Workshop:
Discover Words That Sing
“Metaphor
makes words flesh. Metaphor opens our eyes to applying The Word. So metaphor
makes the world of The Word fresh.” Larry Woiwode
No Language
This
is probably not a good choice for an entire novel, but could be adapted for
brief scenes, especially if it ties to the plot and theme. The question then
is, what other methods of communication would be possible if words or language
are not successful or not available? And would it enhance your story’s
atmosphere?
In
one Star Trek episode Captain Kirk
was forced onto a planet surface to fight a beast. He had no idea what was
happening and it seemed impossible to communicate with the alien leader he was
stranded with. But gradually Kirk realized that the alien spoke in metaphors,
and finally they found a way to speak to each other and to survive the attack.
It was quite different from the usual episodes and one that forced the viewer
to work harder. Yet it became a popular episode. It fit the circumstances of
the story.
Law
enforcement often use signals. Magicians have built in codes to their
assistants. Sign language, lip reading, and body gestures can all be
incorporated for communication.
One
student mentioned the way the military uses flags. Another pointed out that
lack of personal hygiene might indicate illness or depression.
Action
Steps:
1. Make a list of all the possibilities you
can think of to communicate without any form of spoken language.
2. Choose one version. Then take a short
scene you have already written and re-write it without verbal or sign speech.
Share:
What effect did you gain? What clarity did you lose?
Read deep, marcy
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