But the dictionary definition is more precise: the appearance or semblance of truth, as in "The play lacked verisimilitude." (Had I studied Latin, I would have noticed verum=truth, similis=similar).
In fiction, writers give their stories verisimilitude, for example, by crafting realistic dialogue and by using specific details to describe a setting. Verisimilitude makes it easier for a reader to suspend disbelief and enter a made-up world. That doesn't mean that all fiction has to be grounded in real life's messiness. Growing up, I loved reading Ray Bradbury's "Martian Chronicles," set in the future, and Jean M. Auel's "Clan of the Cavebear," set in the past. For a great post on the different kinds of verisimilitude in fiction, check out http://writingandliterature.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/verisimilitude/.
Here's a challenge: use "verisimilitude" in a sentence and not sound pretentious!
2 comments:
Love your "challenge"! (Unfortunately, it can't be done, ha ha!)
I misinterpreted it the same way you did. I supposed we both failed to understand the Latin roots. Clearly it's a language that should have never died. I don't think all fiction has to, but I do think that all fiction has a part of messy reality tied to it in some way, shape or form. Don't you?
Ava
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