: Re: Rules of Harmony When writing prose, I noticed that certain words flow smoothly when placed next to others, while other words do not, but I can never be too sure exactly how smoothly they
To expand on Spencer Barnes's answer:
If you are interested in a rules-based analysis of the sounds and rhythms of language, what you need to do is study strict-form metrical poetry. You would never apply what you learn directly to your prose, but it will help you develop your ear for language, and to learn what's going on under the surface. In fact, a self-taught progression through poetry, complete with homework, starting with the strictest forms, and progressing to the most abstract free verse, would be a great way to bring the sense of rhythm you're seeking to your prose.
Here are a few of my favorite poets, (roughly) in order from most strict to most free:
Longfellow
Robert Frost
Shelley
Gwendolyn Brooks
G. M. Hopkins
Tupac
T. S. Elliot
ee cummings
Langston Hughes
Billy Collins
Frost and Tupac are both particularly good at bringing a natural, conversational feel to poems that have strong rhythm, and a strict rhyme scheme.
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