One may ask the
same question in the title^ about actors or fine artists. Where in the artistic process and being does emotionality fit?
Seems to me that
the subject is not how much the creative person feels, but how much empathy
they have for others' feelings. Unless the writing is entirely about self, the
power to put oneself in another’s overalls is key.
In addition to
enhanced empathy, there’s something called mirror-touch synesthesia, where others’ physical sensations are literally felt in
one’s own body. Some quantified version of this is operative in good writing.
There is a price to pay for being an empath. Just take a
look at artists. The talented ones cultivate ways to express what they
sense, thus producing books, painting, and theater performances. But this comes
after the first principal: feel another's joy but also devastation.
Ah, the joys of being human.
9 comments:
This makes sense. I'm a sympathetic cryer. If I see someone crying, I start crying. It happens all the time when I watch TV, too. I can't NOT feel other people's emotions.
Empathy is such an important part of being human, of caring for each other. You're right that it's also an important part of good writing.
I agree that the ability to put oneself in another's shoes is key to being able to write about their feelings (or act them in a role.) It seems, though, that the ability to feel deeply is part of the ability to empathize. I can't imagine an unemotional person being an empath. (Although I think empaths are able to control their emotions, which is a different issue.) Great question!
I think what we feel is the most important when it comes to reading pleasure. We read to experience different lives, realities. I think most writers are both empaths/sympaths because we have to step into others' shoes to write believably. Right now I'm reading a book that leaves me cold and I would put it aside except that a friend wants to discuss it. And I realize that the author doesn't feel any love for her characters. It shows.
The books that make me feel the most usually are among my favourites. Off the top of my head, four MGs that did this were THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary Schmidt, his new one, JUST LIKE THAT, WONDER, and WATERSHIP DOWN.
I'm reading Schmidt's JUST LIKE THAT right now, Barbara :)
If memory serves me right, the first time I wept reading a book was for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” It was only the beginning of tears for books and movies. I get all emotional when a tree is cut down too; I feel it in my body even when limbs and tops are lopped off for trimming—seems brutal to me.
Sensitivity is required for artistry, which feeds into the point you make about empathy.
Love,
Janie
Yes, yes. I want to read books that make me feel for the character.
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