tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post7148378677572475337..comments2023-08-28T03:11:38.347-07:00Comments on The Scribblers Cove: DarknessRebecca J. Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13266492065285468391noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post-88233248992376282212011-12-30T19:39:57.102-08:002011-12-30T19:39:57.102-08:00I remember growing up and reading The Wizard Of Ea...I remember growing up and reading The Wizard Of Earthsea for the first time. That book was powerful to me because for some reason in my sheltered life I'd never really understood that darkness and all its associates were real--but when Ged ran into that darkness and it was real, and tangible, and powerful, it impacted me.<br /><br />I learned that it's not a good plan to seek it out, but it's a great plan to be aware of it, respect it, and guard yourself against it. And I learned this through a fictional character, as he learned it.<br /><br />I'm sure I would have grapsed this as I grew in real life, but it probably would have been painful. (Learning in real life is almost always painful for me.Sheesh.) I'm grateful I got this one in a safe--even entertaining--way.<br /><br />Now, The Wizard Of Earthsea isn't a dark book, but it has darkness in it. Darkness has it's place. A hero can't be a hero without and antagonist. And like Ged, we all have evil within us. Learning to confront it and triumph over it is a good thing.Hermana Mawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15743516008894676257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post-63178636407887487572011-12-30T17:41:37.610-08:002011-12-30T17:41:37.610-08:00There's a character in the book named Chairasc...There's a character in the book named Chairascuro, and the author explores this theme of light, darkness, and stories very much. It is a good book, and a beautiful read-aloud. You should check it out for your next audio book.Rebecca J. Carlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13266492065285468391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post-81748546317836347942011-12-30T17:34:10.170-08:002011-12-30T17:34:10.170-08:00Rebecca, no, I haven't read it - not yet anywa...Rebecca, no, I haven't read it - not yet anyway. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.Jonene Ficklinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13414949303542133724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post-22340573704012047322011-12-30T16:14:25.201-08:002011-12-30T16:14:25.201-08:00Great thoughts, Amber. Thanks for posting today!
...Great thoughts, Amber. Thanks for posting today!<br /><br />I think what makes Katniss such a strong heorine in the first "Hunger Games" book is that she is surrounded by darkness but does not give in to that darkness. She does not become darkness herself. And the greater a darkness your character has to fight, the more triumph when she doesn't give in.<br /><br />I like what you said about chiarascuro, Jonene. Have you read "The Tale of Despereaux?"Rebecca J. Carlsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13266492065285468391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post-12779586347448757372011-12-30T16:07:03.567-08:002011-12-30T16:07:03.567-08:00In art, it takes darkness to truly show the light....In art, it takes darkness to truly show the light. Some old masters, like Rembrandt and Caravaggio were famous for a technique called Chiarascuro, where most of the painting was dark, but the focus of the painting was clearly highlighted and became mesmerizing. I think it's the same with books - and the darkness/conflict is well used if it highlights the good. I agree with Kasey. The amount of darkness each person tolerates or likes is completely individual. Personally, if a book makes me suffer, the end better be worth it, and I do need some 'happy' rewards along the way. <br /><br />Best of luck finding your balance. I know you will.Jonene Ficklinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13414949303542133724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962109490336177665.post-91804146484656619882011-12-30T14:55:07.764-08:002011-12-30T14:55:07.764-08:00I am a firm believer that without the darkness you...I am a firm believer that without the darkness you can't appreciate the light. Your post made me think back to this musical production my brother was in called The Garden. It's an allegorical musical, and my brother was portraying the character of Satan. The entire production is very moving and inspiring, and he was really struggling with how he could portray this character without bringing the whole thing down into a dark place. Afterward, I told him that I felt like he gave it just the touch of darkness that it needed for the audience to truly appreciate the lightness to come- really, it was the whole "it's always darkest before the dawn" thing. I think that each reader has their own "darkness threshold" and that each author has the artistic right to find their own balance that they believe is true to the story they're trying to tell. If it's not one reader's cup of tea, then that's okay too (like me- McCarthy's The Road was tooooo much darkness for me). <br /><br />Thanks for the thoughts!Kasey @ Mormon Mommy Writershttp://www.mormonmommywriters.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com