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Post by Octagon on Jun 23, 2024 7:43:54 GMT -6
Recently, someone told me in another thread, that I should not try to phrase things like the King James Bible, because what I write would be incomprehensible to modern audiences. But, although I understand this advice, I, willing to compromise on the use of that phrasing, still want to write in a poetic cadence, in modern language, both in fiction and in non-fiction, though not in all future works of mine.
Also, the person who created that post told me to look at modern translations, which do not use achaic phrasing like the King James Bible. However, I see that in those translations, the translators have a tendency to words things in a rhythmically flawed manner. So I want to ask you: Can I write in a poetic cadence, without flaws like those of modern translations, but resembling the cadence of the King James Bible, with modern diction and syntax, without irritating readers?
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Post by Alatariel on Jun 23, 2024 12:54:59 GMT -6
Recently, someone told me in another thread, that I should not try to phrase things like the King James Bible, because what I write would be incomprehensible to modern audiences. But, although I understand this advice, I, willing to compromise on the use of that phrasing, still want to write in a poetic cadence, in modern language, both in fiction and in non-fiction, though not in all future works of mine. Also, the person who created that post told me to look at modern translations, which do not use achaic phrasing like the King James Bible. However, I see that in those translations, the translators have a tendency to words things in a rhythmically flawed manner. So I want to ask you: Can I write in a poetic cadence, without flaws like those of modern translations, but resembling the cadence of the King James Bible, with modern diction and syntax, without irritating readers? Anything is possible. Studying conventions from older writing styles and modern will help you identify why makes something from long ago flow a certain way. One example would be the use of contractions in modern writing versus older styles. Or where descriptive adjectives tend to fall in relation to the noun. The use of poetic devices like alliteration, assonance, meter, and chiasmas. The key is to not copy, but to emulate. To make it your own based on both archaic writing and modern poetry. Keep in mind, the bible was translated from other languages many times over, the wording is strange due to translation choices and issues. It's not really a stylistic choice. |
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Post by ScintillaMyntan on Jun 23, 2024 15:06:28 GMT -6
Can I suggest using 19th century writing instead of the King James Bible as your example? There's lots of more poetically inclined 19th century prose while not sounding too convoluted to modern minds.
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Post by Octagon on Jun 23, 2024 17:16:33 GMT -6
Can you provide me examples I can read online?
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Post by ScintillaMyntan on Jun 23, 2024 19:39:26 GMT -6
Can you provide me examples I can read online? Perhaps you would be interested in George MacDonald, a Christian fantasy writer. www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/325 |
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Post by Octagon on Jun 24, 2024 5:07:11 GMT -6
I like his prose style. However, in my mind there are two kinds of prose style: the harmonious, and the more rhythmical. His prose style, although it has good prose rhythm, is harmonious, and not rhythmical. I want to write in both kinds of styles, each in different works.
And when I say style that is rhythmical, I do not mean
a regular drum-beat throughout a whole work. Of course it must still have a prosaic quality. But it would be somewhat verse.
Also, thank you for linking me to that story/novel. I want to read it.
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Post by ScintillaMyntan on Jun 24, 2024 21:18:57 GMT -6
I like his prose style. However, in my mind there are two kinds of prose style: the harmonious, and the more rhythmical. His prose style, although it has good prose rhythm, is harmonious, and not rhythmical. I want to write in both kinds of styles, each in different works. And when I say style that is rhythmical, I do not mean a regular drum-beat throughout a whole work. Of course it must still have a prosaic quality. But it would be somewhat verse. Also, thank you for linking me to that story/novel. I want to read it. I see what you mean. But I'm glad you will give George MacDonald a try. I have also read his novel "Lilith," which is more overtly Christian, with Adam and Eve as characters. "Phantastes" is more about his opinion on love.
You might also look at prose poems, which is a style of poetry that is written like prose, in paragraphs. |
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Post by Alatariel on Jun 24, 2024 21:33:33 GMT -6
You could try The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas though I don't know if that will scratch the itch you want for rhythmical writing. But it's one of my favorite books and I think it's written beautifully and in an old-fashioned prose style.
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Post by Octagon on Jun 26, 2024 7:57:55 GMT -6
I also want to clarify that I don't want to use the same kind of cadence used in the King James Bible, but cadence with the same or near same level of quality.
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You add them to your profile as you do them around the forum.
