Sentimentality

Definition

Sentimentality refers to an excessive or superficial emotional response that often seeks to provoke feelings of tenderness, pity, or nostalgia. In storytelling, it can sometimes detract from the authenticity of characters and situations, leading to unrealistic portrayals and manipulative narratives that prioritize emotional impact over genuine human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentimentality can undermine storytelling by creating moments that feel forced or artificial, leading audiences to disengage from the narrative.
2. When characters are portrayed with excessive sentimentality, they often lack depth and realism, making it difficult for viewers to relate to them.
3. Effective writing balances emotional moments with authenticity, allowing for genuine connections without falling into sentimentality.
4. Writers are often encouraged to 'kill their darlings'—to remove overly sentimental elements that don't serve the story, even if they are personally meaningful.
5. Sentimentality may resonate with audiences initially but can result in criticism if it overshadows the narrative's substance or depth.

Review Questions

• How can sentimentality impact character development in storytelling?
  • Sentimentality can negatively affect character development by promoting shallow portrayals that prioritize emotional appeal over authentic growth. When characters are written in overly sentimental ways, they often lack complexity, making it hard for audiences to connect with their journeys. This can lead to a narrative that feels more like manipulation than genuine storytelling, as viewers may not see characters evolve in a meaningful way.
• In what ways might a writer combat sentimentality while crafting emotional scenes?
  • Writers can combat sentimentality by focusing on authenticity and nuance in emotional scenes. This includes developing characters with realistic motivations and flaws, allowing their emotions to arise naturally from their experiences. Additionally, writers should strive for subtlety rather than overt emotional manipulation, ensuring that moments of emotion serve the story rather than distract from it. This balance helps create deeper connections between the audience and characters.
• Evaluate how the concept of 'killing your darlings' relates to managing sentimentality in writing.
  • The concept of 'killing your darlings' is crucial in managing sentimentality because it encourages writers to scrutinize their work for elements that may be emotionally appealing yet ultimately detrimental to the narrative. By being willing to remove these overly sentimental components—even if they hold personal significance—writers can enhance the overall integrity of their stories. This process fosters a more authentic portrayal of characters and emotions, leading to a richer storytelling experience that resonates more deeply with audiences.

Related terms

Melodrama: A dramatic work that exaggerates emotions and emphasizes sensational events to elicit strong reactions from the audience.

Pathos: A rhetorical device used to evoke an emotional response in the audience, often appealing to feelings of pity or sadness.

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a story, often reflecting their development and the themes of the narrative.