Welcome to our online creative writing course where we will embark on a fascinating exploration of paradox, ambivalence, and contradiction from a psychological perspective. In the realm of creative expression, these concepts offer rich terrain for writers to delve into the complexities of human experience, emotions, and cognition. Throughout this course, we will delve into the intricate interplay between seemingly conflicting ideas, emotions, and beliefs, uncovering the hidden truths and nuances that lie beneath the surface. By understanding paradox, ambivalence, and contradiction, writers can infuse their work with depth, complexity, and resonance, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human psyche. Join us on this enlightening journey as we navigate the twists and turns of the human mind through the lens of creative writing.
clarifying concepts
In psychology, paradox, ambivalence, and contradiction are related concepts but have distinct meanings:
1. Paradox: A paradox refers to a statement or situation that appears to be self-contradictory or logically impossible, but upon closer examination, reveals a deeper truth. It involves seemingly conflicting ideas that, when considered together, actually make sense. For example, the paradoxical idea that "less is more" suggests that simplicity can sometimes be more effective than complexity.
2. Ambivalence: Ambivalence refers to the coexistence of conflicting feelings or attitudes towards a person, object, or situation. It involves experiencing both positive and negative emotions simultaneously, often leading to uncertainty or indecision. Ambivalence can arise when individuals feel torn between opposing desires, values, or beliefs.
3. Contradiction: A contradiction occurs when two or more statements, beliefs, or actions are mutually exclusive or incompatible with each other. Unlike a paradox, which may contain elements of truth within apparent contradictions, a contradiction involves clear inconsistency.
In summary, while paradox involves apparent contradictions that reveal deeper truths, ambivalence involves experiencing conflicting emotions simultaneously, and contradiction refers to clear inconsistencies between statements or actions.
inspirations
I. PARADOX
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: "Americanah" (extract)
"She felt in him a blend of familiarity and alienness, a paradoxical mix of comfort and unease. He was like a mirror reflecting back to her a version of herself that was simultaneously familiar and foreign, comforting and disconcerting. In his presence, she felt the weight of her past and the promise of her future, a paradoxical tension that both anchored her and propelled her forward."
In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel "Americanah" (2013), the protagonist Ifemelu experiences the paradox of cultural identity as an African immigrant in the United States. She grapples with the contradiction of feeling both connected to and estranged from her homeland and adopted country.
II. AMBIVALENCE
Haruki Murakami: "Norwegian Wood" (extract)
"Naoko was beautiful, but her beauty was the result of a quiet, considered appeal, not a dazzling radiance. Even when she was alone in the room, I felt her presence with me. But there was a sadness in her eyes, a distance that I couldn't bridge no matter how hard I tried. With Midori, it was different. She was vibrant, full of life and energy. Being with her was like being swept up in a whirlwind of emotions. Yet, there was a part of me that couldn't fully commit to her, a lingering doubt that held me back. Caught between these two women, I found myself torn, unsure of what I truly wanted."
Haruki Murakami's novel "Norwegian Wood" (1987) explores ambivalence in relationships, memory, and existentialism. The protagonist Toru Watanabe navigates conflicting emotions towards his love interests and the ephemeral nature of human connection.
III. CONTRADICTION
Ocean Vuong: "Notebook Fragments"
"I lift my face to the sky, as if it were flooded with light. What I am seeking, I do not know.
I want to offer you this simple collection of bones & blues.
Each time I return to the moment, I see that it has the shape of an open mouth.
Here, let me feed you the only legend I own: Once, I almost drowned in the open arms of the lake.
But what I mean to say is I know how a body can hold a whole ocean & not spill a drop."
Vietnamese-American author Ocean Vuong's poetry collection "Night Sky with Exit Wounds" (2016) delves into contradictions surrounding identity, sexuality, and trauma. His evocative verses capture the tension between love and violence, beauty and destruction.
creative exercise
I. OBJECTIVE:
To explore the complexities of human thought, emotion, and behavior through the use of paradox, ambivalence, and contradiction in creative writing.
II. INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Select a Theme: Choose a theme or topic that allows for exploration of paradoxes, ambivalence, and contradictions. This could be a universal theme like love, power, identity, or morality.
2. Character Development: Create one or more characters who embody conflicting thoughts, emotions, desires, or beliefs related to the chosen theme. Consider their backgrounds, motivations, and internal struggles.
3. Identify Paradoxes: Identify at least one paradox related to the chosen theme. This could be a statement, situation, or character trait that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth or complexity upon examination.
4. Explore Ambivalence: Write a scene or series of scenes in which your characters experience ambivalence towards the theme. Show how they navigate conflicting emotions, desires, or beliefs, and how this ambivalence affects their actions and relationships.
5. Highlight Contradictions: Introduce contradictions into your narrative to add tension and complexity. This could involve characters holding beliefs or making decisions that directly oppose each other, leading to internal or external conflict.
6. Resolve or Embrace: Decide whether to resolve the paradoxes, ambivalence, and contradictions in your story or to leave them open-ended. Consider how this resolution (or lack thereof) contributes to the overall impact and message of your narrative.
7. Reflect and Revise: After completing your writing exercise, reflect on how effectively you incorporated paradoxes, ambivalence, and contradictions into your narrative. Revise as needed to enhance clarity, coherence, and emotional impact.
III. EXAMPLE PROMPT:
Theme: Love Paradox: "The more you give, the more you receive." Ambivalence: A character who is torn between wanting to protect themselves from heartbreak and longing to experience deep connection and intimacy. Contradiction: A character who professes to love someone deeply but consistently acts in ways that hurt or betray them.
stay motivated!
In closing, remember that creativity thrives in the midst of ambiguity and contradiction. It's okay not to have all the answers or clear ideas. Embrace the complexities of life, including the contradictory emotions and experiences that shape our existence. Your journey as a writer is a reflection of the multifaceted nature of human existence, and every emotion you feel is valid and worthy of exploration. So, keep writing, keep delving into the depths of your imagination, and keep embracing the richness of your own complexity. See you soon on the next leg of our creative journey!