So have you heard of the seven basic plots?
I’m trying to figure out if I buy into the notion.
See, there’s the thing with color and what we as humans can perceive in
the visible spectrum. R-O-Y-G-B-I-V. Wavelengths vary greatly outside this
range – from the size of the universe to somewhere in the vicinity of the Planck length (as far as we know, but really, what do we know?) – and yet we
can only see these certain ones with the naked eye, right?
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Is it the same with the human experience? While the possible hues of
our histories, life events, and realities may seem limitless, are we so
constricted by the confines of our language and perception that we can’t move away
from:
- Overcoming the Monster
- Rags to Riches
- The Quest
- Voyage and Return
- Comedy
- Tragedy
- Rebirth
I can't seem to get my head out of this thinking spot, lately.
Also, is it just complete coincidence that both the basic colors and basic plots come in seven?
What are your thoughts about all this?
Even the sign for infinity doubles back on its self?! But what do I know, my favourite number is seven and one if the places/things that was key in changing my life and my perspective on life was a visit to the Seven Stories Centre in Newcastle. A place for kids based on that exact premis, coincidence.....I don't believe in coincidences ;-)
ReplyDeleteThere might be just seven stories or seven colours or there might be more, there will always be a few that strive to find the more and that is where the fun is :-)
Did I ever tell you that I was highly tempted to get a tattoo of the infinity symbol at one point? I think I've mostly gotten over that urge (mostly), but oh how I love that you just dropped that in there like a well placed thought bomb. Hmm.
DeleteI don't believe in coincidences either.
And I'm always in for your kind of fun ^^
Ooh! Sevens! The human brain also processes most information in packets of 7. Did you know that? What is it with the sevens?
ReplyDeleteAs for the seven basic plots, I think... well, yeah. If we boil it all down to the bones, none of us are terribly remarkable and nor are our stories. But, ain't none of us bones, either. It's the succulent flesh we give these basic bones that make us interesting (or not, as the case may be). Seven basic plots? Yeah. Infinite and glorious ways to spin them? Hallelujah!
What is it with sevens indeed. I had to squelch a beautiful tangent about so many other sevens in order to get this up here -- I did not know about the information packets; they make a great addition to the continuing tangent in my head.
DeleteAnd I echo your Hallelujah. Bones and succulent flesh, well said.
Another set of fabulous reasons for the number seven to be my favourite :-)
ReplyDelete