Metaphors have the ability to explode our thinking. However,
the most effective are not delivered by loud gestures and shouting voices
clamoring for our attention. They simply are. And at some point we begin to
notice that they are different from what we expected, or what we thought we
knew, and decide to take a better look. And a better look is required because
competent metaphors can be used for both good and evil intent.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute
darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and
sweet for bitter!” warns the prophet Isaiah.
Sometimes we just don’t notice. For example, growing up I
often heard the reference to little green men from Mars and always given in a
negative context. I realized the idea came through a story or movie, but I
wasn’t all that interested. In later years I’d still notice the reference given
in books or shows and again wonder where and why the origin.
This week I’ve finally seen the movie John Carter and the first thought I had when I saw the first
inhabitants that he saw was, “Oh, green men from Mars, but they aren’t little.”
In this movie they are eight to ten feet tall, with four arms. They ride
creatures as if on horseback. They argue; they care; they are funny and loyal. They
insist that they don’t fly in spaceships and they won’t interfere in a war
between two opposing cities. However, because of John Cater, their perspective
changes as well.
Metaphors can go far beyond word choices and stereotypes to
bring fresh nuances to timeless stories, especially when we tap into heart
motives.
Journal Prompt:
Take a support character in your novel. How can you change
the readers’ expectations of him or her?
Try one or two characteristics towards positive and then
again as negative. How does that influence your own perception?
Share: Which one
impacts your purpose effectively?
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