Today's reading is about how "the supernatural world is rich in symbolism" according to Mr. White. He further says that "writing is a kind of occult, shamanistic activity in the way it enhances the reality of symbols." According to Mr White writers use words to "conjure up" new realities. This is particularly true in the genre of horror fiction which is loaded with symbolism and also generates even more symbolism just by the telling of the story. As I read that paragraph I did not think of "Hansel and Gretel" and the picture of the gingerbread house but of the white hockey mask that is forever linked in many peoples' minds now with murder and mayhem thanks to the "Jason" movies.
"For Further Reflection" today speaks of how there are a number of symbols that are recognized as either good or evil so that when a writer uses these symbols they do not have to state that they are good or evil the reader just automatically knows. However, the writer can also generate their own symbols.
Today's "Try This" assignment:
1. Make a list of objects (lamps, old photographs, trophies, clocks) that might carry symbolic value in an occult story.
2. Work up a horro story that includes conventional symbols of good and evil along with symbols of one or the other, or both, that you have invented.
This is an assignment that I will probably not do, or be very slow about doing. Basically because I do not like the genre of horror or sci-fi. They just do not appeal to me and never have. In fact, in spite of the fact that they are considered classic literature, I have never read (nor do I plan too) The Pit and the Pendulum, or Frankenstein. Even when required reading in Americal or English Lit I would do the quick read through of the cliff notes if at all possible. If there was an alternative I would chose the alternative assignment.
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