Cacophony
A cacophony poem refers to a type of poetry that intentionally uses harsh, jarring, or discordant sounds to create a sense of chaos, unease, or tension. The word cacophony itself means a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, often unpleasant to the ear.
In this type of poem, the poet deliberately incorporates consonance, dissonance, or alliteration with hard, abrupt sounds like “k,” “t,” “p,” or “b,” to evoke a sensory experience that mimics noise or confusion. Dissonance refers to a lack of harmony or the deliberate clash of sounds, which contributes to the sense of discordance.
Harsh Sounds:
The poem uses strong, jarring consonants (like “k,” “t,” “p,” “b,” and “d”) to create a sense of disruption or discomfort.
Sound Play:
The arrangement of words and sounds aims to create an auditory experience that is intentionally loud, clashing, or discordant.
Emotional Effect:
These poems are designed to evoke strong emotions such as anxiety, chaos, or unease, often mirroring a tumultuous environment or state of mind.
Contrast:
Cacophony poems may contrast with smoother, more melodious sounds (like in euphony poems), emphasizing discordance and tension.

The Car Accident
The screeching of wheels.
The screaming… Bang!
The crunching of steels!
The tension… Clang!
The pounding of feet.
Crashing, banging,
churning in the street.
Then silence…hanging.

This creates an auditory image of noise and disorder, enhancing the emotional impact of the poem.

Use in Poetry:
Cacophony can be particularly effective in poems that explore themes of conflict, confusion, or destruction. It’s often used to highlight contrast or to draw attention to chaotic moments, such as war, tension, or the frenetic pace of modern life.