August 5, 2023 - English Studies

Cadence

“It is impossible to stop cadence. A bell rings long after the clapper hits the cup.” Steven James Taylor, The Dog

How to Create Cadence in Your Writing

Creating or writing cadence is a fun as well as a creative activity. Here are some simple steps to create and add cadence to your writing.

Step	How to Do It	Example
Step 1: Select a Theme	To create a cadence, first choose a central theme or message you want to convey through your writing.	“Exploring the depths* of human resilience and the triumph of the human spirit.”*
Step 2: Define Rhythm	Determine the desired rhythm for your writing—flowing, rhythmic, or punctuated.	The rolling waves matched the tempo of their heartbeats.
Step 3: Vary Sentence Lengths	Mix short and long sentences to create a rhythmic pattern. This is the third step to create a cadence.	He ventured into the forest, sensing its secrets.* A whispering breeze welcomed him.*
Step 4: Utilize Punctuation	Use punctuation marks—commas, dashes, semicolons—to influence the pacing.	She looked up at the stars; they seemed to wink in agreement.
Step 5: Employ Repetition	Repeat specific words, phrases, or sentence structures for rhythmic effect.	The road ahead was long, winding, and filled with possibility. Possibility beckoned.
Step 6: Play with Sound	Use alliteration, assonance, or consonance to create pleasing sound patterns. These devices are necessary for creating a good cadence.	Whispering winds wove through the weeping willows.
Step 7: Experiment with Syntax	Rearrange sentence elements to create unique rhythms and cadences.	With steady determination, he walked. Walked towards the horizon.
Step 8: Incorporate Imagery	Integrate vivid imagery that aligns with the theme, enhancing the reader’s experience.	Golden rays danced on the surface of the tranquil lake.
Step 9: Reflect Emotions	Let the cadence mirror the emotional tone—gentle for serenity, sharp for tension, etc.	Her laughter soared, echoing in the vibrant meadow.
Step 10: Edit for Flow	Review and revise to ensure the rhythm feels natural and enhances the writing’s impact. This is important to create a perfect cadence.	With every step, he felt closer to his destination, heart echoing with purpose.

Remember that creating cadences is a creative and subjective process. It requires constant experimentation and revision for the most effective and resonant rhythmic patterns for a specific piece of writing.

Benefits of Using Cadences in Writing:

Enhanced Rhythm and Flow:
1. Cadences create a pleasing and rhythmic flow in the text, making it more engaging to read.

Emotional Resonance:
1. Well-crafted cadence evokes specific emotions, enhancing the reader’s connection to the content.
Memorability:
1. The rhythmic patterns in cadences can make the writing more memorable, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Reader Engagement:
1. Cadences draw readers in by appealing to their sense of rhythm and auditory experience.

Effective Emphasis:
1. Cadences allow you to emphasize key points or ideas by controlling the pacing and timing of the text.
Artistic Expression:
1. Utilizing cadences showcases your writing skills and adds an artistic layer to your work.
Tonal Control:
1. Cadences help establish the tone of the writing, whether it’s calm, energetic, mysterious, etc.

Variety and Diversity:
1. Incorporating different cadences throughout the text keeps the writing dynamic and prevents monotony.
Natural Reading Pace:
1. Well-constructed cadences align with the natural rhythm of speech, making the writing sound more authentic.
Improved Descriptive Power:
1. Cadence helps paint vivid pictures by enhancing the pacing of descriptive passages.

Structural Organization:
1. Cadence assists in structuring and organizing the text, guiding readers through the content.
Cultural and Linguistic Nuances:
1. Different cadences can be used to reflect various cultures, languages, or settings within the writing.

Using cadences effectively adds depth and dimension to your writing, making it more engaging and impactful for your readers.

Literary Device of Cadence in Literary Theory

Formalism: Formalists would analyze how the cadence contributes to the overall structure and unity of the work, emphasizing how the rhythm enhances the text’s themes and emotions.
Structuralism:

Narrative Structure: Structuralists might explore how the cadence corresponds to the narrative structure, investigating how rhythm shifts at crucial plot points or character developments.

