Dissonance: A Literary Device

Etymology of Dissonance

The term “dissonance” has its etymological roots in Latin, deriving from the word “dissonantia.” “Dissonantia” is a combination of the prefix “dis-“ denoting negation or separation, and “sonans,” which is the present participle of the verb “sonare,” meaning “to sound.” This etymology reveals the concept’s fundamental nature of clashing or discordant sounds or ideas.

In an academic context, it often refers to the cognitive discomfort or tension arising from holding contradictory beliefs or the presence of incongruities between ideas, which is a central concept in various fields such as psychology, philosophy, and music theory, where the term originally pertained to the harmonic discord of musical tones.

Meanings of Dissonance

Aspect	Meaning
Musical	Discord in music from clashing notes, resolved by consonance.
Cognitive	Psychological discomfort from conflicting beliefs, resolved through belief adjustment.
Societal	Conflicts or tensions in societal norms, leading to change.
Literary	Deliberate narrative discord challenging reader assumptions.
Artistic	Purposeful use of disharmony in arts for impact and expression.

Definition of Dissonance

Dissonance, in a broader sense, signifies a state of conflict, incongruity, or discord between elements, ideas, or beliefs. In the realm of music theory, it specifically refers to the presence of harsh or unstable sound resulting from the interaction of clashing musical notes.

In psychology, “cognitive dissonance” describes the discomfort arising from the simultaneous holding of contradictory beliefs or attitudes, prompting individuals to seek resolution through belief adjustment or rationalization.

Types of Dissonance

1. Musical : In music, dissonance occurs when two or more notes played together create an unpleasant, tense, or unstable sound. It is often resolved by transitioning to consonant intervals for a sense of harmony.
2. Cognitive: This psychological form of dissonance arises when an individual holds conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values. Resolving cognitive dissonance may involve altering one’s beliefs or rationalizing the inconsistency to reduce discomfort.
3. Societal: In the context of society and culture, societal dissonance refers to conflicts, tensions, or contradictions between prevailing norms, values, or beliefs. These incongruities can lead to social upheaval or the need for social change.
4. Literary: In literature and narrative, authors deliberately introduce discord or incongruities to create tension, ambiguity, or complexity in a story, challenging readers’ assumptions and encouraging deeper thought.
5. Artistic: Within the realm of visual and performing arts, artistic dissonance involves the intentional use of elements of disharmony, contrast, or conflict to create emotional impact, challenge traditional aesthetics, or convey specific artistic messages.

Common Examples of Dissonance

1. Political : Conflicting political views among family members, friends, or coworkers can lead to cognitive dissonance as individuals reconcile their beliefs with differing opinions.
2. Ethical: When a person’s personal values clash with the ethical choices made in their workplace or profession, it can result in ethical dissonance.
3. Consumer: The tension individuals feel when choosing between environmentally friendly products and less expensive, less sustainable options demonstrates consumer dissonance.
4. Parenting : Parents may experience it when their parenting strategies differ from one another or when they find themselves acting against their own beliefs and principles in a particular situation.
5. Relationship: In romantic relationships, it may arise when partners hold opposing values or expectations, requiring them to find a compromise or address the differences.
6. Moral: When individuals witness or are involved in actions that conflict with their moral principles, they experience moral dissonance.
7. Educational Dissonance: Students may feel it when they have to study subjects they have little interest in, yet they need to meet academic requirements.
8. Health : People may struggle with it when making choices about diet, exercise, or healthcare that conflict with their health goals and desires.
9. Environmental Dissonance: Balancing the convenience of modern life with the awareness of environmental impact can lead to dissonance for those trying to make more sustainable choices.
10. Technological : People may experience it when they feel the need to stay connected through technology but also desire to disconnect for personal well-being.

Shakespearean Dissonance

Type	Explanation	Example
Character vs. Society	Characters in Shakespeare’s plays often face conflicts with societal norms and expectations of their time.	For example, Hamlet’s struggle to reconcile his personal beliefs with the political and social demands of the Danish court is a form of character vs. society type.
Moral and Ethical	Shakespearean characters grapple with moral and ethical dilemmas, creating moral dissonance.	Macbeth’s internal conflict over the consequences of his actions is an example of moral and ethical type.
Conflict of Loyalties	Characters are torn between conflicting loyalties, be it to family, friends, or rulers.	Loyalty-based dissonance can be seen in works like “King Lear” or “Julius Caesar.”
Irony and Dramatic	Shakespeare uses irony to create dramatic type, such as dramatic irony in “Romeo and Juliet.”	In “Romeo and Juliet,” the audience knows the fate of the titular characters while they remain oblivious, leading to dramatic irony.
Gender and Identity	Shakespeare explores gender and identity themes, introducing dissonance related to gender roles and identity.	Viola’s disguise as Cesario in “Twelfth Night” is an example.
Tragic Flaw	The tragic flaw of characters creates inner turmoil and dissonance, ultimately leading to their downfall.	Othello’s jealousy or Macbeth’s ambition exemplify tragic flaw type.
Ambiguity and Uncertainty	Shakespeare leaves room for ambiguity and uncertainty, fostering dissonance in the audience’s minds.	Shakespeare’s works allow for multiple interpretations, creating ambiguity and uncertainty.
Familial	Family conflicts contribute to dissonance in relationships and themes within Shakespeare’s plays.	“King Lear” and “The Tempest” are examples of familial type.

Suggested Readings

1. Eagleton, Terry. The Ideology of the Aesthetic. Blackwell, 1990.
2. Kermode, Frank. The Sense of an Ending: Studies in the Theory of Fiction. Oxford University Press, 2000.
3. Leitch, Vincent B. Cultural Criticism, Literary Theory, and Poststructuralism. Columbia University Press, 2001.
4. Punter, David. The Literature of Terror: A History of Gothic Fictions from 1765 to the Present Day. Volume 1: The Gothic Tradition. Routledge, 1996.
5. Rancière, Jacques. The Emancipated Spectator. Verso, 2009.
6. Ricoeur, Paul. The Rule of Metaphor: Multi-disciplinary Studies in the Creation of Meaning in Language. Translated by Robert Czerny, SAGE Publications, 2003.
7. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1979.
8. Todorov, Tzvetan. The Fantastic: A Structural Approach to a Literary Genre. Cornell University Press, 1975.