What is a chorus?
A group of people who sing or speak together in unison.
Let's Sing in Unison: The Chorus in Creative Writing
When we think of a chorus, we often think of a group of singers. In creative writing, a chorus can be thought of as a group of characters who speak or act together in unison. The chorus can take many forms - it could be a group of people, animals, even objects.
The use of a chorus in creative writing can serve many purposes. It can provide commentary on the events in the story, emphasize certain themes and motifs, or even serve as a metaphor for the collective opinions and actions of a society.
As writers, we can use the chorus to break up long sections of prose, add rhythm and musicality to our writing, and create a sense of solidarity among the characters in our stories. Whether it's a group of villagers singing and dancing together, a pack of wolves howling at the moon, or a collection of cars honking in rush hour traffic, the chorus can enrich our writing and make it more engaging for our readers.
The chorus has been used in literature for centuries, across all genres and formats, to enhance the storytelling experience. Let's take a look at two examples.
The chorus in Antigone serves as a collective voice of the city elders, commenting on the action of the play and reflecting on the broader social implications of the characters' actions and decisions.
In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck uses the chorus to provide social commentary and to emphasize the plight of the migrant workers during the Great Depression, painting a vivid picture of the collective suffering and resilience of a group of people.