Reader-Response Theory:

Aesthetic Response: Reader-response theorists would focus on how the cadence engages readers’ emotions, discussing how the rhythmic patterns elicit different emotional responses.

Postcolonialism:

Colonial Legacy: A postcolonial critique might investigate how cadence reflects colonial influences, analyzing whether the rhythmic patterns have roots in the colonial language or culture.

Feminist Theory:

Voice and Identity: Feminist theorists could examine how cadence reflects gendered identities and voices, analyzing whether certain rhythms reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles.

Psychoanalytic Theory:

Unconscious Significance: Psychoanalytic critics might delve into the unconscious impact of cadence, exploring how rhythm connects to hidden desires, fears, or traumas.

Postmodernism:

Fragmentation and Disruption: Postmodern theorists might discuss how cadence contributes to the fragmented nature of postmodern texts, exploring whether rhythm reflects or resists coherence.

These are just a few ways cadence could be critiqued through various literary theories. Depending on the theory, the focus of analysis would vary, emphasizing different aspects such as structure, emotion, identity, or historical context.

Suggested Readings

Cadence

“Find your balance and stand with it. Find your song and sing it out. Find your cadence and let it appear like a dance.” Mary Anne Radmacher

Etymology of Cadence

The term “cadence” has originated from the Latin word cadential. It is the noun form of the verb cadere, which means “to fall.” In Latin, it refers to the act of falling or descending. Over time, the word has evolved into “cadencia” in Old French. Later, it entered into the English language.

Meanings of Literary Device of Cadence

Type of Meaning	Definition or Explanation
Musical Rhythm	It refers to the rhythmic flow or pattern that marks the end of a musical phrase or section. It involves a sequence of chords or melodic patterns that provide a sense of resolution or closure.
Speech or Vocal Rhythm	In language and speech, it refers to the rise and fall of the voice’s pitch and rhythm. It contributes to the overall flow and musicality of spoken words, conveying emotional tone, emphasis, or the natural rhythm of a particular language.
Literary Rhythm	In poetry and literature, cadence refers to the rhythmic pattern or musical quality of the verses. It involves the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables and the flow of the language, contributing to the poem’s tone, mood, and emphasis.
Military Marching	In military terminology, it refers to the rhythmic movement or march of soldiers. It involves synchronized foot movements and chanting or singing to maintain uniformity.
Cycling or Running Rhythm	In sports, particularly cycling and running, cadence refers to the rate or rhythm of pedal strokes or foot strikes per minute. It is often measured to optimize efficiency and performance.
Flow or Progression	It also refers more broadly to the flow, progression, or pace of any activity. For example, it can describe the cadence of a conversation, the cadence of a dance routine, or the cadence of a storytelling narrative, emphasizing the rhythmic or harmonic aspects of the activity.

Definition of Cadence as Literary Device

As a literary device, it refers to the rhythmic pattern or musical quality of verse or prose. It involves the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables and the flow of the language, contributing to the rhythm, melody, and emphasis within a literary work.

Common Examples of Cadences from Everyday Life

Conversational Cadence: People naturally have their own speech cadences characterized by the rhythm, pace, and intonation patterns they use while speaking.

Walking or Running Cadence: When walking or running, individuals often establish a particular rhythm in their steps.
Typing or Keyboard Cadence: When typing on a keyboard, individuals develop a distinctive form of it based on the speed, rhythm, and pattern of their keystrokes.
Music Listening Cadence: When listening to music, individuals may naturally move or tap their feet in sync with the beat or rhythm of the music.

Dance Cadence: In its various forms, individuals follow specific cadences or rhythmic patterns as they move their bodies. Whether it’s a waltz, salsa, or hip-hop, each dance style has its unique form that dancers must adhere to for coordination and synchronization.
Traffic Light Cadence: The regular sequence of traffic lights at intersections establishes it for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. People anticipate the rhythm of green, yellow, and red signals, adjusting their movements and actions accordingly.

