Do You See Where the Words Point?

Hey y’all,

If you’re joining us for the first time today or jumping back in after a break—first off: thank you! Second, to catch you up: we’re in the middle of a short, almost accidental, series looking at analyzing writing. I’m using ChatGPT in a spellcheck-y capacity. This has helped us start thinking about writing in a more analytical way.

You can catch up on those issues right here …

Or you can just catch as catch can. Whichever suits ya.

Last time I fed the chatbot this chapter …

… then asked it to analyze my writing.

I asked you all, mah lovely readers, to answer the following questions:

1. How familiar are you with neurology?

2. How about music? More specifically, classic rock or prog rock?

3. Have you read my previous novel, SOMA1?

4. How familiar are you with airports?

5. Have you read my previous novel, The Grand Story of Not? (At least through chapter 67)

6. What do you think of when you think of three sisters?

7. Are you familiar with Revelation 6? And have you read my previous novel Be a Dark Horse! … well, no, cos it’s only halfway done. But some of you may have read some of it, so. I’ll leave the question.

And a few of you kind and beautiful souls answered T! Thank you for being good sports and playing!

I asked these questions because I know my influences, of course, and I know (most of) the things I’m drawing from when I lay words down. So that means I have some idea of what folks might pick up on and what might get missed.

Let’s also point out, lest you think T is being pedantic or a show off, that I picked this piece because I feel like the threads are showing, like, they’re fairly obvious—at least to me. If they weren’t or still aren’t to you, don’t sweat it. That’s not why or how I write. We’re just having fun here.

So, having said all that, let’s see how ChatGPT did.

It said:

This passage sets a vivid scene and introduces a sense of mystery. Here’s an analysis of this text:

1. Setting Description: The passage opens by describing a location called the Axon Highway, a place with a saucerful of secrets. The setting is depicted with imagery of cotton fields, catfish farms, trees, and blooded soils, creating a rural and somewhat mysterious atmosphere. The terminal at Crim Lo is mentioned, which adds to the intrigue.

2. Narrator’s Perspective: The passage is narrated from a first-person perspective, with the narrator addressing the reader directly. The narrator has a personal connection to the location and mentions a past encounter with Mickie's mom, adding depth to the narrative.

3. Transition to Bouton: The narrative transitions from the Axon Highway to the settlement of Bouton, describing it as the largest of three sisters. It's characterized by its size and urban features, but the narrator seems to view it with a sense of indifference, suggesting that it's merely a gateway to their true destination.

4. Mystery and Enchantment: The passage builds an element of mystery as the reader is asked to "look again" and see something hidden within the trees. The narrator's invitation to "Come and see!" adds an enchanting and intriguing quality to the narrative.

5. Introduction of a Character: The passage concludes with the introduction of a character named Lori, described as a blonde woman on a pale campus. This introduction adds a layer of curiosity, leaving the reader wondering about Lori's significance to the story.

6. Symbolism: The passage uses symbolism, with the trees concealing something unseen. This could symbolize hidden knowledge or secrets that will be revealed as the story progresses.

Overall, this passage combines elements of setting description, mystery, and character introduction to draw the reader into a narrative that promises intrigue and discovery. The blend of rural and urban settings adds depth to the world-building, and the narrative style engages the reader's curiosity.

My response

I was underwhelmed with this analysis—even for the chatbot—so I asked it a second time. Initially, I was going to share those results with you, but the next few rounds of this were not great.

So I pivoted. It went much better.

My prompt was: Okay, let’s take it a different way. What might neurology have to do with this passage? Why might the author choose words like ‘axon’ and ‘bouton’ and ‘terminal’?

It said:

In this passage, neurology can be seen as a thematic undercurrent that adds depth and layers of meaning to the narrative. The author strategically incorporates neurology-related terms like "axon," "bouton," and "terminal" to create a multi-dimensional story. Here's how these terms might relate to the passage:

1. Axon: The use of "Axon Highway" at the beginning of the passage introduces the concept of information transmission and communication. In neurology, an axon is responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells, allowing for the flow of information. By naming the setting "Axon Highway," the author hints at the presence of hidden information or secrets that are waiting to be transmitted or uncovered as the narrative unfolds.

