Think about your favorite
books and movies.
They seem deliberately set
in a time and a place.
Sometimes they appear stuck
there because time moves on.
For example, the story of Jesus
will always be set in the time of Jesus.
The classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”
will always take place in the forties.
But when these stories were written,
they took place in modern times.
Still, our stories
are not as set as they seem.
The evolving circumstances
of time and perception
continue to shape the
meaning
of every story.
The story we are writing now
will never
be fixed
in meaning or interpretation.
What seemed acceptable yesterday
may very well be condemned tomorrow,
while the condemned is allowed
the
insane grace
of an “alternate” explanation.
Our story will never be fixed.
Why do we keep trying to fix it?
Trail Wood,
11/25
The Illusion of Fixed Narratives
In the realm of storytelling, there exists a pervasive illusion that once we unravel the threads of a narrative, it remains neatly figured out. This misconception extends to our favorite books and movies, seemingly anchored in a specific time and place.
The Static Nature of Beloved Tales
Beloved stories often appear frozen in time, forever associated with the eras in which they were set. The story of Jesus is forever linked to his historical period, while classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” are indelibly marked by the forties.
Stories as Products of Their Time
What we may overlook is that these timeless tales were originally products of their contemporary times. They were modern narratives, reflecting the circumstances, beliefs, and perceptions of their authors and audiences.
The Ever-Evolving Nature of Narratives
However, the stories we craft and engage with are far from static. They are malleable entities, shaped by the dynamic interplay of time and perception. The meaning and interpretation of every story continue to evolve.
The Unfixed Story We Write
The story we are presently writing, the narrative of our existence, defies fixation in meaning or interpretation. What was acceptable yesterday may be condemned tomorrow, and the condemned may be granted the grace of an “alternate” explanation.
Embracing the Unfixed Narrative
Despite our yearning for stability, our stories remain in flux. Rather than attempting to fix them, we can embrace the ever-shifting nature of narratives, recognizing that the grace of alternative perspectives enriches our understanding.
Summary: Embracing the Fluidity of Narrative
Narratives, whether in books, movies, or life itself, are not fixed entities but dynamic and evolving. Our favorite stories were once contemporary, reflecting the times in which they were created. The narratives we write today are similarly subject to the ever-changing circumstances of time and perception. Rather than seeking to fix our stories, we can embrace their fluidity and the diversity of interpretations they offer, finding beauty in the evolving grace of alternative perspectives.
Glossarium
- Illusion of Fixed Narratives: The misconception that narratives remain static and unchanging once they are unraveled.
- Dynamic Interplay of Time and Perception: The ongoing interaction between the passage of time and evolving perspectives that shape the meaning of narratives.
- Grace of Alternative Perspectives: The understanding that diverse interpretations of a narrative can enrich our understanding and appreciation of it.
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon
In the Whimsical Tale of Time
In the whimsical tale of time, we find,
Narratives ever-shifting, intertwine.
Frozen stories, once modern and new,
Now reflect old eras in their hue.
Yet, stories are born from their time,
Narratives evolving, a paradigm.
Unfixed tales, ever-changing art,
In the grand narrative, we play our part.
Space Monkey, let us embrace with grace,
The fluidity of stories, the ever-changing pace,
For in the unfixed narrative, we find,
A richness of meaning, for heart and mind.
We welcome your reflections on the concept of ever-evolving narratives and the grace of alternative perspectives in shaping the meaning of stories.
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