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| ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS intent and motive are action's shadows |
This April, I am posting in accordance with Orwell's Third Law of sentence construction. ;)
George Orwell says:
WHEN WRITING A SENTENCE YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF:
1. What am I trying to say?
2. What words will express it?
3. What image or idiom will make it clearer?
The word idiom has both Latin and Greek origins. In either language idiom means something special or a special phrasing of one's own. The key to images and idioms is they should make the meaning clearer and they should be one's own and so fresh, unique and true to the setting of the story.
Images or idioms can be used to add historical context, emotional depth or meanings beyond the literal.
Sometimes the idiom or image can be used to reveal a truth that may not be obvious to the character or to the reader.
From HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
"Draco, do it, or stand aside so one of us -" screeched the woman, but at that precise moment the door to the ramparts burst open once more and there stood Snape, his wand clutched in his hand as his black eyes swept the scene, from Dumbledore slumped against the wall, to the four Death Eaters, including the enraged werewolf, and Malfoy.
The readers knew Harry's broom was leaning against the wall too, most of us who were following along in Harry's POV forgot that even when JK provided us with this little reminder.
Intent and motive are the shadows behind every action, when actions speak louder than words.
DO YOU HAVE A THEME FOR YOUR A TO Z CHALLENGE POSTS?
Oh, good example! I like your theme for the challenge.
ReplyDeleteHi Clarissa
DeleteThank you. I think imagery is able to provide the texture to the basic words in the sentence - a little more subtle than a smiley face. :)
This is really fascinating stuff-- love the George Orwell list. I think I'll copy it down somewhere because that is such a great list! My theme is the making and selling of books. I only wish I had hours a day to visit all the posts, because so far they have been absolutely great stuff!
ReplyDeleteI have Orwell's list for sentence construction pinned on the board, here, too :)
DeleteGreat list and A post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Glynis, that's kind of you to say so.
DeleteYour theme is great! I've never heard of George Orwell's list before but I like it.
ReplyDeleteHi Alessa
Delete*grins Thank you. Isn't Orwell a genius? He really helped me learn to tighten up my work.
Good questions to ask.
ReplyDeletewelcome to me
yummy stuff
Did you choose a theme? Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteGreat idea! Love the example.
ReplyDeleteHi Tasha
Delete*huge grin
Thank you. I'm very fond of the example. I first read it on a mad keen Potter fan's sight. I never doubted Snape's loyalty, even when things were at their worst. I was subliminally affected by the clue, obviously ;)
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ReplyDelete(My first comment didn't seem to publish, so I'm trying again.)
ReplyDeleteI've never heard heard of Orwell's Law before, but it was fascinating to read about. I've bookmarked this for future reference.
My theme for the A-Z Challenge is science. :)
The Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
So it did publish. Sigh. :P
DeleteI like to sweep scenes with my eyes, too. It's the best way to keep them clear of riffraff.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway, I think I may have seen Orwell's Laws in passing before, but it'll be great to see them in action.