The [story <-> connotation <-> life] nexus

To resume the text that I wrote about inserting your life into the narrative of a story. We can follow this quote from Joseph Campbell in the documentary The Power of Myth:

Joseph Campbell: when I tell you mythology, I think of it as the homeland of the muses, the inspirers of art, the inspirers of poetry. To see life as poem and to see yourself participating in a poem is what the myth does for you.

Moyers: What do you mean a poem?

Joseph Campbell: I mean a vocabulary in the form not of words, but of acts and adventures, which is connotative, which connotes something transcendent of the action here.

To my understanding, he is trying to explain through the idea of connotations the metaphorical links that connect the frequently implausible events and actions of a fictional story with those more mundane of our own lives. These links are possible because behind every grand action of the hero of a well-made, resonant story, and every grand stake of their challenge, there is an essence behind it that can apply to any collection of actions as long as they create a similar narrative. What I mean by this is that since connotations are ideas that words evoke in addition to their literal meaning, they are that link that makes two things on very different scales of narrative grandeur become equivalent. If there was no equivalence, then the connotation wouldn’t be able to hold on to anything to find a relation between the two things. This link as a universal essence that makes actions and events equivalent at some level is what Campbell describes as the connotation of something transcendent beyond the literal description in the poem or myth.

This means that if we become more skilled in identifying the connotations in the actions of the stories that resonate with us the most, the stories that give us shivers and motivate us to a degree greater than most things in our tangible surroundings, then we can translate them back into literal actions of our own realities.¹

So the alchemy is quite straightforward: Resonant story -> Action in Story -> Connotations -> Real-Life Translation.

More than anything this exercise helps know ourselves better. I believe it can help to analyse more accurately why some stories make us feel so alive and give us a glimpse of the possibility of such aliveness to be experienced in our own lives in contact with our own worlds. We don’t need magic or extraordinarily perilous circumstances to find that sense of continuity and significance in our lives.

Here are some examples of the process using run-of-the-mill story scenarios produced by an LLM:

1. The Shattered Sword of Redemption Scenario:

• Action in Story: A disgraced warrior, known for past betrayals, shatters their once-mighty sword as a symbol of remorse. They then forge a new, grand sword from the broken pieces and use it to protect the very kingdom they once threatened.
• Connotations: Redemption, self-forgiveness, transformation, loyalty.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: In real life, this scenario can inspire an individual to acknowledge their significant personal mistakes (Action in Story: shattering the sword), publicly admit those wrongs, and actively work to make amends. This may include volunteering for causes they once opposed (Action in Story: forging a new sword), embodying the transformative power of personal growth and a renewed sense of loyalty.

2. The Blossoming Forest of Reconciliation Scenario:

• Action in Story: In a land divided by ancient conflicts, a solitary figure plants a barren, scorched field with the seeds of rare, vibrant flowers. As the flowers bloom, they bring together estranged communities and ultimately lead to reconciliation.
• Connotations: Reconciliation, unity, healing, growth.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: In reality, this can inspire an individual to take the initiative (Action in Story: planting flowers) to bring together estranged groups and foster reconciliation through dialogues, cultural exchange programs, or collaborative initiatives. By creating spaces for understanding and cooperation (Action in Story: blooming flowers), they help heal historical wounds and promote personal growth, unity, and healing.

3. The Symphony of Diversity Scenario:

• Action in Story: In a city plagued by racial tensions, a talented conductor gathers musicians from diverse backgrounds to form an orchestra. Their symphonic performance transcends cultural divides, inspiring unity and understanding.
• Connotations: Diversity, harmony, unity, breaking barriers.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: This scenario can encourage an individual to proactively promote diversity and inclusion (Action in Story: conductor) in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, and communities. Their efforts aim to create environments where people from different backgrounds can collaborate harmoniously (Action in Story: transcending cultural divides), breaking down personal societal barriers and prejudices.

4. The Lighthouse of Hope Scenario:

• Action in Story: A lighthouse keeper, during a fierce storm, risks their life to keep the beacon shining. Their unwavering dedication guides lost sailors to safety, even when it seems all is lost.
• Connotations: Dedication, selflessness, hope, guidance.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: In the real world, this action symbolizes an individual who dedicates their career to providing guidance and support (Action in Story: keeping the beacon shining) during challenging times. This could include roles in healthcare, counseling, or humanitarian work where they offer hope and guidance to individuals in distress, embodying dedication, selflessness, and a beacon of hope.

5. The Wall of Empathy Scenario:

• Action in Story: A sculptor constructs a massive wall made of interconnected, life-sized figures representing various races, cultures, and backgrounds. The wall becomes a powerful symbol of global unity and a reminder of the beauty in diversity.
• Connotations: Empathy, acceptance, global unity, embracing diversity.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: This example can be applied to an individual who actively works to foster empathy and embrace diversity on a personal level. They implement practices that promote acceptance and inclusion (Action in Story: interconnected figures), fostering unity among people from various backgrounds and cultures while embodying empathy, acceptance, and a celebration of diversity.

6. The Seedling of Hope Scenario:

• Action in Story: In a post-apocalyptic world, a survivor discovers a single, resilient plant sprouting amidst the desolation. They protect and nurture it, offering a glimmer of hope, and their oasis thrives, becoming a symbol of renewal.
• Connotations: Hope, resilience, determination in the face of adversity.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: This story can inspire an individual to find hope in challenging circumstances. The survivor’s actions symbolize the resilience of one person in the face of adversity. Even when faced with unforeseen challenges, their determination to protect and nurture a symbol of hope can serve as a powerful metaphor for personal resilience, leading to a positive and fulfilling outcome.

7. The Reunited Musicians Scenario:

• Action in Story: An aging musician, estranged from their childhood friend and fellow musician, composes a heartfelt song dedicated to their lost friendship. The song touches hearts, and their reunion is heartwarming, rekindling their bond.
• Connotations: Forgiveness, healing, personal growth, and the emotional depth of reconnection.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: This scenario can encourage an individual to reach out to an estranged friend, recognizing that reconnection may be emotionally complex but ultimately worth pursuing. The action of composing a heartfelt song represents the power of forgiveness and the healing potential of art, leading to a positive and fulfilling reconnection.

8. The Little Music Box Scenario:

• Action in Story: In a city bound by routines, a child leaves a music box in a public square, breaking the monotony temporarily. Their spontaneous act inspires a wave of creativity and breaks the monotony, leading to a more vibrant community.
• Connotations: Spontaneity, breaking routines, and personal growth.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: This story can inspire one person to introduce spontaneity and community connections in their daily life, even in the face of routine. The child’s action of introducing spontaneity through the music box highlights the challenge of breaking routines and encourages personal growth and a more fulfilling community life.

9. The Multicultural Strangers Scenario:

• Action in Story: Two individuals from vastly different cultures embark on a journey to exchange experiences and develop a deep friendship. Despite initial misunderstandings, their journey leads to lasting friendships and greater mutual understanding.
• Connotations: Cross-cultural experiences, personal growth, and the significance of open dialogues.
• Real-Life Translation for One Person: This scenario can encourage an individual to engage in cross-cultural experiences, recognizing the challenges of cultural misunderstandings but valuing the effort to bridge cultural gaps. The action of embarking on a cultural exchange journey symbolizes personal growth and the significance of open dialogues, resulting in more fulfilling friendships and mutual understanding.

In another time I might share how this process can be applied to more interesting and more rewarding stories.

1. This emotional, momentarily clarifying experience that we seek through stories is reflected in the extent to which fans can invest their time, money, attention and emotions in completely fictional creations ↩︎

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