At the start every story, the writer makes a promise to an audience. From the start, they give you a glimpse of the outcome. In many instances, the reader feels fairly confident of how the story will end, and yet, for some reason, we continue to read because it isn't enough to know what is going to happen. We want to know how, and why. If you don't agree with me, think back to the beginning of every romance novel you've ever read. Within the first few chapters, you know how the boy is going to get with the girl. Sure, they may have numerous obstacles in their way, but you know how things are going to end up because why would the author make the protagonist so delightfully handsome and charming only for him to not end up with the female lead? Even those of you who read The Fault in our Stars probably realized early on that not only were Hazel and Augustus meant to be, but you knew that somebody would die.
But what happens when an author doesn't carry out their promise?
What if Harry hadn't defeated Lord Voldemort? What if Katniss' rebellion had been wholly unsuccessful? What if Elizabeth Bennet had married Whickham instead of Darcy? Your heart is probably racing just thinking of these possibilities. But really consider it. If you were to start reading a book where in which the author seemed to promise you something specific at the start, would you be pleasantly surprised, or furious if the author broke their promise? Part of me wants to write one of these stories, where the outcome is so unexpected that the audience is angry and awed at the same time. However, I know how mad I would be if Anne had never married Gilbert, or if Katniss had died in the middle of the rebellion.
What do you think? Is it best for an author to keep their promise? Continue the discussion in the comments!
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The Author's Unspoken Promise
At the start every story, the writer makes a promise to an audience. From the start, they give you a glimpse of the outcome. In many instances, the reader feels fairly confident of how the story will end, and yet, for some reason, we continue to read because it isn't enough to know what is going to happen. We want to know how, and why. If you don't agree with me, think back to the beginning of every romance novel you've ever read. Within the first few chapters, you know how the boy is going to get with the girl. Sure, they may have numerous obstacles in their way, but you know how things are going to end up because why would the author make the protagonist so delightfully handsome and charming only for him to not end up with the female lead? Even those of you who read The Fault in our Stars probably realized early on that not only were Hazel and Augustus meant to be, but you knew that somebody would die.
But what happens when an author doesn't carry out their promise?
What if Harry hadn't defeated Lord Voldemort? What if Katniss' rebellion had been wholly unsuccessful? What if Elizabeth Bennet had married Whickham instead of Darcy? Your heart is probably racing just thinking of these possibilities. But really consider it. If you were to start reading a book where in which the author seemed to promise you something specific at the start, would you be pleasantly surprised, or furious if the author broke their promise? Part of me wants to write one of these stories, where the outcome is so unexpected that the audience is angry and awed at the same time. However, I know how mad I would be if Anne had never married Gilbert, or if Katniss had died in the middle of the rebellion.
What do you think? Is it best for an author to keep their promise? Continue the discussion in the comments!
But what happens when an author doesn't carry out their promise?
What if Harry hadn't defeated Lord Voldemort? What if Katniss' rebellion had been wholly unsuccessful? What if Elizabeth Bennet had married Whickham instead of Darcy? Your heart is probably racing just thinking of these possibilities. But really consider it. If you were to start reading a book where in which the author seemed to promise you something specific at the start, would you be pleasantly surprised, or furious if the author broke their promise? Part of me wants to write one of these stories, where the outcome is so unexpected that the audience is angry and awed at the same time. However, I know how mad I would be if Anne had never married Gilbert, or if Katniss had died in the middle of the rebellion.
What do you think? Is it best for an author to keep their promise? Continue the discussion in the comments!
1 comment :
Ooh, good discussion. I think yes, absolutely the author should deliver on their promise. But, a plot twist here and there never hurts. ;) Like you mentioned with The Fault In Our Stars, John Green delivered on his promise, but he still managed to rip his readers' hearts out at the end. I'm okay with a little mystery and nail biting. Just as long as I'm not left screaming in frustration and tossing the book across the room.
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Ooh, good discussion. I think yes, absolutely the author should deliver on their promise. But, a plot twist here and there never hurts. ;) Like you mentioned with The Fault In Our Stars, John Green delivered on his promise, but he still managed to rip his readers' hearts out at the end. I'm okay with a little mystery and nail biting. Just as long as I'm not left screaming in frustration and tossing the book across the room.
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