Types of Cadences in Music

Type of Cadence	Explanation	Example
Authentic Cadence	Also known as a perfect type, an authentic cadence is a strong and conclusive cadence that provides a sense of resolution. It typically involves a progression from the dominant chord (V) to the tonic chord (I) in major or minor keys.	G major to C major
Plagal Cadence	A plagal form, also called an “Amen cadence,” is a cadence that moves from the subdominant chord (IV) to the tonic chord (I). It has a gentler and more peaceful sound compared to the authentic cadence and is often associated with hymns and religious music.	F major to C major
Half Cadence	A half cadence, also known as an imperfect one, creates a temporary pause or sense of incompleteness. It typically concludes with the dominant chord (V) and leaves the listener with a feeling of expectation for further musical development.	G major to D major
Deceptive Cadence	A deceptive cadence is an unexpected or “deceptive” resolution that deviates from the expected progression. Instead of resolving to the tonic chord (I), it resolves to a different chord, often the relative major or minor, creating a sense of surprise or tension.	G major to E minor
Phrygian Cadence	The Phrygian cadence, also known as the “Andalusian cadence,” is used in flamenco and Spanish music. It involves a progression from the subdominant chord (IV) to the dominant chord (V) and then to the tonic chord (I), creating a distinctive and evocative sound.	F major to G major to C major

Literary Examples of Cadences

From “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

“Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.”

Explanation: In this empowering poem, Maya Angelou employs a cadence that emphasizes resilience and strength. The repetition of the phrase “Still I’ll rise” creates a rhythmic and uplifting pattern, reinforcing the theme of overcoming adversity and asserting one’s worth.

From Beloved by Toni Morrison

“124 was spiteful. Full of baby’s venom.
The women in the house knew it and so did the children.”

Explanation: This opening passage from Morrison’s novel, Beloved, showcases her poetic prose and effective use of this term. The fragmented sentences and repetition of certain phrases create a haunting and rhythmic quality, reflecting the dark and complex themes explored in the novel.

From Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

“Attention must be paid.
He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog.”

Explanation: In this iconic play, Arthur Miller employs this device that adds emphasis and weight to the dialogue. The repetition of the phrase “He’s not to be allowed” followed by a simile creates a rhythmic pattern that highlights the importance of paying attention to the protagonist’s struggles and humanity.

“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway

“The man looked at the hills across the valley
And down the valley toward a stream
Where the opposite shore was wooded.”

Explanation: Hemingway’s minimalist style often carries an understated cadence that contributes to the atmosphere of his stories. In this excerpt, the repetition of the prepositional phrases and the parallel structure creates a deliberate rhythm, reflecting the contemplative and detached tone of the narrative.

Creating Cacophony

Writing or creating cacophony is not hard to master. If you want to use it in your writing, be sequential and follow the steps given below.

Introduction

Cacophony is not hard to master. If you want to use the literary device in your writing, follow these steps in letter and spirit.

Step	How to Do It	Example
Consonance and Alliteration:	Repeat harsh consonant sounds (e.g., “t,” “k,” “s”) within close proximity.Utilize alliteration to repeat initial consonant sounds in successive words.	“Whispering willows wailed in the wind.”
Onomatopoeia:	Incorporate words that imitate natural or mechanical sounds, such as “clang,” “crash,” or “buzz.”	The door creaked open and a loud crash followed.
Repetitive Consonant Patterns:	Develop sentences or phrases with recurring consonant patterns to intensify the auditory effect.	“She seethed, clenched her teeth, and spat out her thoughts.”
Inventive Word Choice:	Choose words with sharp and discordant sounds to evoke a sense of discomfort.	“The shrill shriek of shattered glass pierced the air.”
Sentence Structure:	Use short and abrupt sentence structures to create a staccato rhythm.	Heart pounding. Breath racing. Darkness enveloping.
Imbalanced Syllables:	Craft sentences with varying syllable lengths, mixing long and short syllables for an uneven flow.	“Through the whispering willow, shadows stretched and swept.”
Layered Sounds:	Combine different harsh sounds within a sentence or paragraph for a multifaceted auditory experience.	The cacophony of crashing waves mingled with the seagulls’ raucous cries.
Dissonant Imagery:	Describe conflicting or chaotic scenes using vivid and contrasting imagery.	The serene meadow turned into a maelstrom of echoing chaos.
Emotional Context:	Employ cacophony in moments of tension, uncertainty, or emotional turmoil for heightened impact.	Amid the deafening silence, their strained whispers cut through like shards of glass.
Pacing and Rhythm:	Manipulate the pacing and rhythm of your writing to match the intensity of the scene, using cacophony to accentuate key moments.	His footsteps echoed faster and faster, a crescendo of impending danger.
Read Aloud:	Test your writing by reading it aloud to ensure the desired cacophonous effect is achieved.	As I read the passage, the clash of sounds sent shivers down my spine.
	Remember, while cacophony can add depth and intensity to your writing, it should be used purposefully and sparingly to avoid overwhelming the reader.

