Introduction: A Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery
What makes a story resonate through the ages, echo in our hearts, and engrain itself in the very fabric of society? If you've ever wondered this, you're not alone. Much like a multi-faceted gem, stories can be disorienting, even chaotic in their construction, yet strikingly beautiful and radiant when properly crafted.
It's an unsettling notion, but this initial chaos isn't unusual—it's the essence of human complexity, the amalgamation of experience, perception, and aspiration. And it might be that the chaos is not the problem but the absence of a guiding light, a lack of wisdom to illuminate the way. This essay aims to be that light by positing that every truly great story fundamentally orbits around the thematic significance of the "beauty of virtuous love, and the love for virtuous beauty."
Chapter 1: The Cornerstone — Virtuous Love & Virtuous Beauty
Every story, when stripped to its core, reveals a need for virtue and love. Virtuous love brings into existence a paradoxical interplay of sacrifice and gain, of giving and receiving. It challenges our everyday perceptions and presents a model of what could be, or rather, what should be. Virtuous beauty, on the other hand, isn't just about aesthetic pleasure; it is a transcendent form of beauty that propels us into a state of awe and reverence, compelling us to love virtue itself. These cornerstones form the thematic significance of a narrative.
Thematic Significance: More Than Just a Theme
What do we mean by 'thematic significance'? It is the undercurrent that gives your story its weight and density. For instance, consider a being who solipsistically crafts worlds with its character, each character representing an insecurity within the creator. This isn't a character flaw; it's an exploration of the universally human quest for self-discovery, a thematic mirror of our own existential crises. It shows that even beings of immense power can be prisoners of their own thoughts and feelings, adding depth and relatability to an otherwise extraordinary character.
Chapter 2: The Mirror of Art — Storytelling's Inherent Bias
We, as writers, are bound by our limited perspectives, ideals, and cultural imprints. We can't avoid it; storytelling is inherently biased. Our subjective nature, the imprint of our convictions and insecurities, will inevitably seep into the fabric of our tales. But that's not a flaw; it's a feature. It makes the story authentic and relatable.
However, because we're imperfect, our stories will also be imperfect—filled with plot holes, inconsistent character arcs, and other limitations. This should humble us. It should remind us that only a maximally loving, omniscient, and omnipotent Being could craft a perfect story. Thus, our stories become reflections, imitations of the divine narrative, not aiming for an exact copy but a portrait of what can be in a fallen world.
Chapter 3: The Soul of the Story — Characters and Relationships
If a story were a living body, characters would be its beating heart. Characters are significantly more challenging to create than worlds or plots because they are the story's soul, often reflecting the very essence of the human condition. Therefore, character development should not be a shallow endeavor; instead, it should strive for complexity and depth, beyond mere archetypes or stereotypes.
The Secret Weapon: The Writer's Character and Wisdom
As writers, our wisdom and virtues are our most valuable assets. They provide us with the discernment necessary to craft a compelling narrative, to breathe life into our characters, and to communicate themes with profundity.
Principles of Writing: A Guiding Light
1. Begin with the End in Mind
Your thematic endpoint provides the gravitational center around which your story will revolve. Whether you aim to explore grand themes of redemption, the complexities of human relationships, or the transformative power of virtuous love, your end goal will shape your narrative and characters.
2. The Double Learning Principle
Before you even write a single word, arm yourself with wisdom and knowledge. Consult those who possess more experience and understanding. This process isn't just about correcting grammar; it's about refining your vision and message.
3. Narrative Structure
Like a well-designed building, your story needs architectural integrity. Its elements should not only be cohesive but must also flow naturally towards the thematic end you have envisioned.
4. The Power of the Present Moment
Be mindful as you write. Each word, each sentence is a brushstroke on the canvas of your tale.
Conclusion: The Symphony of Words
In crafting a good story, we don't merely string words together; we create a living, breathing world illuminated by the beauty of virtuous love and the love for virtuous beauty. This is our humble endeavor as writers—to touch the divine and share that fleeting glimpse with the world.
So when you embark on your literary journey, remember this: A good story may not change the world, but it can certainly change the people in it. And sometimes, that's even better.
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Vice and virtue
Literary techniques
Learn grammar
Use emphasis words
Learn poetry
Use metaphors, colorful, vivid language. Appeal strongly to the five senses.
Symbolic techniques
Correlate meaning with physical grandeur/beauty.
Appeal to vice and virtue.
1. Characters, family
2. Plot
3. Details
4. Introductions
5. Story
6. Flow
7. Setting
8. Background/culture/lore/worldbuilding
9. Pictures
10. Nature & Aesthetics
11. Literary devices
12. Symbolism
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