Cacophony

Definition: jarring, discordant sound; dissonance à use of harsh sounds**
 * __[[image:tension_headache.gif align="right" caption="Harsh Sounds"]]Cacophony__

Examples: FROST “Out, Out --“ The __buzz-saw__ __snarled__ and __rattled__ in the yard And made dust and __dropped__ stove-length __sticks__ of wood, In this case, Frost makes use of cacophony to emphasize the chilling and suspenseful nature of the story to be revealed in his poem. The poem captures a shocking and unpleasant image which is reflected by the harsh and uneasy sounds in these first lines. The use of the letters “z” and “k” and the rolling “r” in snarled creates necessary breaks, resulting in a slower read which further accentuates the tension of the scene.
 * Effect:**

“The Exposed Nest” The __cutter-bar__ had just gone __champing__ over (__Miraculously__ without __tasking__ flesh)

The lines describe a gripping scene with tension similar to that in “Out, Out –-.” The action suggests the possibility of a fatality and thus cacophony is used to stress the evil that is the “cutter-bar” which could have caused severe damage to the young innocent birds. The harsh tones sharply contrast the peaceful image of a just-filled nest of fluffy creatures to increase the suspense.
 * Effect:**

SHAKESPEARE __King Lear__ //Gloucester////:// Because I would not see thy __c__ruel nails Plu__ck__ out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister In his anointed flesh sti__ck__ boarish fangs. The sea, with such a storm as his bare head In hell-bla__ck__ night endured, would have __buoyed__ up And __q__uenched the __stellèd__ fires. (III. vii. 56-61)

Shakespeare uses cacophony to lay emphasis on the cruelty that is being committed to Gloucester by Cornwall and Regan. The scene is especially significant in that it represents an irreversible tragedy, proving the degree of chaos permeating the state. Dissonance in the repeated “k” sound creates a distasteful noise parallel to the repulsive nature of the violence being committed. Furthermore, the words “buoyed” and “stellèd” may be easily mispronounced, resulting in a difficult flow of words.
 * Effect:**

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