Lesson 49. Rules of Discourse│The Mechanics of Fiction Writing

Understanding the Rules of Conversation

The Importance of Conversational Rules

• Conversations have implicit rules that guide interactions, similar to punctuation in writing or referees in sports.

• When conversational rules are followed, they go unnoticed; however, breaches like interruptions or dominating discussions highlight their significance.

• Understanding these rules can help writers create authentic dialogue that reflects characters' personalities (e.g., polite vs. aggressive).

Major Rules of Conversation

1. Adjacency Pairs

• David Hermann identifies adjacency pairs as a foundational rule where one statement leads to a related response, akin to a game of ping pong.

• An example illustrates how an unrelated response disrupts the flow of conversation and signals a deviation from expected norms.

• This rule explains why expository dialogue may feel forced if it lacks organic back-and-forth exchanges.

2. Turn-Taking

• Turn-taking is likened to serving in ping pong; each speaker invites responses through questions or comments.

• Participants share speaking time, which reflects their social standing; monopolizing conversation can be viewed negatively unless compensated with engaging content.

• Failure to adhere to turn-taking conventions can lead to perceptions of poor sociability among participants.

3. Topic Shifts

• Topic shifts require collective consent among participants; abrupt changes can cause annoyance or resentment within the group.

• An example highlights how shifting from a pleasant topic (like weddings) to an unwanted one (like politics) can disrupt group harmony.

• These conversational rules are context-dependent and may vary based on the group's dynamics and social settings.

Conclusion: Contextual Nature of Conversational Rules

• The application of these conversational rules is not rigid; they adapt based on context and participant characteristics, such as charisma or social status.

Dialogue Analysis: Unpacking Conversations

Example 1: The Unwanted Overture

• The dialogue begins with a man inviting Connie for a ride, showcasing an aggressive approach to conversation. His direct question seeks engagement but is met with Connie's disinterest.

• Connie's response indicates her discomfort; she expresses disgust and refuses to engage further, highlighting the power dynamics in their interaction.

• The man's persistence reveals his attempt to assert dominance by emphasizing his car's appeal, while Connie continues to signal her lack of interest through non-verbal cues.

• As the man shifts topics to compliment Connie, she remains disengaged, focusing on distractions instead of reciprocating his interest.

• This exchange illustrates how implicit social rules govern conversations; the reader understands that this is an uncomfortable encounter driven by unwanted advances.

Example 2: Subtext in Family Dynamics

• In Susan Perabo’s story, a mother pretends to attend poetry class while engaging in infidelity. The subtext of deception overshadows the actual words spoken during family interactions.

• When asked about her evening by Mr. Arnett, the mother's vague responses hint at deeper issues within their relationships and highlight her dishonesty.

• The daughter plays a game of questioning her mother about whom she "did" that night, revealing tension and challenging her mother's lies through double entendre.

• Mr. Arnett’s insistence on asking questions reinforces conventional discourse rules as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the mother’s evasive behavior.

Understanding Subtext in Dialogue

The Role of Character Behavior in Discourse

• Readers can infer character traits through their responses to dialogue rules, revealing subtext that may not be explicitly stated.

• Characters' actions—such as avoiding direct questions or abruptly changing topics—provide meta-textual cues that inform readers about their personalities and motivations.

• These subtle behaviors contribute significantly to the narrative's depth, allowing for a richer understanding of the story beyond the written words.