The Internet and mobile data networks have allowed for global communications on a whim. With instant messaging and email, we’ve grown accustomed to instant gratification – especially when it comes to receiving sweet nothings from that special someone. Although romantic letter writing may be a dying art, we at Wordsmith believe it is an art worth saving. So with a little help from the Academy Award-winning film Green Book, read on to find out more…
Dr. Shirley’s words of wisdom
Green Book is a film adaptation of a true story set in 1962, and features African American musician Doctor Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali) and Italian American bodyguard/driver Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga (played by Viggo Mortensen). With Dr. Shirley being a man of cultured refinement and Tony Lip being crudely blunt (and usually hungry), the unlikely pair embark on a musical tour through the Southern United States – areas where Jim Crow laws established deeply ingrained social and racial prejudice – hence the need for The Negro Motorist Green-Book which inspired the film’s title.
Along the way, the two learn that their differences were the necessary catalysts for personal growth. Dr. Shirley learned to stand up for himself and came to understand that adhering to skewed social constructs would not bring about change, whereas Tony took on the finer graces of social etiquette and eloquence – his sudden ability to write romantic letters being the hottest topic of debate amongst family members back home.
Before Tony became a romantic, he wrote letters home to his wife much like a third grader writing in a weekly journal – describing what he was doing (eating potato chips and getting thirsty) and what he was going to do next. Unimpressed and deeming it “pathetic”, Dr. Shirley steps in:
Dr. Shirley: “Tell me what you’re trying to say.”
Tony: “I dunno… y’know… I miss her.”
Dr. Shirley: “Then say that, but do it in a manner that no one else has ever done it before.”
From Dr. Shirley’s explanation, we interpret it as adopting a writing style that is completely different from how you would normally write or speak to the recipient. Consider how Tony rewrote his letter:
Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Nothing matters to me but you, and everyday I’m alive, I’m aware of this. I loved you the day I met you. I loved you today, and I will love you the rest of my life…
In addition to focusing on Tony’s feelings instead of his snacks, Dr. Shirley helped his companion become more expressive – transforming a simple “I love you and miss you” into a heartfelt monologue.
TheWrap acquired samples of Tony Lip’s letters to his wife Dolores. Although the penmanship needs work, you can see a clear evolution in writing style – from the matter-of-fact and uninspired narrative on the left to a much firmer grasp of romance on the right.
Tickling memories and planning ahead
Memories provide the foundation of Tony’s letter in the film. The sentence “I loved you the day I met you,” is meant to trigger memories of their first encounter – bringing up a number of nostalgic emotions along with it. When you and your recipient are separated by great distances, recalling shared memories is a quick and powerful way to bond.
Why are memories so powerful? According to professor and psychological scientist Clay Routledge of North Dakota State University, “nostalgia serves a crucial existential function – bringing to mind cherished experiences that assure us that we are valued people who have meaningful lives.” Knowing the bluntness of Tony, their first meeting may not have been perfect, but it did ultimately result in a happy marriage with children – creating a sense of fulfilment and value for both of them.
Furthermore, the line “I will love you for the rest of my life” shows Tony’s intentions for the future. At face value, it could be taken as just fluff, but for someone who was truly in love with him, it validates their relationship and delivers reassurance that it will last.
A story for the senses
Imagery is often used to paint a picture for the reader. While creating a visual is indeed one of the purposes of imagery, it can actually be used stimulate all five of our senses! As an example, consider what Tony would write at New Orleans during Mardi Gras:
Imagine yourself at the Coney Island carnival on Saturday night. Crowds melt away to form larger crowds. Elbows are bumped and toes are stepped on, all while echoes of shouting and hollering celebrate the simplicity of life in unison. That’s just the tip of the magic surrounding Mardi Gras.
The Louisianans have perfected the art of deep frying. From every nugget of fried catfish, you will find a delightfully delicate and flaky fish with the crispiest cornmeal crust. At night, the aromatic scent of hickory and apple smoked pork gently wafts through my hotel window, keeping me ravenously awake. Oh how I wish you were here to enjoy this experience with me.
It’s straightforward enough visually, but what about the others senses? From a tactile and sound perspective, you can imagine yourself being a part of the bustling crowd and naturally hearing the deafening noises of a community in celebration. Then, the irresistible crunch of fried food alongside the unmistakable charm of smoked meats. Imagery brings it all to life.
There’s more than one way to paint a picture, and if you can speak to the memory and the senses while doing so, you’ll have led your partner on an incredibly vivid adventure. You could always do the same with email, but gripping onto a riveting letter versus reading it off a screen just isn’t the same. Your recipient will appreciate the extra effort too!
P.S. Remember to leave all your requests at the post scriptum of the letter. Like clanging a cowbell at the end of Shostakovich’s Seventh, “It’ll be perfect.”