Investigating the Concept of Expressing Joy: A Linguistic Exploration
In the world of literature, happiness is often a neglected element, relegated to fleeting moments in flashbacks or memories. However, a recent novel titled "Happy All the Time" by Laurie Colwin challenges this norm, offering a refreshing take on the role of happiness in storytelling.
Published in 1978, "Happy All the Time" presents a unique approach to character development. By showcasing what characters have to lose or gain, happiness is used as a tool to lighten the mood and make readers care about the characters' fates. This is a departure from many novels where happiness is scarcely found, if at all.
The article discusses examples of such tranquil scenes in popular literature, such as Frodo taking his bath in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and Elizabeth Bennet visiting Charlotte in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." These moments, while seemingly insignificant, provide a much-needed respite from the relentless pace of the plot.
In many novels, the need for a moving plot often results in the omission of these tranquil scenes in movie adaptations. However, the article suggests a novel idea: plotting for filler scenes where nothing significant happens, but where a normal, happy moment of life is captured.
The reviewer praises Colwin as one of the few recent authors who write about happiness in a meaningful way. Characters in her novels are not always completely happy during these happy moments, but there is usually a level of tranquility present, offering readers a much-needed break from the usual fast-paced narrative.
The article raises an interesting question: do characters have to ride the plot, spastically rushing from one event to the next, or can we dare to take time out to enjoy life? Colwin's work serves as a reminder that happiness, while not always the main focus of a story, can significantly enhance the reader's experience.