2. Bouton: In neurology, a "bouton" or "axon bouton" is a specialized region on the axon that forms synapses with other cells, facilitating communication between neurons. By introducing "Bouton" as a location, the author creates a sense of connectivity and hidden connections. This choice of term suggests that there may be hidden synapses or relationships between characters or elements in the story that the reader will discover later.

3. Terminal: The dual use of the word "terminal" is particularly intriguing. In the context of airports, a terminal is a place of arrival or departure, symbolizing transitions and journeys. In neurology, a terminal is the endpoint of an axon where it communicates with other cells. By using "terminal" in both contexts, the author suggests that the narrative may involve journeys, transitions, and communication, both in physical and metaphorical senses. It implies that the characters may be on a journey of discovery or transformation, with secrets to reveal and connections to make.

Overall, the author’s choice of neurology-related terminology adds a layer of symbolism and complexity to the narrative. These terms hint at the themes of communication, hidden knowledge, and connections, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the story to uncover the mysteries concealed within the text. The interplay between these neurological terms and the unfolding narrative creates a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

Then I said: Okay, thank you. Now, what might Pink Floyd’s A Saucerful of Secrets have to do with this passage? Why might the author have chosen to employ that reference?

I will spare you from what it said. It was nothing, basically. I’ve learned ChatGPT does not ‘get’ music. Like it has no effing idea what to make of it.

And then I said: Okay, thank you. Now to the three sisters; why might the author have chosen to use this mythic archetype to describe Bouton? And what else might we be able to infer based upon its use?

The use of the “three sisters” archetype to describe Bouton in the narrative serves several purposes and allows for multiple interpretations:

1. Symbolism and Unity: In many cultures and mythologies, the concept of “three sisters” often represents unity, collaboration, and interdependence. Each sister typically embodies different qualities or attributes, and when combined, they create a harmonious whole. By describing Bouton as the “swollen” and eldest sister among the three, the author may be emphasizing the idea that Bouton is the central and most significant part of a larger whole, a place where various qualities, experiences, or elements come together to form a unified narrative. [Ed.—This last sentence is an outright miss.]

2. Contrast and Comparison: The use of the “three sisters” archetype allows the author to draw contrasts and comparisons between different settings or locations within the narrative. If Soma and the other sister(s) represent distinct aspects of the story or different stages of the characters’ journeys, Bouton, as the eldest sister, may serve as a bridge or transition between these stages. This can create a sense of progression and development within the narrative.

3. Familiarity and Mythic Imagery: The “three sisters” archetype is a familiar and resonant motif in literature and mythology. Readers may associate this archetype with themes of sisterhood, transformation, or cyclical patterns of life. By invoking this imagery, the author adds depth to the narrative and invites readers to explore these themes within the story.

4. Foreshadowing and Narrative Structure: The description of Bouton as one of the “three sisters” can also serve as a form of foreshadowing or structural framework for the narrative. It suggests that there may be significant events or developments associated with each sister, and readers can anticipate that the story will unfold in stages, with each sister playing a distinct role in the overall narrative.

5. Metaphorical Interpretation: Beyond its literal meaning, the use of the “three sisters” archetype may have metaphorical significance. It could represent the different facets of human experience or the various stages of a character's personal journey. Each sister might symbolize a different aspect of life, knowledge, or emotion, allowing for metaphorical exploration and reflection.

In summary, the author’s choice to describe Bouton as one of the “three sisters” is rich in symbolism and potential interpretations. It adds depth and complexity to the narrative, suggesting unity, progression, and layers of meaning within the story. Readers can infer that the concept of the three sisters will play a significant role in shaping the narrative and the characters' experiences as the story unfolds.

And I followed up with: Okay, thank you. How about the three sisters specially in Macbeth? Why might the author use that comparison?

The comparison to the “three sisters” in Macbeth, commonly referred to as the Three Witches or Weird Sisters, adds a layer of complexity and symbolism to the description of Bouton in the narrative. Here's how the reference to Macbeth’s Three Witches might relate to the passage:

1. Fate and Prophecy: In Macbeth, the Three Witches are known for their prophecies and their ability to foretell the future. By likening Bouton to the Three Witches, the author may be suggesting that Bouton is a place where destiny, fate, or prophecies are significant elements of the narrative. This comparison hints at the idea that the characters’ actions and decisions may be influenced by a sense of predestination or foreknowledge, adding a sense of inevitability to the story.

