The opening of Hamnet is a great example of describing the world and setting up the book’s stakes and themes. It’s a boy looking for his family in their empty house—we readers (most likely) know what is going to happen to the boy, so it’s moving to be introduced to the world through his eyes.
It makes sense that looking througha charater's eyes draws in the reader. But I was wondering why using the storytellers voice appart from any character can be just as effective? Also, how you do that without falling into info dumping?
I think the storyteller voice alone often isn't as good! But I think it works in Tolkien partly because his voice is so strong and opinionated. There's a presence there, and it may be that it's just Tolkien's specific personality that grabs me in the same way a character's might.
That does make sense. Perhaps it works for authors who have a strong voice. The narrator could carry just as much impact as an individual character when they are appealing in of themselves with how they express their thoguhts. It reminds me of how some people in social settings are natural storytellers and comedians. They are a pleasure to listen too where others not so much. Tysm for taking the time to reply, it really helped alot.
Terrific. Thanks!
Thanks, Caroline!
The opening of Hamnet is a great example of describing the world and setting up the book’s stakes and themes. It’s a boy looking for his family in their empty house—we readers (most likely) know what is going to happen to the boy, so it’s moving to be introduced to the world through his eyes.
Thank you for this! I haven't read Hamnet. I'll take a look!
It makes sense that looking througha charater's eyes draws in the reader. But I was wondering why using the storytellers voice appart from any character can be just as effective? Also, how you do that without falling into info dumping?
I think the storyteller voice alone often isn't as good! But I think it works in Tolkien partly because his voice is so strong and opinionated. There's a presence there, and it may be that it's just Tolkien's specific personality that grabs me in the same way a character's might.
That does make sense. Perhaps it works for authors who have a strong voice. The narrator could carry just as much impact as an individual character when they are appealing in of themselves with how they express their thoguhts. It reminds me of how some people in social settings are natural storytellers and comedians. They are a pleasure to listen too where others not so much. Tysm for taking the time to reply, it really helped alot.
You're welcome! And totally agreed on your social setting point too!