Myth and Metaphor: Part 1
In the beginning of constructing a metaphor, details should be kept to a minimum. Chunk up as much as possible. No more than two or three characters are needed to convey the message. It is often that inanimate objects like rocks and trees, for example, can be used as characters in the metaphor.
Depending on the audience and the problem being addressed, we can even use mythical creatures. Since this piece is about weaving myth and metaphor, this is exactly what I’ll be doing.
The metaphor must not be strictly isomorphic, but the problem should at least be associated with that of the main character.
Yesterday, I decided which problems would be addressed, but I’ll reiterate for clarity’s sake. Suppose I have a friend who has doubts about his own abilities to succeed in life. His fear is blocking him to take action. Perhaps he was told by his family he would never succeed at anything and is still living this childhood trance. He may be good at many things, but underestimates his own abilities and believes everyone else can do many things better than he can. Of course this is not based on logic and reality, but rather his belief of himself.
As it turns out this problem is not uncommmon, and ignorant parents continue to pass on their ridiculous trances onto their children. It is interesting to note that some of my writings trigger negative past experiences in some readers, causing them to relive those childhood trances. I recognize their attacks as such and offer to help them.
The main character has a problem with fear and self-doubt. He would like to conquer his fear and be self-confident.
Write down something similar to the following:
Main Character
problem————->outcome
fear, self-doubt—–>conquer fear, self-confidence
The main character already has the abilities to achieve the desired outcome, but is just not aware of it. I have chosen the Norse myths to work with, and therefore I have decided that he will be a hunter and warrior who admires the village shaman for his ability to heal. The shaman also tells stories of the Gods that the villagers live their lives by. Because of this he is very precious to the villagers and receives many gifts.
The main character doesn’t feel he has much more to give than the meat, pelts, furs, and skins of the animals he hunts. Up to this point I have addressed his problem of self-doubt, but I am still unsure how I will work the problem of fear into the story.
Remember, a good metaphor can take months to construct, even years. Don’t start out by trying to write award winning prose. After some months of telling and rewriting the metaphor, your unconscious will reveal ways to build on it you never thought possible.
Join me tomorrow as I continue to mix myth and metaphor.
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