Lyrical Writing vs Purple Prose: A Tale of Two Apocalypse Novels

When it comes to writing apocalyptic fiction, authors often struggle with the delicate balance between lyrical language and purple prose. While a vivid narrative can transport readers to a post-apocalyptic world, overly flowery descriptions can detract from the story's impact. In this article, we'll explore how two novels, 'Whether Violent or Natural' by an unknown author and , demonstrate the differences between lyrical writing and purple prose.

In 'Whether Violent or Natural,' the author masterfully weaves together a narrative that is both hauntingly beautiful and eerily suspenseful. The novel's unique blend of atmospheric tension, philosophical introspection, and apocalyptic chaos is reminiscent of Susanna Clarke's 'Piranesi' and Shirley Jackson's 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle.' The author's use of lyrical language creates a sense of intimacy with the characters, drawing readers into their isolated world.

For example, when describing the arrival of the drowned woman on the island, the author writes: 'When a woman washes ashore-near drowned but clinging to life-the question of her fate threatens the fragile balance of Kit and Crevan's isolated world.' This sentence is both poignant and concise, effectively conveying the emotional stakes without resorting to flowery language.

In contrast, some authors may opt for purple prose to describe similar scenes. For instance, they might write: 'As the morbidly pale woman emerged from the waves, her vacant eyes seemed to bore into the souls of Kit and Crevan, shattering the fragile equilibrium of their island existence.' While this sentence attempts to create a sense of drama, it is overly reliant on adjectives and becomes tedious to read.

The key difference between these two approaches lies in the author's intention. Lyrical writing seeks to evoke emotions and create a sense of atmosphere through subtle suggestions rather than explicit descriptions. Purple prose, on the other hand, relies on grandiose language to shock or impress readers.

Ultimately, whether an author chooses to employ lyrical writing or purple prose, the goal remains the same: to transport readers to a new world and keep them engaged until the very end. By mastering the art of lyrical writing, authors can create novels that are both hauntingly beautiful and unputdownable – like 'Whether Violent or Natural.

Lyrical writing v s purple prose