muladhara | (no subject)

Feedback required:

If you are reading a book, and a character who is an alien is referred to only by a tag that makes it evident what animal it reminds the humans of, would you find that annoying?

(So what I'm saying is that the text would be "Blah blah blah," said the animal, for example. Or, The animal cautiously shifted the book in its arms). (It is an it because its race doesn't have genders, btw, not me being excessively lazy or whatever).

I know some people don't like this sort of thing. I don't mind it myself, but some of the Goodreads reviews of Alif The Unseen brought the one character up (I think she's called the convert?) as annoying because it was as though the author couldn't be arsed to give her a name. Anyway, that's what this was making me think of as I was writing it.

(I spent two hours writing on Monday evening! I wasn't even going to write at all! Especially not the abominations! It was amazing!)

~

I started transcribing some music, and it is slow going (aside from the fact that I rarely have occasions where the computer's on and it's quiet. Also my ear is...not good for this. I could do with my friend's brother who could play stuff by ear). I'm working from Cold Blue Light, although sometimes I listen to the other versions as well.

I keep getting frustrated, because it's a really simple tune, and it's less than two minutes long. I know it's just because I'm not better. I'll get there, eventually. (And then, like all things, I'll look back at this and wonder what I thought was so hard in the first place).

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ If you are reading a book, and a character who is an alien is referred to only by a tag that makes it evident what animal it reminds the humans of, would you find that annoying? ]

Regarding that, I think it depends on the context of the book? For example, if it's consistent that there are others like said character who are nameless, or there's a clear (although it can be implied/done subtly) reason why the character is not named, it should be fine.

I'm just picking the nearest example -- we never knew the names of all the characters in The Little Prince. But due to the scope of the story and how consistent everything is, it never bothered the readers at all. Heck, I don't think it even occurred to the readers to question that... Another thing is also because each character are distinct enough to stand up without proper "names".

I think there's also another story but I can't quite put my finger on it, whether it's a book or a game... I'll let you know if my muddy memory ever came with anything. But yeah, what I'm trying to say is: I don't think readers would complain about any aspect of the story that is clear/consistent.

I hope I didn't confuse you... It's really hard, I'm sorry I'm not very good at putting things into words! Please take my opinion with (tons of) grains of salt!

No, you didn't confuse me. This all makes total sense :)

Thank you for answering.

If you are reading a book, and a character who is an alien is referred to only by a tag that makes it evident what animal it reminds the humans of, would you find that annoying?

Depends on the POV. If it's third person omniscient narrator, wow, would I find that annoying. But any restricted POV, where the narrator had no way of knowing or other ways of describing? Or if the POV character is some kind of racist/specist jerk and would use that description in a derogatory way? Perfectly fine with me.

Hmm, I better get thinking then, as it's omniscient 3rd person. (I suppose I was being a bit lazy, thinking I could get away with that but, on the other hand, it is something I wondered about).

I agree with the comment above that it depends on the narrator. If it's third person with 'first person' leanings or first person and it fits with the narrator/POV's character's personality and background then I think it's fine or even interesting.

If it's third person omniscient probably best to give them a name

Yup, going to do that. It'll work out better in the long run probably anyway.