Why do we find ourselves drawn to tales steeped in sorrow, where heroes crumble and hopes are dashed? This magnetic pull is the work of tragedy, a narrative mechanism that mirrors our own struggles against fate and the human condition. In this article, we'll peel back the layers of tragedy in storytelling, journeying from its ancient Greek roots to its modern-day manifestations. Prepare to delve into the heart of darkness, as we analyze the profound beauty that lies within the tragic narrative.Continue reading What is Tragedy — Definition, Examples & Types Explained
A Socratic dialogue is an excellent vehicle for individuals to explore the epistemological nature of ideas. But what is Socratic dialogue? And why is it an excellent vehicle for exploring epistemology? We’re going to answer those questions by defining Socratic dialogue; then we’ll break down some Socratic dialogue examples. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize and implement this techniue in your writing and everyday life.Continue reading What is Socratic Dialogue — Definition, Examples & Uses
The novel, a long-form prose narrative that has captivated readers for centuries, holds a significant place in the realm of literature and culture. As a cornerstone of storytelling, novels transport us to new worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and shed light on the human experience. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of novels, exploring their origins, characteristics, impact on society, and the diverse array of genres and forms they encompass.Continue reading What is a Novel – Definition, Types & Examples
What are the different styles of writing? How many different types of writing styles and forms of writing are there? There is some disagreement of how many major forms of writing there are. Depending on which source you turn to, you might be told there are only four different styles of writing or you might be told there are as many as 12 forms of writing. There is no right or wrong answer to this question as the matter is subjective, but four is the most commonly accepted answer. In this post, we will be breaking down ‘the 4 types…
A briefcase full of money. A Persian rug. Important documents. Technically, all of these story elements answer the question: “What is a MacGuffin?” However, the term has been thrown around a lot these days and a lot of people continue to misuse it. Here, we’ll give you a primer on this age-old trope and consider some MacGuffin examples so you know precisely how to incorporate them into your own work.Continue reading What is a MacGuffin — Definition and Examples
Abraham Lincoln famously said that “no government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall perish from this Earth.” But did you know that “the people” is a famous example of an epistrophe? So, what is an epistrophe? We’re going to break down epistrophes by looking at epistrophe examples in writing. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize and utilize epistrophes.Continue reading What is an Epistrophe — Definition, Examples for Writers
Did you know that some language and anthropology scholars believe that poetry predates literacy? Poetry is one of the world’s oldest and most venerated art forms. As storytellers, there’s simply a ton of value in learning more about what makes poetry so special, as well as what makes it so historically important. We’re going to break down the history of poetry by looking at some examples from William Shakespeare and Langston Hughes. By the end, you’ll know how poetry started, what different types of poems there are, and how you can become a master of the craft -- but first,…
Bards rejoice, it’s time to get lyrical -- everybody else, we’re here to review the mystery of iambic pentameter. At one point or another, we’ve all asked the question: what is iambic pentameter? If you’ve found the answer to be elusive, that’s because iambic pentameter is a relic of rhythm’s past… or is it?We’re going to break down iambic pentameter, with examples from Shakespeare, The Meyerowitz Stories, and some of hip-hop’s most iconic artists, so that you can apply different writing “foots” to your cinema dialogue in new, and exciting ways. But before we jump into some iambic pentameter examples,…
What is black comedy? Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and wondered how the characters could joke about violence, disease, or war? That’s what we refer to as black comedy.It goes by many names. Dark humor. Gallows humor. Dark comedy. It all means the same thing. And in this blog, you’ll learn the history of black humor and see some examples, so you can see if you want to incorporate these kinds of jokes into your next project. Let’s dive in.Continue reading What is Black Comedy — Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
When looking at some of cinema and literature’s most iconic characters, it's easy to find ones that are non-human. Animals, androids, and other non-human characters, however, have somehow won our hearts over in countless tales. This is largely due to the fact that these non-human characters are given human traits, otherwise known as anthropomorphism. What is anthropomorphism used for? Let’s define anthropomorphism and its function in the world of storytelling. Continue reading What is Anthropomorphism — Definition, Examples & Uses
