Using rhythm to evoke emotion
When writing there is one area I am not great at leveraging. That's rhythm or meter. I don't hear meter naturally like some people do so I have to really break down the meter in order to work on it. And then what? I'm not even sure what I'm going to convey if I do manage to restructure the writing in a particular way. However, I am aware that it is a moderately useful tool and so I'd like to add it to my bag.
For instance, I know that very quick paced writing can add a feeling of breathlessness that can evoke excitement or anxiety.
Then what? I don't really know any others. That's the only one I've ever used.
What are some ways I can use the rhythm and meter of the words to evoke emotions beyond just what the words say?
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1 answer
Take a dance class.
I'm not joking. If you feel the rhythm in your body, you will be better able to evoke it on the page.
Going to dance performances is also helpful but you need to understand the feeling first before you can see how the professional do it.
It's not just the beat of the music in dance. It's the breath. The juxtaposition of quiet movement with the grande. Musicians and singers understand this as well. But dancers show it in every part of their bodies. Even without a sound.
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