authors to play with the sounds of language, contributing to the overall aesthetic and impact of their writing.

The other choices refer to different sound devices: assonance deals with the repetition of vowel sounds within words, consonance refers to the repetition of similar consonant sounds in close proximity (but not necessarily at the beginning), and repetition is a broader term that simply denotes the act of repeating words or phrases throughout a text. Each of these devices serves its own purpose, but for the specific definition provided in the question, alliteration is the correct term.