Apparently,
there are no real rules in writing anymore … more’s the pity as my Grandma C used
to say. My belief is you need to learn the rules, to know which to ignore and which
are truly necessary.
It’s
in your authorship best interest to allow a few of your best and worst critics to review a manuscript prior to publishing, and catch a faux pas or two, like too
much of a good thing …
BATHOS (bāʹthäs’) n. – 1) an abrupt, often ludicrous
change from the lofty to the ordinary or trivial in writing or speech,
unintentional anticlimax; 2) false pathos, sentimentality; 3) hackneyed
quality, triteness. [WW #231]
Interesting
additional dictionary note: Synonym for pathos: “… names that quality, in a real
situation or in a literary or artistic work, which evokes sympathy and a sense of sorrow or
pity; bathos applies to a false or overdone pathos that is absurd in
its effect …”
Back to “these days” in writing, the absurd is patently common. How are we to
know when it crosses the bathos / pathos line? Ask your critique readers. Truly listen to their comments and suggestions.
They could be right, ya know.
Word Challenge: BATHOS. Use it as a bad example, a farce, or truly unique prose, as
you slip bathos into your week of enlightened
writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s
your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of
three) in her Blast from Your Past series about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales
make GREAT Holiday Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
Note: Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary.
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally
visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of
reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own
discretion.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz