Every day we interact with objects, places and sensations that affect the way we think and feel. This can be used to the writer's advantage by planting symbols in the reader's path to reinforce a specific message, feeling or idea.
Look at the setting and the character's state of mind, and then think about what you want the reader to see. Is there a descriptive symbol or two that works naturally within the scene to help foreshadow an event or theme, or create insight into the character's emotional plight?
In Nature:
Spider's web
A strangler fig
Vines
Boa constrictor
Quicksand
Undertow/Riptides
Blizzards
Thickets
Mud holes
Thickets
Mud holes
Venus fly trap/carnivorous plants
Chains
HandcuffsShackles
Stocks
Ropes
Animal traps
Mask
A whip
Prison/dungeon
Alcohol/drugs
Slavery
Slave shipsPlantations
Harem girls
Domestic abuse
Fear
Mental disorders
Mental institutions
Phobias
Hypnotism
Svengali
Robots
These are just a few examples of things one might associate with bondage. Some are more powerful than others. A set of heavy shackles is a strong
symbol, and likely will not require reinforcement. Mental illness, on the other hand, may not foreshadow bondage on its own. Let the story's tone decide if one strong symbol or several smaller ones work the best.
11 comments:
I particularly like quicksand--I think it's not only the connotation of helplessness, but also slowly sinking and the pending suffocation that makes it particularly vivid for me. I'm feeling claustrophobic just thinking about it.
Another great post!
Okay, that tree, coupled with this post = creepy.
Bondage is a tough area to write but necessary in some stories(like my own, lol.)to further the growth/coming to terms/rise to power of the heroine/hero in those situations. I will definitely think of using some of your examples in my own work!!
Hi Angela, I saw you highlighted on Melissa's site and thought I'd stop by and say hello. Nice to meet you, I've enjoyed my visit.
If you're ever at a loss for bondage symbols, you can always go to google and image search it.
Just make sure you're on safe mode first. Love the picture of the tree.
Lol. While coming up with ideas, I made the mistake of googling symbols for bondage. Ewwwwww. Hence the added 'enslavement' to the title. Just so no visitors are misled...
This will help nicely with my new project!! :-)
Just stopping by to say thanks for your return visit, its great that you have become a follower. x
I was a little worried when I saw the title Ü I laugh that you googled it without thinking of the consequences.
Funny Stuff I Write
another great list. Way to go guys!
You know words or habits can also be a bondage if there is a strong emotional reason for them.
Heather
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