Mark’s answer to “RE: Here is an interesting 13 minute talk on 'Evil' Heroes. If you have the time to spare, I would …” > Likes and Comments
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Hmm... The intention was to provide an introduction and explanation to the trope, as far as my knowledge goes. Thank you for answering my question, nonetheless!
I've never really found the word "trope" to be useful. It seems to encourage reductive thinking and a general negativity.
I think she speeds up the audio a little, or she drank 26 espressos before recording it. Either way, I agree with a lot of what she says, especially about the Mary-Sue.
Why so? Are not tropes merely a record of common occurrences in fiction? Can they not inspire? Do you see them as a double-edged blade? Or perhaps simply more detrimental than beneficial?
A trope is an attempt to simplify something inherently complex so that it will sit neatly in a basket. A reduction. It then encourages you to negativity by saying (falsely) "look, these things are all the same", again reducing them with the implication of lack of variety and encouraging a negative dismissal.
Tropes are a form of stereotypes, and viewing the world as an assembly of stereotypes isn't positive or particularly useful.
I've not really seen the concept used in a way that I feel adds any value.
In the ongoing discussion on tropes, I've often seen people talk about how the tropes were inverted or subverted, or otherwise used uniquely and interestingly. Every author has their own way of doing things.
I do understand what you mean though. If I was to write, I don't think I'd consult information on tropes all that much either. They wouldn't provide significant benefit.
I LOVE that! Thank you, Mark Lawrence. I'm adding that to your quotes. I completely agree!
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Cadeyrn
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Sep 05, 2017 09:44AM
Hmm... The intention was to provide an introduction and explanation to the trope, as far as my knowledge goes. Thank you for answering my question, nonetheless!
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I've never really found the word "trope" to be useful. It seems to encourage reductive thinking and a general negativity.
I think she speeds up the audio a little, or she drank 26 espressos before recording it. Either way, I agree with a lot of what she says, especially about the Mary-Sue.
Why so? Are not tropes merely a record of common occurrences in fiction? Can they not inspire? Do you see them as a double-edged blade? Or perhaps simply more detrimental than beneficial?
A trope is an attempt to simplify something inherently complex so that it will sit neatly in a basket. A reduction. It then encourages you to negativity by saying (falsely) "look, these things are all the same", again reducing them with the implication of lack of variety and encouraging a negative dismissal.Tropes are a form of stereotypes, and viewing the world as an assembly of stereotypes isn't positive or particularly useful.
I've not really seen the concept used in a way that I feel adds any value.
In the ongoing discussion on tropes, I've often seen people talk about how the tropes were inverted or subverted, or otherwise used uniquely and interestingly. Every author has their own way of doing things. I do understand what you mean though. If I was to write, I don't think I'd consult information on tropes all that much either. They wouldn't provide significant benefit.
I LOVE that! Thank you, Mark Lawrence. I'm adding that to your quotes. I completely agree!
