by Tom Upton

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: February 18, 2009

PROSE FORMS: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RITUAL

Of all the prose forms, the ritual form may be the most versatile.

In literature and contemporary fiction, the ritual form is often recognizable by the use of certain words: would'(will' in the present tense), usual' or usually,' sometimes,' never,' seldom,' always.' If you are reading a book and run across any of these words, you are probably reading an example of the ritual form.

The ritual form can prove to be an important building block of a story. The form can be simple, summed up in a simple sentence. For instance:

Every morning he would walk down to the corner store, and usually it was an uneventful experience.

Or the form can run on for pages, describing in intricate deal some ritual, routine or habit. Because it is as simple or as complex as you want to make it, the ritual form is invaluable both in the writing of long or short works of fiction or non-fiction.

The ritual form can be used to great effect in a character sketch. Which, really, is the more effective?

He was spry for his age. His gray hair was close-cropped, and his eyes twinkled when he spoke. Although he looked forward to retirement, the only hobby he had to pass the time was fishing.

or

When he moved, there was never a hitch or paused that hinted he felt the aches others his age often suffered. His graying hair was closed cropped- the way he would always wear it since his marine days. His blue eyes twinkled whenever he spoke to you, although sometimes, when he was alone, the would drift in a dull searching way. Although he had looked forward to retirement, he never realized exactly how much free time he would have. His only hobby was fishing, which was becoming more boring and lonely each time he grabbed his rod and reel. Early some mornings, he would stow is gear in his van, and drive down to the lake, where he would sit on the pier, gaze at the empty sky, and usually catch nothing. The only time he would get any actual joy out of fishing now was on gloomy rainy days, when he'd wear his waterproof poncho, and people thought he was crazy for sitting out on the pier in the pouring rain. He liked the idea that people didn't understand him at all.

Although this is a rough example, you can see how the ritual form can be used to enhance a character sketch. The description of a person has more to do with their actions, and habits, than it does with how they appear. If you don't believe that, look through the Bible- exactly what does Jesus Christ look like? How

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>