Friday
10Jul2009
The Risk of Metaphors in Writing
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Currently I'm reading through The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. While the ideas presented in the book are interesting, the sprawling 694 pages of prose however, are not as riveting. While Rand does all of us a favor by turning her ideas into symbolism and metaphor, it doesn't help when the symbolism, is well, blatant. They always say a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down, but reading The Fountainhead is a lot like drinking Children's Tylenol. It's supposed to be cherry flavored, but we all know it still tastes like garbage.
But, this isn't a review of The Fountainhead. That will come when (if) I ever finish the book. The issue that it raises for me though is how to properly use literary devices. I do think that there is power behind symbolism and metaphor, it allows the reader to use their imagination while at the same time trying to understand the point the author is making. However the danger of using such literary devices is that the message may be lost on the audience. But isn't that the risk or using metaphor and symbolism? The message may be lost, but if they get it, it will be twice as powerful. The question then is if the potential risk is worth the payoff.
I would always argue yes. The human mind always craves to be entertained, and by putting your ideas into an entertaining vehicle, you've made it that much more memorable. Plus, if your audience understands your use of symbols and metaphor, it allows the reader to critically engage with your thoughts and figure out why you chose to use the symbols you did. Anybody can write their ideas out for people to read, but a true artist is able to turn those ideas into some beautiful.
That is part of the risk. You must be someone who is able to produce such art. Such art is only produced with practice and experience, so if you feel like you can't (like this writer), then keep trying. It will come some day. I hope.
Until then, I'll have to stick to blatant "in your face" writing. I should mention that blatant use of metaphor *cough* Ayn Rand *cough* doesn't count. That is still just blatant nonfiction. But perhaps there will be a day when my fiction will not only be entertaining, but meaningful. These are the joys of the journey of a writer.
But, this isn't a review of The Fountainhead. That will come when (if) I ever finish the book. The issue that it raises for me though is how to properly use literary devices. I do think that there is power behind symbolism and metaphor, it allows the reader to use their imagination while at the same time trying to understand the point the author is making. However the danger of using such literary devices is that the message may be lost on the audience. But isn't that the risk or using metaphor and symbolism? The message may be lost, but if they get it, it will be twice as powerful. The question then is if the potential risk is worth the payoff.
I would always argue yes. The human mind always craves to be entertained, and by putting your ideas into an entertaining vehicle, you've made it that much more memorable. Plus, if your audience understands your use of symbols and metaphor, it allows the reader to critically engage with your thoughts and figure out why you chose to use the symbols you did. Anybody can write their ideas out for people to read, but a true artist is able to turn those ideas into some beautiful.
That is part of the risk. You must be someone who is able to produce such art. Such art is only produced with practice and experience, so if you feel like you can't (like this writer), then keep trying. It will come some day. I hope.
Until then, I'll have to stick to blatant "in your face" writing. I should mention that blatant use of metaphor *cough* Ayn Rand *cough* doesn't count. That is still just blatant nonfiction. But perhaps there will be a day when my fiction will not only be entertaining, but meaningful. These are the joys of the journey of a writer.
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