Information AboutVerisimilitude |
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(from Latin ''verisimilitudo'', from ''verus'' true + ''similitudo'' similitude) is the state or quality of something which exhibits the appearance of Truth or Real ity. In Literature , the term denotes the extent to which the characters and actions in a work of Fiction exhibit Realism or Authenticity , or otherwise conform to our sense of Reality . A work with a high degree of verisimilitude means that the work is very realistic and believable, that it is "true to life". Verisimilitude is also the willingness to Suspend One's Disbelief (even if the events or fictitious representations might otherwise be considered preposterous) when the intensity of the story or interest in the characters overrides the need to believe that things are scientifically correct. Historically, verisimilitude has been used as a Literary Technique or Plot Device to assist a writer in presenting a work as actually true, which was important in times when it was taught that reading fiction was sinful. Authors use actual people, places, and things toward this end, but also realistic character and setting detail and realistic dialogue. Note how Chaucer, in The Canterbury Tales, uses London and Canterbury, a pilgrimage that actually took place yearly, a real inn in a real place, authentic description of clothing and occupations and realistic dialogue. The False Document is a literary technique used to enhance verisimilitude. |