You know, it wasn't until recently that I knew edelweiss was spelled with an 'E'. This isn't random, though, at least no more so than usual, I have a writerly purpose behind this.
Besides the attractiveness of Captain Von Trapp.
Ok, but really. Everybody knows the 'Edelweiss' song. And we all know that the edelweiss flower and the song were symbols of Austrian nationalism during the German occupation in WWII. And that, I think, is why the song is so lasting and has such an impact, to people who've never even been to Austria. Basically, it means more than itself. Edelweiss is not just a flower or a song, it is a flower and a song with a history, that symbolizes things we can all admire: patriotism, courage, loyalty, strength. It's like the mocking jay bird in Hunger Games.
I feel like these kinds of symbols really give readers and audience something to grasp and hold on to. It's hard to talk about or illustrate abstracts like courage and loyalty and strength, but when you put those things into something concrete like a flower or a song, it's easier to take in and understand. We know what you mean when you sing 'Edelweiss'.
And I adore it when that happens, when someone says something but is really talking about something else, or something deeper. The Office does this brilliantly. When Jim says "Dwight, send in the subs," we know what he's really talking about it. But how much less effective and poignant would it have been if he'd said the words out loud? Or when Michael says, "Can I kiss you?" how many words are contained in Holly's one word, "Yeah." This kind of association is why just the word chimerical can almost make me cry (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee anyone?) I'm getting off track here, but do you see what I mean? We can use symbols to mean things more than they mean, but that's where the greatest moments and greatest dialog comes from too. Can you think of other moments, book, movie, or tv, that are like this?
And now you're all going to have the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day :)
Sarah Allen
Actually, I forgot how pretty a song it was. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteShelly
http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/
i love the sounds of music--and I loved it when he sang that song.
ReplyDeleteGreat A-Z post!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I was in a National Tour of Sound of Music when I was a freshman in high school. This song still brings tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the title of your post, the song started playing in my head. :) I love that moment in the musical because he shows a side to him that you've never seen before.
ReplyDeleteAs for words...it *always* gets me when, in The Deathly Hallows, Snape says "Always."
I love this song very much and seeing Christopher Plummer on your post brings back many sweet memories of my younger days.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Symbols leave a deeper impression in one's mind.
Yep. I have an earworm!
ReplyDeleteThis isn't the best example, but how about Zihuatanejo in the Shawshank Redemption? Sure, it's a place, but it's a huge symbol of freedom...a symbol of triumph over prison and those who would institutionalize Red and Andy.
ReplyDeleteI still want to go there someday, just because of that novella (and the equally awesome movie).