This table provides steps for writing cacophony and including it in your writing.

Benefits of Using Cacophony

Emotional Intensity:
- Amplifies emotional impact by creating an immediate and visceral response in readers.
Atmospheric Enhancement:
- Deepens the mood and atmosphere of a scene, making it more vivid and immersive.

Memorability:
- Engages readers through unique auditory experiences, making the writing more memorable.
Symbolic Expression:
- Provides a symbolic representation of chaos, conflict, or inner turmoil.
Reader Engagement:
- Captivates readers’ attention by breaking away from monotony and conventional language.

Character Voice:
- Enhances character voices by reflecting their emotions or mental states through language.
Descriptive Power:
- Evokes sensory details, enabling readers to vividly imagine scenes and scenarios.
Foreshadowing:
- Hints at upcoming tension, creating anticipation and enhancing the sense of suspense.

Rhythm and Pace:
- Manipulates pacing and rhythm to control the flow of the narrative and emphasize key moments.
Artistic Creativity:
- Showcases an author’s creative prowess by using language in inventive and impactful ways.
Literary Depth:
- Adds layers of meaning and complexity, inviting readers to interpret the text on multiple levels.

Narrative Dynamics:
- Contributes to the dynamics of dialogue, monologue, and inner thoughts, adding authenticity.

These benefits show how writing cacophony could improve your writing.

Literary Device of Cacophony in Literary Theory

In different literary theories, the literary device of cacophony can be interpreted and analyzed in different ways. Here are some examples:

Literary Theory	Interpretation of Cacophony or Cacophonous Sounds	Example of Application
New Criticism Literary Theory	It analyzes how cacophony creates a specific mood or tone in a literary work	Example: In analyzing a poem, New Critics may focus on the use of cacophony to evoke a sense of turmoil and chaos, reflecting the underlying themes of societal unrest or internal conflict.
Reader-Response Literary Theory	It analyzes the emotional response of the reader to cacophonous elements and how it shapes their interpretation of the work	Example: Reader-Response critics may examine how cacophonous sounds in a novel elicit feelings of discomfort or tension, influencing the reader’s interpretation of the narrative as a critique of societal norms.
Feminist Literary Theory	It analyzes how cacophony reflects and portrays gender dynamics and power struggles in literature	Example: Feminist critics may explore how the use of cacophony in a play highlights the discordant voices of marginalized female characters, emphasizing the struggles they face in a patriarchal society.
Marxist Literary Theory	It analyzes how cacophony reflects class conflicts and power struggles within a literary work	Example: Marxist critics may analyze the use of cacophonous sounds in a novel to represent the dissonance and tension arising from the clash between social classes, highlighting the inequality in society.

Cacophony

“Without having a peaceful quiet corner, you drift meaninglessly in front of the crowd’s cacophony,” says a Turkish writer, Mehmet Murat ildan

Etymology of Cacophony

The term “cacophony” has originated from the Greek word kakophonia. It means “bad sound” or “discordant noise.” The word is a combination of kakos, meaning “bad” or “evil,” and phone, meaning “sound” or “voice.” In ancient Greek literature, “kakophonia” was used to describe harsh or unpleasant sounds. Now the term “cacophony” is used in English to describe any harsh or discordant sound, having an unpleasant or jarring combination of sounds.

