Euphony is a literary device that refers to the use of words and phrases that are pleasing to the ear and create a harmonious and melodious effect when read aloud. It is the opposite of cacophony, which refers to harsh and discordant sounds.
Euphony is often achieved through the use of soft and flowing consonants, such as “s,” “m,” “n,” and “l,” as well as through the use of vowel sounds that are pleasing to the ear, such as “oo,” “oh,” and “ah.” The use of repetition, alliteration, and rhyme can also contribute to a sense of euphony in poetry and prose.
For example, consider the following lines from John Keats’ poem “To Autumn”:
“Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;”
The use of soft and flowing consonants, such as “m,” “s,” and “l,” as well as the repetition of the “s” sound in “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” creates a soothing and peaceful effect that contributes to the overall sense of beauty and tranquillity in the poem.
