When you gave the example of Fruits Basket (a great anime which I haven't seen yet), I immediately remembered a scene on Elf-The Tales of Memory when Chihiro tells Renjii in one episode Couldn't tomorrow possibly be a better day than today? later on Renji's mother say the same exact thing, word by word making the sad, melancholic Renji realize something and storm to the door. I don't know if this a good example though but I yeah Parallel Scenes are fun, writers should do it more often though.
Well, there's not really a specific point; you can't really say, "If the author does this five times, it's overkill." I think for that sort of thing, you have to judge it case by case. Either the author has to realize they're going too far, or the editor will have to!
Ironically the one I was thinking of was only done once, but since it was literally the same couple of pages only in another book in the series later on... It felt like the author was just lazy instead of drawing similarities to the new characters introduced to the series as a whole.
Obviously the editor in question was either someone else or they didn't remember that the author had done that already in a previous book. It was very odd to read because I was going... didn't I already read this? o_O
So perhaps it's not just the number of times but rather the manner in how it's approached or done.
It's not a definite line, no, but pretty much if you as the reader go "oh jeez, I can smell another one coming", then the author has probably done way too many. =P
Or done them way too close together. Character and situational differences are lovely, too.
I'm not sure at what point you would consider it beating a reader to death with a sledgehammer though.
Well, there's not really a specific point; you can't really say, "If the author does this five times, it's overkill." I think for that sort of thing, you have to judge it case by case. Either the author has to realize they're going too far, or the editor will have to!
Ohhhh yeah, I've totally used this one before for characters years apart quoting Tango and Cash (among other things).
There was also a really good use of it in this season's Smallville. The episode started all warmly lit, orange hues, Clark and Lana waking up half-naked in bed looking very happy and affectionate - except it was Bizarro Clark and not actual Clark, who had actually been living Clark's life for the past month or so. Then at the end when real Clark is back and is pissy with Lana because she couldn't tell it was really him (because Bizarro was so uncharacteristically open and affectionate to her and she was liking it), things get deliciously sour between them. After that, the final scene was the two of them getting into bed, quite well clothed, dark unsaturated colours, and a big ol' awkward space between the two of them.
It was awesome, and just another step closer to Clark getting over Lana and off to Lois. Which is even more awesome.
It's an interesting writing technique and certainly fun when used well. I don't mind it being done repeatedly so long as the author doesn't get lazy and literally repeat a scene using the exact same dialogue only different names since the characters are different.
I find that kind of thing irritating instead of a fun means to point out the similarities. I'm not sure at what point you would consider it beating a reader to death with a sledgehammer though.^^
This makes a lot of sense, particularly when you have the deja vu-type flashbacks that can handily pop up at random in stories. I really enjoy this little writing convention when used with irony. It's just another way to make the story fun for the author and the reader. ^_^
*nods* Makes sense. I have used this before in my own writing, though not all too often.. I think.. But that's a good thing in it's own way I suppose. lol I'm making no sense..
ShadowLight
Otaku Eternal | Posted 06/15/08 | Reply
When you gave the example of Fruits Basket (a great anime which I haven't seen yet), I immediately remembered a scene on Elf-The Tales of Memory when Chihiro tells Renjii in one episode Couldn't tomorrow possibly be a better day than today? later on Renji's mother say the same exact thing, word by word making the sad, melancholic Renji realize something and storm to the door. I don't know if this a good example though but I yeah Parallel Scenes are fun, writers should do it more often though.
The crazy bubbly shadow
Sabrina
Otaku Archangel | Posted 06/13/08 | Reply
@NightBeck:
Well, there's not really a specific point; you can't really say, "If the author does this five times, it's overkill." I think for that sort of thing, you have to judge it case by case. Either the author has to realize they're going too far, or the editor will have to!
Ironically the one I was thinking of was only done once, but since it was literally the same couple of pages only in another book in the series later on... It felt like the author was just lazy instead of drawing similarities to the new characters introduced to the series as a whole.
Obviously the editor in question was either someone else or they didn't remember that the author had done that already in a previous book. It was very odd to read because I was going... didn't I already read this? o_O
So perhaps it's not just the number of times but rather the manner in how it's approached or done.
-Sabrina
Allamorph
Spiritus Memorae (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 06/13/08 | Reply
@NightBeck:
It's not a definite line, no, but pretty much if you as the reader go "oh jeez, I can smell another one coming", then the author has probably done way too many. =P
Or done them way too close together. Character and situational differences are lovely, too.
NightBeck
Otaku Eternal | Posted 06/13/08 | Reply
@Sabrina:
I'm not sure at what point you would consider it beating a reader to death with a sledgehammer though.
Well, there's not really a specific point; you can't really say, "If the author does this five times, it's overkill." I think for that sort of thing, you have to judge it case by case. Either the author has to realize they're going too far, or the editor will have to!
NightBeck
Otaku Eternal | Posted 06/13/08 | Reply
@SomeGuy:
That's a perfect example! And yes, please, no more Lana. No moooore. Drop a bridge on her!
SomeGuy
Canadian Liaison (Team) | Posted 06/13/08 | Reply
Ohhhh yeah, I've totally used this one before for characters years apart quoting Tango and Cash (among other things).
There was also a really good use of it in this season's Smallville. The episode started all warmly lit, orange hues, Clark and Lana waking up half-naked in bed looking very happy and affectionate - except it was Bizarro Clark and not actual Clark, who had actually been living Clark's life for the past month or so. Then at the end when real Clark is back and is pissy with Lana because she couldn't tell it was really him (because Bizarro was so uncharacteristically open and affectionate to her and she was liking it), things get deliciously sour between them. After that, the final scene was the two of them getting into bed, quite well clothed, dark unsaturated colours, and a big ol' awkward space between the two of them.
It was awesome, and just another step closer to Clark getting over Lana and off to Lois. Which is even more awesome.
Sabrina
Otaku Archangel | Posted 06/13/08 | Reply
It's an interesting writing technique and certainly fun when used well. I don't mind it being done repeatedly so long as the author doesn't get lazy and literally repeat a scene using the exact same dialogue only different names since the characters are different.
I find that kind of thing irritating instead of a fun means to point out the similarities. I'm not sure at what point you would consider it beating a reader to death with a sledgehammer though.^^
-Sabrina
Nehszriah
Hits Self With Axe (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 06/12/08 | Reply
This makes a lot of sense, particularly when you have the deja vu-type flashbacks that can handily pop up at random in stories. I really enjoy this little writing convention when used with irony. It's just another way to make the story fun for the author and the reader. ^_^
Be true, be you and of course, be otaku.
Sana san
Otakuite | Posted 06/12/08 | Reply
*nods* Makes sense. I have used this before in my own writing, though not all too often.. I think.. But that's a good thing in it's own way I suppose. lol I'm making no sense..