Meanings of Cacophony

Refers to a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
Derived from Greek words “kakos” (meaning “bad” or “harsh”) and “phone” (meaning “sound”)

Describes an unpleasant or jarring combination of noises or voices

Definition of Literary Device of Cacophony

This literary device refers to the deliberate use of harsh, jarring, and discordant sounds in language to create a specific effect. Writers use it to create a sense of discomfort, tension, or unease in the reader or listener. This is often achieved through the use of words with hard consonant sounds, such as “t,” “k,” and “p,” as well as words with a harsh or abrasive quality.

Types of Cacophony

Here are some of the most common types:

Type of Cacophony	Definition	Example with Explanation
Consonance	Repetition of the same consonant sound in close proximity	Example: “The crackling crunch of leaves” utilizes the repeated “k” and “l” sounds, creating a cacophonous effect through the combination of harsh consonant sounds.
Dissonance	Use of harsh or unpleasant sounds to create a jarring effect	Example: “Grinding, gnashing teeth” employs the harsh sounds of “gr” and “gn” to evoke a sense of tension and unease. This sows the good use of cacophony.
Alliteration	Repetition of the same consonant sound at the word’s beginning	Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” features the repeated “p” sound, generating a cacophonous effect through the successive use of the same consonant at the start of each word.
Rhyme	Words with the same ending sound	Example: “The chime of time” utilizes the repeated “ime” sound, creating a jarring effect through the rhyming words, contributing to a sense of discord or dissonance, showing the use of cacophony.
Onomatopoeia	Words that sound like what they represent	Example: “The hissing snake” uses the harsh “s” sound, representing the snake’s sound, and creates a sense of tension and unease, contributing to a cacophonous effect.

Common Examples

Here are some common examples of cacophony in everyday language:

Rush hour traffic with honking horns, engines, and sirens blaring

A busy cafeteria during lunchtime with the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation
A construction site with machinery, drills, and hammers creating a chaotic noise
A classroom full of students talking loudly and chairs scraping against the floor

A crowded market with vendors shouting to attract customers, combined with various sounds from different stalls
An urban park with street performers, children playing, and music from nearby shops all blending into a cacophony of sounds
A household during a family gathering with people talking, children playing, and kitchen appliances running

A music festival where multiple bands are playing simultaneously, creating a cacophony of different melodies and rhythms.

Literary Examples

Example	Explanation	Impact on the Work
From “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: “Let us go then, you and I, When the evening is spread out against the sky Like a patient etherized upon a table;”	The heavy use of “t” and “s” sounds creates a jarring auditory effect, mimicking the speaker’s anxiety and uncertainty.	The cacophony in phrasing mirrors the poem’s exploration of inner turmoil and hesitation, immersing readers in the emotional struggle.
From “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe: “During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country.”	The repetition of “d” and “s” sounds evokes a sense of monotony and gloom, amplifying the eerie atmosphere and impending dread.	The cacophonous language sets a haunting tone right from the start, foreshadowing the unsettling events and contributing to the story’s mood.
From “The Jabberwock” by Lewis Carroll: “Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe; All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.”	The playful but dissonant sounds created by the invented words like “brillig,” “slithy,” and “borogoves” contribute to an otherworldly and nonsensical auditory experience.	The cacophony of whimsical words reflects the poem’s fantastical and imaginative nature, transporting readers to a dreamlike realm of wordplay.
From “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: “But the beating grew louder, louder! I could distinguish the ticking of the clock! It was the ticking of the clock!”	The repetition of “t” and “k” sounds imitates the intensifying heartbeat and the ticking of the clock, intensifying the narrator’s growing panic.	The cacophony here immerses the reader in the narrator’s escalating anxiety, contributing to the story’s suspenseful and unsettling ambiance.

These examples show how writers use cacophony to create a range of effects, from establishing a specific mood or tone to emphasizing certain words or ideas.

Suggested Readings

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7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
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