Literary Theory - Essay Example

Plot “Plot is the good last resort and the dullard’s first choice. The story which results from it is apt to feel artificial and labored.” (King 164) Most writers begin their stories by sitting down and figuring out their plot – the main idea of the story. They work off of that idea by making outlines; charting the story and writing it before actually getting to the writing portion of it. When a story is that well planned, it will not move as smoothly as it possibly could. “…There is a huge difference between story and plot. Story is honorable and trustworthy; plot is shifty, and best kept under house arrest.” (King 170) A basic idea, the story, is all that is needed to write a naturally flowing novel. Some of the best-written novels are the ones that were written as the ideas came to light, and not from something planned and written in advance. Sometimes it is best to let the story take a hold of itself and for you, as the writer, to merely follow it and be the medium by which it is told. Description “…Good description usually consists of a few well-chosen details that will stand for everything else.” (King 175) Many writers tend to go overboard with their description, describing the exact shade of green of a hill and every blade of grass on it. If it is not relevant to the story, it should not be written. If it is something that is obvious, such as the frightened look on the face of a mother whose son was kidnapped, then it should be ignored. If it is something that the reader already knows, then they do not need reminding of it. “Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.” (King 174) Especially when it comes to the appearance of the characters, let the reader paint the picture. When most readers are introduced to a character, their idea of how the character should look is formed in their mind’s eye. It would only disrupt the reading process if the character were to suddenly take on a completely different appearance. Dialogue “…The key to writing good dialogue is honesty.” (King 185) Readers trust and connect more with books and writing when it is on a level that they can understand, especially where dialogue is concerned. An uneducated person is not going to speak in perfect grammar in real life, so there is no reason that they should be able to in fiction. Good dialogue is dialogue that can be easily believed depending on the situation and on the character that is speaking it. “[…] Your promise to express the truth of how people act and talk through the medium of a made-up story.” (King 186) If the way a character talks is believable to the reader, than the writer has succeeded at making a convincing character. Writing An overall writing tip, which sums up the whole of the other tips and pieces of advice, is that if you want to write, you have to read and write a lot (King 145). It is important to be aware of words, grammar usage, and the different styles of writing that different authors have, so that you may be able to develop your own. Other pluses to reading and writing are that you can understand sentence structure, plot and character development, and great dialogue. To be a great writer, an effort must be made to write as often as possible. “If God gives you something that you can do, why in God’s name wouldn’t you do it?” (King 152) If you can write, and you want to write, it only makes sense to write. “The Hotel Story” Even after all of this, Mike could not understand how Olin still thought that he could talk him out of staying in room 1408. Though he could not explain it, he had his heart set on staying in the room, and he was going to see himself through it, despite the words of an overcautious hotel manager. Olin nodded and said, “Very well.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small rusted key. He stood up and beckoned Mike to do the same. “If you will just follow me, I will take you to your room.” About time, Mike thought to himself, hoisting his overnight bag onto his shoulder, following Olin out the door and up a flight of mahogany stairs. They went up another flight, and then another; Mike could not understand why they could not just have taken an elevator. Then Olin began to talk. “You see, Mr. Enslin, the history of room 1408 –“ but Mike cut him short. “Excuse me, Mr. Olin, while I do appreciate your … concern, I can assure you that no matter what you have to say about the room, you will not be able to convince me out of staying in it.” Olin sighed. “Of course, sir.” Recognizing defeat, he led himself and Mike to the nearest elevator and to the fourteenth floor. They walked down a long, narrow hallway, stopping in front of room 1408. Olin cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak; he thought better of it and closed his mouth, shaking his head slightly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key, handing it to Mike. “If you need anything … don’t hesitate to ask.” Mike took the key from Olin, and said, “Thank you, I will keep that in mind. And thanks for cooperating.” He winked at Olin and slid the key into the lock, listening to Olin’s retreating footsteps. Mike opened the door, expecting to see something that suggested the eerie past of the room, but merely saw a typical hotel room: the array of old-fashioned furniture and the bland decorations, though there was an air of neglect, as though it had long since seen a good cleaning. Mike had to hold back the laughter that was threatening to burst from his lips; the superstitions of some people were ridiculous. He threw his bag onto the bed and went to have a look out the window. It was typical city nightlife. Hotel rooms were naturally creepy places, but nothing was out of place in this one. After Mike wandered around the room, inspecting every nook and cranny and making notes, he sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard. “It is just an average hotel room that people happen to be afraid of,” he said aloud. “Nothing to be afraid of.” His eyes scanned the room, looking from wall to wall, corner to corner. A sound stopped his train of thought and his heart; footsteps were making their way across his room. Goosebumps formed along his arms; the hair on the back of his neck and on his arms stood on end. He shook his head, trying to clear his mind – he must be imagining things. It was an eerie hotel room after all. The atmosphere was playing with his mind, his emotions. His reactions were to be expected. The footsteps stopped. The window flew open, and a harsh wind played at the curtains. Mike stood – a difficult feat, as he could not control his shaking body – and made his way to the window. Despite the warmth of the city air, chills coursed through his body. With one hand on each side of the windowpane, he looked out to view the city below him. Everything seemed as it should. The window must have been unlocked, or just loose, he thought to himself. He could think of no other explanation, and he was not about to except the fact that room 1408 had spirits of a cruel nature. Footsteps sounded from behind him. Cold, dead hands placed themselves on his back, giving him a push. The air rushed around him, a roaring in his ears. Not even he was able to witness what happened next. Read More