concrete language

Where did I just read that the reason western rhetoric is “into” concrete language is not because it appeals to understanding better, but because of the greater influence of physical science (as opposed to, say, philosophy)? Robert Connors??

concrete consciousness?

Okay, I hate to wax metaphysical (okay, actually, I like to), but if we human beings respond better, so much more deeply, to writing that includes concrete images (i.e., using our five senses)… okay, if that’s true (which it is), then what will/would happen if we were disembodied? Many people imagine the soul as [...]

Jesus drinking gin straight out of the cat dish

Anne Lamott admits to thinking terrible thoughts that “make Jesus want to drink gin straight out of the cat dish” (from a Sojourners interview).
Almost all of Anne Lamott’s sentences are great examples of words with punch. I should make a list of my favorites. They might help students who are trying to get a feel [...]

an eye shadow named “mildew” (abstract vs concrete language)

For a while I’ve been curious as to how metaphors, similes, sense-oriented details — anything that gives the mind something “concrete” to grasp — work on the reader’s mind. It’s probably just something to do with the fact that we are embodied creatures, and since our physical life gives us, obviously, our most vivid experiences, [...]

Incarnate Your Ideas (Be Specific)

Last weekend I found a copy of Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind in one volume at the local Y’s Service Club book sale. I’ve just read a couple of chapters so far (they’re more vignettes than chapters, really). One of them — “Be Specific” — may be the best explanation for [...]