"I cannot be much pleased without an appearance of truth; at least of possibility I wish the history to be natural though the sentiments are refined; and the characters to be probable, though their behaviour is excelling"
About this Quote
Frances Burney's sentiment in this quote shows a nuanced understanding of the balance required in crafting compelling narratives. At its core, the quote highlights the importance of realism and plausibility in storytelling. Burney highlights that, for a story to be interesting, it must have an "look of truth" or a minimum of a semblance of possibility. This recommends that even in imaginary tales, readers yearn for a connection to truth-- a structure that resonates with their understanding of the world. By demanding a framework that is at minimal, Burney hints at the necessity for a logical structure within which even the most imaginative plots need to operate.
Moreover, Burney expresses a desire for the history-- or the setting and scenarios of the story-- to be "natural". This indicates that the backdrop of a story should feel organic and credible, developing a reputable context for the occasions and characters. Such naturalism permits readers to become immersed in the story, making the fictional world appear concrete and relatable.
While Burney supporters for practical settings, she also wants the sentiments to be "refined" and the characters' behavior to be "standing out". This duality indicates her belief in the capability of literature to elevate human experience. Improved sentiments suggest an expedition of extensive, nuanced emotions and thoughts. Characters must be ideally crafted and ethically or intellectually exceptional, capable of motivating appreciation. Yet, Burney firmly insists that these characters stay "possible", recommending that exceptional qualities and extraordinary habits need to still be grounded in authenticity.
In essence, Burney's quote highlights the fragile balance between realism and idealism in storytelling. While stories ought to mirror fact and possibility to engage readers, they should likewise aspire to fine-tune feelings and elevate human capacity. This blend of realism with idealized quality creates stories that are not only credible however likewise motivating, offering both reflection and goal.