Relationship between meaning and form

The meaning of every piece of writing is equated to the idea, theme or message the piece is trying to convey. Be it explicit or brief, the meaning gives a specific piece of information to the reader. For Example, the meaning of Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “Silent Writing” is about the struggles (family and personal) with cultural assimilation and growth. I personally look for the who, what, where, when, and how then piece them together to obtain the meaning. Contrary from my personal technique, the meaning is obtained through either dialogue, or narration.

The form of a piece is the style in which the piece is drafted. The form often aligns with the meaning, either enforcing or reinforcing it. The form is usually built into scenes that highlight the meaning of a story. In Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “Silent Dancing”, Cofer used personal narration and the idea of a home movie to set the form of the story. As the narration highlights the meaning of the story, the movie supports. Interestingly, parts of the movie blends with the story and became one. In other words, the movie and the actual story will in parts be about the same thing.

The meaning and form of a story are similar in that one helps build the other. The form builds the meaning as the meaning is part of a form.

I am Hamilton Marks, Jr.
GOOD DAY!