2. Verisimilitude: Truth in Fiction

Utilizing the 'lie' of a fictional story to convey human truths is a fundamental technique in literature. British poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge explained that to fully immerse in and appreciate a story, an audience must possess 'poetic faith'—meaning they must be willing to accept that the story they are hearing is a facsimile of reality.

In order to encourage a reader’s 'willing suspension of disbelief,' writers strive for verisimilitude. Verisimilitude refers to the degree to which a narrative appears realistic and believable to its audience. It is achieved through the creation of lifelike characters, authentic dialogue, and plausible scenarios, regardless of the actual truth or fantasy elements involved. Here are some methods writers can use to enhance the verisimilitude of their narratives:

Provide specific, concrete sensory details: You can make up an underground tunnel that doesn’t exist, but if you describe the smell of sewage and the persistent dripping of water, you draw your reader into a concrete experience that contributes to the sense of reality.

Focus on emotions that are true to your characters: Your hero might be fighting an impossible beast, but everyone will be able to relate to their fear.

Incorporate the familiar alongside the unfamiliar: Keeping the reader grounded in things they recognize is just as important as introducing new and interesting elements.

Avoid technical mistakes: If you’re writing about the real world, get the facts straight. If you’re writing about a magical world, stay consistent with the laws of your creation.

Take time to cover objections: If something isn’t right in your world, let your characters notice that it isn’t right for them either.

While verisimilitude is not always a goal in general writing, in fiction, it serves the higher purpose of conveying emotional truths, entertaining readers, providing solace, provoking new perspectives, or even transforming lives.

To gain a deeper understanding of verisimilitude, consider the counterfactual genre illustrated below. These books tackle 'what if' questions, setting their stories in a familiar yet twisted reality, effectively coupling the familiar with the unfamiliar. The following books are examples of how writers can finely balance reality and imagination, transporting readers to amazingly believable worlds:

• The Man in the High Castle (1962) by Philip K. Dick—What if the United States lost World War II?

• The Alteration (1975) by Kingsley Amis—What if the Reformation had never happened?

• Fatherland (1992) by Robert Harris—What if Hitler had won the war?

• The Plot Against America (2004) by Philip Roth— What if the U.S. struck an entente with Hitler?

• The Yiddish Policemen’s Union (2007) by Michael Chabon—What if a Jewish state had been established in Alaska?

• Underground Airlines (2016) by Ben Winters— What if slavery had never ended in America?

FOR YOUR HOMEWORK

1. Story Synopsis: Using a what if question, write one paragraph summarizing your short story. This should include the main characters, setting, and the central conflict or theme of your story. Aim to concisely capture the essence of your narrative.

   
   

2. Scene of Verisimilitude: Craft a short scene from your story (in one paragraph) that conveys verisimilitude. Your goal is to create a moment in your story that feels authentic and believable, even if it's set in a fictional or fantastical world.

   
   

3. Comment: After posting your (1) synopsis and (2) verisimilitude scene in the comments section below, read through your classmates' entries. Choose one to respond to with a short comment.

Here is an example of the homework based on Mr. Sam's story Gray City: