Write a story in which you
experiment with some of the literary devices that Melville uses
in "The Town-Ho's Story". Read other Melville
allegories:
In an allegory every aspect of the story is
part of an extended metaphor. The microcosm reflects a much
larger macrocosm. In Melville's story, Radley and Steelkilt
represent different classes of people in conflict; Moby Dick
represents the forces of history which have driven them into
battle and will eventually resolve the issue.
Also, think about creating an interesting
frame for your story which gives your reader an imaginative hint
about how your story should be interpreted.
Keep your focus on the micro aspects of your
story. The transcendentalists believed that if you could capture
the raw details of a particular scene, a whole cosmic story came
into being. So remember that good writing appeals to all of the
senses, not just sight. Appeal to our senses of hearing, smell,
touch and taste.
Let people talk in your story. Capture the way
people really speak. Be specific about time of day and year.
Name names. Be open to the novel associations and descriptions
that your mind devises. Open your mind to everything going on
around you in your actual physical space.
Short Story
Your story will be evaluated according to the quality of your
writing as well as the following criteria:
- verisimilitude: a
realistic evocation of character in a realistic
dramatic situation
- a believable setting, a sense of time and place, use
of dialogue and interaction of characters; how is this
a day unlike any other day?
- dynamic dramatic action: a clear objective for your
central character and clear obstacles to that
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