Essay 1: Option 1y: Spin-off from objective 7: Describe and evaluate differences and potential overlap between popular and literary forms of fiction and / or poetry.

Bryan McDonald      

Not Too Late to be Literary

Coming into this course I knew little about fiction other than the few books that were making headlines, or those that had been produced into movies over the last decade. Aside from the typical AP reading curriculum my interaction with “literary” fiction was quite limited, or so I learned during this course. Any distinction between literary and popular fiction was unknown to me prior to this course. I was quite surprised to learn the contrasting styles that compose each. Particularly the notion of plot and character development seemed significant. Each time the term popular fiction was presented, I could not help but imagine a poorly composed Arnold Schwarzenegger movie (Sorry. That is just what I think of). Such movies and/or fiction pieces leave little to be deciphered in terms of character depth. Minot adds that, “In simple work, conflict is heightened at the expense of character development.” (218). Such heroes and villains often both to be polar opposites. Yet in terms of literary fiction, both internal and external conflict are used to expose depth in a character.

            I have found that in reading, writing, and even watching television, I have become cognizant in the elements of both literary and popular ideals. Although I suppose you cannot really define television as literary (ha). Yet, being aware of the differences as kept me concentrated in my own writing. My current work, and submission for this class, God’s Plan, contains elements of each category. However, I have hopes, given the message it entails, to develop a more literary piece of fiction. Therefore, I have begun thoughts to eliminate some of the elements of exposition which Minot states makes readers have difficulty “to enter the story” (238). I aim to allow my characters to expand based on the plot rather than their own thoughts. But surely, I will allow some to remain in efforts to move the story along.

            Unfortunately, I have never, prior to this class I heard of any distinction between the two styles. As I said previously, my only real interactions with qualified literary pieces are through high school and college course. Even then, it was not a notion that has been discussed. But I do suppose I had an unknown distinction between the two.

            I have become quite drawn to the elements that entail a literary piece. However, I do believe, for me at least, it may prove to be more difficult writing a literary piece. But the depth and planning that are required are very interesting to me. I hope that in my writing future, I can compose such pieces with success.