Workshop: Discover
Words That Sing
“Creativity is itself an act of optimism.” Edward Albee
Literal to Figurative
Language
Not every sentence needs the depth of imagery or else the
whole becomes diluted. However using figurative language can enhance a key
quality, or theme, or conflict. The best ones are the subtle images that speak
softly into our hearts.
For example, information boards and kiosks, from local
hiking trails to prestigious museums, have one common note. “You are here.” The
X marks the spot. These literal markers add a sense of safety and security
emotionally. Disorientation in physical surroundings often can result in immediate
stress. Adventurers may react with an adrenaline rush of excitement, but for
others it can raise fearful memories of no measure of control.
In the movie Moonacre,
orphan Maria Merryweather is introduced to her new country home as her new
uncle takes her around the land, marking out boundaries, and giving clear
warnings as to where she should not go. He refuses any explanations for dictated
external dangers and her confusion. He tells her what she may and may not do,
and then dismisses her with curt exits.
Left with only a partial map of her new surroundings, she
attempts to find some solid ground emotionally and figuratively as she tumbles
into even more bewildering situations.
Action Steps:
1.Take your character to the home
of a relative that she never knew existed. Literally or figuratively, close the
door behind her. How does she get her bearings in this place?
Share: What emotional roller coaster does it unleash?
Bonus Exercise: This
next suggestion comes from the Nature Writing
Handbook. “In this exercise we will
attempt to change literal language into figurative language. In each sentence,
the underlined word is used literally. Write a sentence in which the word is
used figuratively.”
Given Example. “The
aspen leaves trembled in the wind. (response¾The
Northern lights trembled in the Alaskan night sky like the thoughts of a mother
sleepless with concern for her baby)”
Some additional sentence examples for practice included
different aspects of nature.
“1.The porpoises swam beside the boat.
2.The flowers drooped under the hailstorm.
3.The volcano exploded quite suddenly.”
Read deep, marcy
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