The technique of the modern novel, which expands scenes, exposing them in greater detail and exploring the inner and outer minutiae of events, has its advantages. But sometimes one gets the impression that such detail weakens the plot. If we take as an example the ancient folk tales of some civilizations, we see that the narrative often varies, the details vary, and there may even be more or fewer scenes depending on the source; however, the logical sequence of the story does not vary, and therein lies its strength. The curious thing is this: these ancient tales, even if narrated schematically, devoid of literary devices, produce almost the same effect; a modern novel, on the other hand, if devoid of the particularities of the author’s style, becomes something quite different. Ancient narratives can easily be told orally, as they were and are, without much being lost, something impossible to do with modern novels. The modern novel can only be told by the author, and through the lines he has already written. Perhaps this means that the story never gains true autonomy, which may or may not be favorable.
Tag: writing
Sometimes, Even a Notorious Con Artist…
Sometimes, even a notorious con artist, even a fifth-rate ideologue, liar and malicious, can produce very interesting pages when describing his personal experiences. Unless he falsifies them too, he will be able to experience in writing exactly what the great writer experiences. And he will be convincing. There is something special about this: writing offers everyone, without distinction, identical possibilities—and to make the most of them, one need only take the act of writing seriously.
It Has Been Said That a Writer Is…
It has been said that a writer is someone for whom life is not enough. And, undoubtedly, being satisfied with experience is a variable element of individual psychology. Most of the time, the life we lead is mediocre, devoid of events that are if not remarkable, at least out of the ordinary. Some cannot accept this, either because of pride or an innate desire to know more and experience more. Here, literature emerges not as consolation, but as a necessity, filling the countless gaps in experience. Without it, life seems unbearably uninteresting. Again, this is a matter of individual psychology, and those who do not have a similar disposition will never understand it.
Writing Reaches a New Level After…
Writing reaches a new level after becoming like a lost cause. As with these, the effort becomes ennobled and the pretenders give up in the face of the unfortunate prospect. The work, however, gains undeniable authenticity, which appears to be a more valuable prize than one might initially expect. Expectations often shorten the life of dedication; when, however, nothing is expected, the effort itself becomes a source of satisfaction.