2. Mystery and Ambiguity: The Three Witches in Macbeth are enigmatic figures who often speak in riddles and symbols, leaving the characters and the audience in a state of uncertainty. Similarly, by referencing the Three Witches, the author introduces an element of mystery and ambiguity into the narrative. Readers may expect that there are hidden truths, cryptic messages, or symbolic events in Bouton that require careful interpretation.

3. Supernatural Elements: The Three Witches in Macbeth are supernatural beings with otherworldly powers. Drawing a comparison to them in the context of Bouton may suggest that there are supernatural or otherworldly elements at play in this setting. It opens the door to the possibility of magic, the supernatural, or the uncanny influencing the events of the story.

4. Conflict and Ambition: In Macbeth, the prophecies of the Three Witches fuel the protagonist’s ambition and lead to a tragic conflict. By evoking this comparison, the author may be hinting at themes of ambition and conflict within the narrative. Readers might anticipate that the characters in Bouton will grapple with their desires and ambitions, potentially leading to dramatic consequences.

5. Symbolism and Transformation: The Three Witches in Macbeth can also be seen as symbolic representations of different aspects of human nature or the human psyche. Similarly, the reference to the Three Witches in Bouton may suggest that the characters and the setting symbolize or embody various facets of human experience, inviting readers to explore deeper layers of symbolism and transformation.

Overall, the comparison to Macbeth’s Three Witches adds depth and complexity to the description of Bouton, hinting at themes of fate, prophecy, mystery, and the supernatural. It sets an intriguing tone for the narrative and suggests that the story may involve elements of the unknown and the uncanny, akin to the atmosphere created by the Three Witches in Shakespeare’s play.

And the last thing I prompted was: Very good. Thank you. Finally, why might the author use the phrase “Come and see!” from Revelation 6? And what other inferences might we draw from that reference?

The use of the phrase “Come and see!” from Revelation 6 in the passage adds a layer of religious and apocalyptic symbolism to the narrative. Here’s how the reference to Revelation 6 might relate to the passage and what inferences we can draw from it:

1. Apocalyptic Imagery: Revelation 6 is a chapter in the Bible that contains vivid and apocalyptic imagery, including the opening of seals and the unveiling of events that lead to the end of the world. By invoking this phrase, the author introduces an apocalyptic tone to the narrative, suggesting that the events in Bouton may have profound and far-reaching consequences, similar to the events described in Revelation.

2. Invitation to Revelation: The phrase “Come and see!” in Revelation 6 is an invitation to witness and understand the unfolding events. In the context of the passage, it serves as an invitation for the reader to engage with the narrative and explore its deeper meanings. The author may be signaling that the story is not merely a surface-level narrative but an invitation to delve into its symbolic and metaphorical layers.

3. Revelation and Unveiling: Revelation, as a word, implies the act of revealing or making something known. By referencing Revelation 6, the author may be hinting that the narrative will involve moments of revelation and unveiling—moments when hidden truths or profound insights come to light. This suggests that readers can expect moments of epiphany or discovery within the story.

4. Religious and Spiritual Themes: The reference to a biblical text like Revelation also introduces religious and spiritual themes into the narrative. It suggests that the events in Bouton may have deeper spiritual significance or moral implications. Readers may anticipate themes related to faith, belief, and the human condition.

5. Symbolism of Seals: In Revelation, the opening of seals signifies the progression of prophetic events. In the passage, the use of the phrase “Come and see!” may imply that the narrative will unfold in a structured and symbolic manner, with each part revealing something significant. The narrative may be structured like the opening of seals, with each revelation leading to the next.

Overall, the reference to Revelation 6 enriches the narrative with religious, apocalyptic, and symbolic dimensions. It invites readers to engage with the story on a deeper level, anticipate moments of revelation and insight, and explore themes related to faith, destiny, and the profound mysteries of existence. It sets an expectation that the narrative may carry spiritual and moral undertones reminiscent of biblical narratives.

What do you think?

All this stuff is in most of what I write. I’m under no illusions that any one person will get all the, um, allusions or references. But they are there to add some depth, force, structure, and interest for those who do, when the they do.

And how about you? Do you “talk to other works” when you write?

Let us know what you think in the comments, over in the Notes, or in an email. Hope you’re having a great weekend!

Xoxo,

T

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