What is cadence?
A rhythmic pattern of sounds or stresses in writing or speech.
The Musicality of Language: Understanding Cadence in Creative Writing
The word cadence comes from the Latin 'cadentia,' meaning a falling or settling. In writing, cadence refers to the rhythmic pattern of sounds or stresses, often described as the 'musicality' of language.
Cadence is essential to creating a memorable and powerful piece of writing, as it influences the tone and mood of the text. A skilled writer knows how to manipulate the cadence of their writing to create tension, suspense, or a sense of resolution, heightening the emotional impact of the language they use.
Cadence can be achieved through several techniques, including sentence structure, word choice, and the use of repetition. Short, punchy sentences create a staccato rhythm, while more complex sentence structures can create a flowing and melodic cadence. Varying sentence and paragraph length can also create a sense of ebb and flow in writing, mimicking the natural rhythms of spoken language.
Ultimately, mastering cadence in writing means understanding the intricate relationship between language and music, and using this knowledge to create writing that is both beautiful and impactful.
Explore two literary examples that demonstrate the rhythmic patterns of cadence in writing.
In the famous opening lines of this epic poem, Homer creates a steady, pounding rhythm through his use of repetition:
'Sing, goddess, the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus,
that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.'
In this novel, Hurston masterfully uses varying sentence structures and word choice to create a flowing, lyrical cadence:
'Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board.'
'They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God.'