In yesterday’s post, I wrote about Akhil Sharma’s award-winning novel, FAMILY LIFE.
In “A Conversation Between Akhil Sharma and Mohsin Hamid,”
included in the back of the book, Sharma says something that I didn’t
understand. I read it
several times and thought about it off and on for a few days. Then I sent out the following email to a half-dozen writers and teachers:
several times and thought about it off and on for a few days. Then I sent out the following email to a half-dozen writers and teachers:
I have just finished reading Akhil Sharma’s FAMILY LIFE.
There is a ‘conversation’ with the author at the back of the book. In it,
Sharma says:
I don’t understand what exposition means in this context
or why it “always contains tenderness.” I don’t know what to make of this
paragraph and yet it feels crucial to understanding the novel.
Can you shed any light on it for me???
I got a number of responses. The first to arrive was from a
published poet/short story writer, who said:
I don’t know – but my interpretation is a 'dramatized
scene' in writing is more showing: allowing the reader to enter a scene, to
feel what the character is feeling. It is close and personal. 'Exposition' is
more telling. Telling would be more gentle because it creates distance between
the reader and the characters. I’m interested in what others think...
Next to arrive was from a teacher of poetry who had read the
first response:
Ditto. Exposition, as said, seems to be telling, not
showing. But in the sense of ‘expose’ or ‘exposure,’ if vulnerabilities are
established then tender could be part of it. I wonder. Of course all this stuff
is very idiosyncratic – that’s the nice thing about language. You can make it
mean anything you want it to. (At least that’s what we learned from Alice in
W.)
From a creative writing teacher with two published books
under her belt:
Well, it doesn’t quite make sense to me either, but maybe
he’s getting at the depth of pov voice, which is reader access to the depths of
human consciousness. I guess there’s something tender about that connection. ?????
From another published author and editor:
That tenderness bit throws me. Exposition is generally
used for context or back story. Maybe he is including reflection on people and
events while avoiding judgment of them. That could require sophistication and
tenderness. What do you think?
From a writer in my critique group:
Sorry to take so long to respond but here is my two cents
worth: I am assuming from the title of the book that exposition, for the
author, carries more explanation of the characters’ emotions so that the reader
empathizes more easily, possibly with remembered experiences. Dialog is usually
more to the point and may possibly omit nuances of feeling. I think most
characters today do not discourse at length about the depth of their feelings. Hope
that helps a bit.
And, finally, from a professor of English literature with
two published novels:
I think it is bullshit and perhaps I only say that because
I don’t understand what the f**k he is talking about. Perhaps my mind is
muddled because I had to get up too early for Easter Sunrise service. Or maybe
I am f**king old and my mind is fried. Frankly, I don’t get it. I have no idea
what exposition has to do with tenderness or lack thereof. Or how it affects
the reader’s perception emotionally.
So, now it’s your turn. Do you agree with any of the above? If
not, what do you think Sharma meant? I really would like to understand.
And if by chance you know him, would you please ask for me? Inquiring
minds…
Thank you.
i have a thought on your question which i love...Here's a go...
ReplyDeletewhen I think of exposition (in this context), I think that he may approach those scenes more indirectly. It is not always necessary to say someone has been hit or molested or damaged. Some say it well with the turn of the weather, the shut of a door, a look on a character's face--building and layering in a complex and powerful way (this does require a sensitive, alert, and receptive kind of reader)
the dramatic scenes -- they guarantee that bang... they are heart wrenching, door slamming-- they are clear cut, leaving no ambiguity in the readers' minds...drama bangers that deliver in an entirely different way.
Great response! Thank you.
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