Literary Term - Dissonance

 

Literary Term

Dissonance 

In literature, "dissonance" refers to a deliberate and harsh-sounding combination of words, phrases, or ideas that creates a sense of tension, conflict, or discord within a literary work. This term is also used metaphorically to describe a lack of harmony or agreement between elements in a narrative, which can serve various literary purposes.

 

Functions of Dissonance

 

Creating Emotional or Psychological Tension:

Dissonance can evoke strong emotional responses from readers by juxtaposing conflicting or contradictory elements, intensifying the impact of a scene or theme.

Example: In Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis," the dissonance between Gregor Samsa's physical transformation into a giant insect and his family's emotional and psychological reactions creates a sense of alienation and despair.

 

Highlighting Irony and Satire:

Dissonance can underscore irony or satire by juxtaposing incongruous elements, exposing contradictions or absurdities in society, characters, or situations.

Example: In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the dissonance between the animals' revolutionary ideals of equality and justice and their eventual descent into tyranny under the pigs' leadership highlights the novel's satirical critique of totalitarianism.

 

Developing Complex Characters:

Dissonance can reveal inner conflicts, contradictions, or ambiguities within characters' thoughts, actions, or beliefs, enhancing their complexity and depth.

Example: In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the dissonance between Macbeth's initial reluctance to commit murder and his ruthless ambition to seize power exposes the character's moral deterioration and internal struggle.

 

Exploring Theme and Symbolism:

Dissonance can convey thematic tensions or contradictions, exploring profound questions about human nature, morality, or existential dilemmas.

Example: In Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," the dissonance between the civilized facade of European imperialism and the brutal realities of exploitation and moral decay in the Congo symbolizes the clash between enlightenment ideals and colonial oppression.

 

Creating Narrative Suspense and Ambiguity:

Dissonance can introduce uncertainty, suspense, or ambiguity by juxtaposing conflicting interpretations or unresolved tensions within the narrative.

Example: In Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," the dissonance between the seemingly ordinary small-town setting and the horrifying ritualistic violence of the lottery builds suspense and reveals the dark undercurrents of collective behavior and tradition.

 

Types of Dissonance in Literature

 

Linguistic Dissonance:

Involves the use of jarring or discordant language, such as cacophony or harsh sounds, to convey emotional or thematic tensions.

Example: T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land" employs linguistic dissonance through fragmented and disjointed language to reflect the fragmentation and disillusionment of post-World War I society.

 

Philosophical Dissonance:

Explores conflicting philosophical or existential ideas, beliefs, or perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom or societal norms.

Example: Albert Camus' novel "The Stranger" juxtaposes the protagonist Meursault's detached existentialism with society's expectations of moral responsibility and emotional conformity, creating philosophical dissonance.

 

Character Dissonance:

Involves contradictions or conflicts within a character's personality, motives, or actions that reveal internal struggles or moral dilemmas.

Example: In Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment," the protagonist Raskolnikov experiences character dissonance as he wrestles with his intellectual justification for murder and his guilt-ridden conscience.

 

Dissonance in literature serves as a powerful literary device that enriches narratives by introducing tension, irony, complexity, and thematic depth. By juxtaposing conflicting elements, authors provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and evoke emotional responses from readers, thereby enriching the overall impact and resonance of their works. Dissonance not only enhances the artistic expression of literature but also invites readers to engage critically with themes, characters, and societal issues explored within the narrative framework.

 

Examples in Literature

 

"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot:

Eliot's modernist poem is rich with linguistic dissonance, employing fragmented language, juxtaposed cultural references, and abrupt shifts in tone and imagery. This dissonance reflects the fragmented and disillusioned post-World War I society, exploring themes of spiritual desolation and cultural decay.

 

"1984" by George Orwell:

Orwell's dystopian novel employs dissonance to underscore the oppressive regime of Big Brother and the Party. The dissonance between the Party's propaganda of "War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength" and the harsh realities of surveillance and control creates a chilling contrast that exposes the hypocrisy and manipulation of totalitarian power.

 

"The Stranger" by Albert Camus:

Camus' existentialist novel features philosophical dissonance through the protagonist, Meursault, who remains detached and indifferent to societal norms and emotional connections. The dissonance between Meursault's existential detachment and society's expectations of moral responsibility and emotional engagement highlights existential themes of absurdity and alienation.

 

"Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad:

Conrad's novella explores dissonance through the contrast between European imperialism's veneer of civilization and the brutal realities of exploitation and moral degradation in the Congo. The dissonance between the lofty ideals of enlightenment and the darkness of human greed and exploitation symbolizes the clash between ideals and realities in colonialism.

 

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson:

Jackson's short story employs dissonance to create suspense and horror through the contrast between the seemingly ordinary small-town setting and the shocking ritualistic violence of the lottery. The dissonance between the townspeople's casual acceptance of the lottery's brutality and the reader's horrified disbelief challenges social conformity and reveals the dark undercurrents of tradition and mob mentality.

 

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

Fitzgerald's novel utilizes dissonance to critique the American Dream through the contrast between Gatsby's extravagant parties and his underlying pursuit of an idealized past with Daisy. The dissonance between appearance and reality in Gatsby's life highlights the emptiness of materialism and the elusive nature of the American Dream.

 

"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka:

Kafka's novella features psychological dissonance through the protagonist Gregor Samsa's physical transformation into an insect and his family's emotional and psychological reactions. The dissonance between Gregor's outward transformation and his inner human thoughts and desires explores themes of alienation, identity, and existential despair.

 

These examples illustrate how dissonance in literature serves to deepen themes, reveal character complexities, critique societal norms, and provoke emotional and philosophical reflection among readers. By juxtaposing conflicting elements within narratives, authors create layers of meaning and resonance that enhance the literary experience and encourage critical engagement with the text.