The objective correlative is a literary technique where an emotion is represented not by directly stating it, but by presenting a specific set of objects, a situation, or a chain of events that evoke that emotion in the reader.
Understanding Objective Correlative
In simple words, objective correlative is a specific "something" – like a situation, an object, or a sequence of events – that is used to symbolize or objectify a particular emotion. In creative writing, its purpose is to evoke a desired emotional response in the reader without explicitly naming the emotion. Instead of saying a character is sad, a writer might describe a gloomy, rainy day and a broken, forgotten toy. These elements, when combined, correlate to the feeling of sadness.
As defined, an objective correlative is:
"something (such as a situation or chain of events) that symbolizes or objectifies a particular emotion and that may be used in creative writing to evoke a desired emotional response in the reader."
This concept, notably championed by poet and critic T.S. Eliot, emphasizes "showing" rather than "telling" emotions.
Key Components:
- The "Object": This refers to the tangible element – be it a physical object, a scene, a sound, or a series of actions. It's the concrete reality presented in the text.
- The "Correlation": This is the connection established between the concrete object/situation and an abstract emotion. The object doesn't just represent the emotion; it becomes the emotion for the reader through association.
- The "Evocation": The ultimate goal is to trigger a specific, intended emotional response in the audience, allowing them to experience the feeling rather than just being told about it.
Why Writers Use It
Writers employ objective correlative for several powerful reasons:
- Show, Don't Tell: It's the epitome of this writing principle, allowing authors to convey deep emotional states subtly and effectively.
- Deeper Reader Engagement: By presenting concrete imagery that requires the reader to infer the emotion, it fosters a more active and immersive reading experience. The reader becomes a participant in constructing the emotional landscape.
- Universality: While specific to a text, well-chosen objective correlatives can tap into universal human experiences and emotional associations, making the work resonate broadly.
- Subtlety and Nuance: Emotions are complex. An objective correlative can express layers of feeling that might be difficult or clunky to describe directly.
Examples in Literature and Beyond
Objective correlatives are pervasive in storytelling, often unnoticed because of their effectiveness.
- Weather as Emotion:
- A sudden, violent storm might represent inner turmoil, anger, or despair.
- A bright, sunny day with birds chirping could symbolize hope, new beginnings, or joy.
- Objects and Settings:
- A dilapidated, crumbling house can symbolize the decay of a family, lost dreams, or a character's mental state.
- A character's cluttered, chaotic room might reflect their overwhelmed mind or disarrayed life.
- Actions and Situations:
- A character repeatedly washing their hands might symbolize guilt or an attempt to cleanse themselves of a past action.
- A desolate, abandoned playground could evoke feelings of lost innocence or neglect.
Consider the difference in these approaches:
| Showing (Objective Correlative) | Telling |
|---|---|
| The constant, chilling drizzle outside mirrored the heavy sorrow she felt inside. | She was extremely sad. |
| He paced his cramped, airless apartment, the walls seeming to close in. | He felt trapped and anxious. |
| The protagonist found a single, withered rose on the doorstep. | The protagonist felt a sense of loss. |
How It Works for the Reader
For the reader, objective correlative works by bypassing direct explanation and tapping into their own emotional understanding and past experiences. When a writer describes a scene or object that is universally associated with a particular feeling (e.g., a cold, empty room with loneliness), the reader doesn't need to be told the character is lonely; they feel the loneliness through the vivid imagery. This creates a more powerful, lasting impact than a simple declarative statement.
