Craft Moves in Literature: Examples and Explanations
Craft moves are techniques that writers use to engage readers, create meaning, and enhance the impact of their stories. They're like building blocks for your narrative, each serving a distinct purpose. Here are some examples of common craft moves and how they work:
Structure and Pacing:
* In medias res: Starting a story in the middle of the action.
* Example: "The Lord of the Rings" begins with Frodo already receiving the Ring, rather than his childhood.
* Flashback: Interjecting scenes from the past into the present narrative.
* Example: "The Great Gatsby" uses flashbacks to reveal Gatsby's past and explain his motivations.
* Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about events to come.
* Example: The three witches' prophecy in "Macbeth" foreshadows his downfall.
* Suspense: Keeping the reader guessing about what will happen next.
* Example: The escalating tension in a mystery novel, leading to the climax.
Character Development:
* Show, don't tell: Revealing character traits through actions and dialogue instead of explicit descriptions.
* Example: Instead of saying "He was a brave man," show him rescuing a child from a burning building.
* Internal monologue: Revealing the character's thoughts and feelings.
* Example: "To Kill a Mockingbird" uses Scout's internal monologue to explore her coming-of-age.
* Foil character: A character that contrasts with another, highlighting their traits.
* Example: Hamlet and Laertes are foils, contrasting in their reactions to grief.
* Archetype: A character representing a universal pattern (hero, villain, mentor, etc.)
* Example: Harry Potter is an archetype of the orphaned hero.
Language and Style:
* Imagery: Using vivid descriptions to appeal to the senses.
* Example: "The sun was a blood-orange in the sky."
* Metaphor: A comparison without using "like" or "as."
* Example: "The city was a jungle."
* Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as."
* Example: "His eyes were as blue as the ocean."
* Symbolism: Using objects or characters to represent abstract ideas.
* Example: The red rose often symbolizes love.
* Tone: The author's attitude toward the subject matter.
* Example: "The Road" has a somber and bleak tone.
Narrative Perspective:
* First person: Told from the perspective of one character, using "I."
* Example: "The Catcher in the Rye."
* Third person limited: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
* Example: "Pride and Prejudice."
* Third person omniscient: The narrator knows everything about all characters.
* Example: "A Game of Thrones."
These are just a few examples, and many other craft moves exist. The key is to understand how they contribute to the story's overall effect and use them strategically to achieve your desired outcome.
Remember: Craft moves aren't just tools for writing; they're also ways to understand and appreciate the choices made by authors, enriching your reading experience.