What is Paralipsis?
Intentionally omitting something from discussion while nevertheless implicitly drawing attention to it.
Reading Between the Lines: Exploring Paralipsis in Creative Writing
Paralipsis is a literary device that is used in creative writing to intentionally omit something from discussion while nevertheless implicitly drawing attention to it. It is a technique that is commonly used by writers to add emphasis to certain aspects of their writing. The beauty of paralipsis lies in its subtlety; by not directly discussing a particular topic or issue, the writer creates a sense of intrigue and mystery that can entice the reader to read on.
This technique can be used in a variety of ways in creative writing. For example, it could be used to hint at a character's hidden motives or to suggest that something important has been left unsaid. Alternatively, it could be used to create a sense of tension or suspicion by suggesting that something is being deliberately concealed.
Paralipsis originates from the Greek word 'paraleipein', which means 'to leave aside'. This literary device has been used for centuries and can be found in some of the most famous works of literature, including Shakespeare's Hamlet and Dickens' David Copperfield. As such, it is a technique that is well worth exploring for aspiring writers who want to add depth and complexity to their prose.
Paralipsis has long been a prevalent literary device used by writers to entice readers to dive deeper into their prose and to add depth and complexity to their stories. Below are two examples of its usage:
One of the most famous examples of paralipsis in literature can be found in William Shakespeare's Macbeth. During Act I, Scene 7, Lady Macbeth uses paralipsis to encourage her husband to murder King Duncan, while at the same time, leaving him to believe that the decision was entirely his own: '...I would, while it was smiling in my face, have plucked my nipple from his boneless gums and dashed the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this.' By not directly instructing her husband to kill the king, Lady Macbeth avoids taking responsibility for the decision while still managing to convey her desires to the audience.
Another example of paralipsis in literature can be found in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. In the novel, Holden Caulfield uses paralipsis to hint at tragic events from his past without explicitly discussing them. For example, he states, 'I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.' By omitting specific details about what happened, Holden creates a sense of mystery around his character, while at the same time, drawing attention to the underlying trauma that drives his actions.