Have you ever been telling a story and suddenly remembered something else that happened, something that seemed important at the time, and shared that story instead? Or perhaps you were reading a book and the author veered off on a completely different path before returning to the main storyline? That, in essence, is a digression. It’s a common, and often skillful, technique writers use to enrich their work, though it can sometimes be a tricky balance to achieve. Let’s explore this literary device in detail.
What is Digression? A Simple Definition
Digression, at its most basic, is a temporary departure from the main subject or storyline of a narrative. It’s a detour, an interruption, a tangent. Think of it as a brief exploration of a related, but not central, idea. A successful digression feels purposeful and ultimately contributes to the overall meaning or effect of the piece. A poor digression can feel jarring or irrelevant.
Digression Examples – Quick Looks
- Simple Example: “I was walking to school today, and it reminded me of the time I got lost in the woods. It was terrifying! Anyway, as I was saying, walking to school…” This is a classic digression, a brief anecdote connected to the initial thought, but not essential to the story of walking to school.
- Another Simple Example: “The recipe called for rosemary, which reminds me of my grandmother’s garden. She grew the most fragrant rosemary…” This quickly veers away from the recipe instructions to a personal memory.
The Purpose of Digression in Writing
Digressions aren’t simply random detours. Skilled writers use them for several reasons:
- Character Development: Digressions can reveal aspects of a character’s personality, background, or motivations that wouldn’t be apparent through direct action or dialogue.
- Thematic Enrichment: A seemingly unrelated digression can subtly reinforce or expand upon a central theme.
- Humor and Entertainment: Digressions can provide comedic relief or add a touch of playfulness to a narrative.
- World-Building: Digressions can flesh out the setting, history, or culture of a story’s world.
- Creating a Voice: Digressions can establish the author’s or narrator’s unique voice and personality. A rambling, digressive narrative can feel more personal and intimate.
Digression vs. Tangent: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference. A tangent is usually a more abrupt and unplanned deviation. It’s a sudden shift in thought or topic. A digression, while still a departure, is often more deliberate and developed. It feels like a conscious choice by the author, rather than a slip of the tongue. Think of a tangent as a quick swerve, and a digression as a longer, more considered detour.
Digression in Literature – Extended Examples
Let’s look at how digression functions in more complex literary contexts:
Example 1: Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy
Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy is famous for its highly digressive style. The novel begins with the story of Tristram’s birth, but frequently meanders into lengthy anecdotes about his parents, Uncle Toby, and various other characters and events. These digressions aren’t simply add ons; they’re integral to the novel’s exploration of time, memory, and the very nature of storytelling. A key digression involves Uncle Toby’s detailed accounts of military strategy and his elaborate construction of a model fortress. While seemingly unrelated to Tristram’s birth, these digressions reveal Toby’s character, provide comic relief, and comment on the absurdity of war. The novel actively celebrates digression as a way to mimic the associative workings of the human mind.
Example 2: Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote
In Don Quixote, Cervantes frequently interrupts the main narrative to tell the stories of secondary characters. These interpolated tales, like the story of Marcela and Chrysostom, aren’t directly related to Don Quixote’s adventures. However, they serve several purposes. They provide commentary on themes of love, honor, and social justice. They offer different perspectives on the world, enriching the novel’s complexity. They also serve as miniature narratives, demonstrating Cervantes’ skill as a storyteller. For instance, the story of Dorotea, who disguises herself as a peasant woman to regain her lost love, mirrors and comments upon Don Quixote’s own delusions and quests.
Example 3: A Modern Novel Example, A Character’s Backstory
Imagine a mystery novel where the detective is interviewing a suspect. The suspect begins to tell a story about their childhood, explaining how they learned to play the piano. This story doesn’t immediately seem relevant to the crime. However, as the story unfolds, the detective notices subtle clues about the suspect’s personality, their upbringing, and their possible motives. The seemingly irrelevant digression has subtly revealed important information, deepening the reader’s understanding of the suspect and the case. This is a common technique used to reveal character depth and create suspense. It’s a more subtle form of digression than those found in Tristram Shandy, but equally effective.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Digression
While digression can be a powerful tool, it’s easy to overdo it. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Relevance: Even the most elaborate digression should have some connection, however subtle, to the main narrative. Avoid completely unrelated tangents.
- Length: Digressions should be proportionate to the main story. A lengthy digression can disrupt the flow and lose the reader’s interest.
- Return: Always return to the main narrative. Avoid leaving the reader feeling lost or confused. Provide clear transitions back to the central storyline.
- Purpose: Ask yourself why you’re including the digression. What does it add to the story? If it doesn’t serve a purpose, it’s probably unnecessary.
Digression in Other Forms of Storytelling
Digression isn’t limited to novels. It’s also found in:
- Film: A character might start telling a story within a story, interrupting the main plot.
- Theater: A monologue can digress from the immediate situation, revealing a character’s inner thoughts and motivations.
- Oral Storytelling: A speaker might go off on a tangent, sharing a personal anecdote or a related story.
- Essays and Nonfiction: Writers can digress from their main argument to provide supporting evidence, explore related ideas, or add a personal touch.
In conclusion, digression is a versatile literary device that, when used skillfully, can enrich a narrative, deepen character development, and enhance thematic resonance. While it requires careful balance and purpose, it’s a powerful tool for any storyteller looking to create a more engaging and memorable experience for their audience.