Literary Writing Tutorial: Chapter 9 Answers312

Introduction

In Chapter 9 of the Literary Writing Tutorial, we discussed the concept of "show, don't tell." This is a fundamental principle of writing fiction, and it can make a big difference in the quality of your work. When you "show" your reader what is happening, you are creating a more vivid and engaging experience for them. You are allowing them to witness the events of your story unfold firsthand, rather than simply being told about them.

Of course, there are times when it is necessary to "tell" your reader something. For example, you may need to provide some background information or explain a character's motivation. However, you should always try to keep these instances to a minimum. The more you can "show" your reader, the better.

Exercises

1. Rewrite the following passage using the "show, don't tell" technique.

Original: The man was angry. His face was red, and he was clenching his fists.

Rewrite: The man's face turned beet red, and his knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists so tightly that they began to tremble.

2. Write a short scene that "shows" a character's emotion. Do not use any "telling" language.

Example: The woman sat in the chair, staring at the wall. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her shoulders were shaking. She reached for a tissue and wiped her nose, but it was no use. The tears kept coming.

3. Find a passage from a piece of fiction that you are currently reading. Analyze the author's use of "show, don't tell." How does the author create a vivid and engaging experience for the reader?

Example: From "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

"The lawn started at the beach and ran toward the front door for a quarter of a mile, jumping over sundials and brick walks and burning gardens—finally when it reached the house drifting up the side in bright vines as though from the momentum of its run."

In this passage, Fitzgerald uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a vivid picture of the lawn. The reader can see the lawn stretching out before them, and they can feel the heat of the sun on their skin. The author also uses personification to give the lawn a sense of life, as it "jumps" over sundials and "drifts" up the side of the house.

Conclusion

"Show, don't tell" is a valuable technique that can help you to write more engaging and vivid fiction. By following the tips in this tutorial, you can learn to create a more immersive experience for your readers.

2025-01-16

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