- Joined
- Jul 19, 2017
- Messages
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
Hello,
Not sure where to ask this, but, my question is about symbolism in Medieval or Renaissance art or literature, and applying it to a story.
If I wrote a story set in the Middle Ages, and I wanted to use a flower (baby's breath/gypsophila is one) for purity, can my character directly reference its meaning in dialogue?
(I imagine the main conflict is if it was ascribed the meaning which I am using, in say, 1800, or some other later date)
(And I use the word "can" to mean, in your opinion, without jarring a reader terribly)
Or, is it better to narrate it? (I am likely going with Omniscient POV as I very much like the distance and tone it creates in my writing)
Or, is ascribing meaning and identifying patterns of use, something we did later over the years?
My instinct is that it depends on the item (and that we did this both then, and over the years).
And my guess is that I would need to research the art of the times and literature. But I admit, I am a bit lost ... For all I know, the concept of symbolic meaning in arts wasn't ever consciously spoken of even if it was widely practiced. And if that is the case, (your opinion) is it jarring if I had a character speak of it?
While I have a few common, symbolic items I will throw in my story, and one or two I may create or adapt myself, I have one scene in dialogue where I want my character(s) to reference the symbolism of a few flowers (probably baby's breath, lily, and daisy).
Also, it is actually not Middle Ages, but fantasy, with some leeway over time and worlds, and some overlapping of them if needed for the story (But I am trying to work with a core of a Medieval/Renaissace flavor of my created world, and to branch out only as needed). I also have my own art, festivals, mythologies in the making (or will adapt them to fit my world) and can incorporate any such flowers into them, as needed.
Thank You, in advance, for any assistance you may provide. Have a nice day.
Not sure where to ask this, but, my question is about symbolism in Medieval or Renaissance art or literature, and applying it to a story.
If I wrote a story set in the Middle Ages, and I wanted to use a flower (baby's breath/gypsophila is one) for purity, can my character directly reference its meaning in dialogue?
(I imagine the main conflict is if it was ascribed the meaning which I am using, in say, 1800, or some other later date)
(And I use the word "can" to mean, in your opinion, without jarring a reader terribly)
Or, is it better to narrate it? (I am likely going with Omniscient POV as I very much like the distance and tone it creates in my writing)
Or, is ascribing meaning and identifying patterns of use, something we did later over the years?
My instinct is that it depends on the item (and that we did this both then, and over the years).
And my guess is that I would need to research the art of the times and literature. But I admit, I am a bit lost ... For all I know, the concept of symbolic meaning in arts wasn't ever consciously spoken of even if it was widely practiced. And if that is the case, (your opinion) is it jarring if I had a character speak of it?
While I have a few common, symbolic items I will throw in my story, and one or two I may create or adapt myself, I have one scene in dialogue where I want my character(s) to reference the symbolism of a few flowers (probably baby's breath, lily, and daisy).
Also, it is actually not Middle Ages, but fantasy, with some leeway over time and worlds, and some overlapping of them if needed for the story (But I am trying to work with a core of a Medieval/Renaissace flavor of my created world, and to branch out only as needed). I also have my own art, festivals, mythologies in the making (or will adapt them to fit my world) and can incorporate any such flowers into them, as needed.
Thank You, in advance, for any assistance you may provide. Have a nice day.