The Map Theory

According to Merriam- Webster Dictionary, literature means “written works that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance.” Performance means “the way an actor performs a part in a play, movie, etc.” A play means “the stage representation of an action or story” and a novel means “: a long written story usually about imaginary characters and events”. Disregard these complicated explanation, those four genres of art are all different kind of maps for me. You might think this idea to be ridiculous, but I would absolutely convince you in the following passage.

To start with, literature is the map of world. On the huge map, different countries represent various types of writings. The United States is a science fiction, depicting the fast developing economy and technology; England is a romance, portraying the brightness and darkness of love; China is a biographer, recording the long river which has flowed for 5000 years. Through this map, we could discover the world easier and clearer. Every secret of the world has hidden in the little pieces of map.

Furthermore, Google Map can be the best epitome of performance. Not only reading, people are required to join in and to add emotions to the map. We can use the real time Google Map to observe the world every second, choosing all kind of format such as 3D or downward angle. We feel confident when we “walk on the road” we are familiar with and get disappointed when we “lost” in the similar concrete. In a play, we actually involved in and accumulate all kinds of emotions in a short time experience. 

As for a novel, the map in the game World of Warcraft could best exemplify. Does not like in the real world, the map in game is full of mysteries, challenges and imagination. Although the map is clear just like the outline of the plot of a novel, you will never know what would happen the next second. A monster? A hero? Or a trap? The novel always gives us surprises and leads our mind of thinking as well.

Last but not least, a computer game called Minecraft could be the best choice to explain a novel. Instead of having a limited map, Minecraft only gives players an outside restriction and specific rules, similar to the role of script in a play. Except those prescribes, all of other conditions are controlled by players themselves; the purpose of the game is to build a world of ones own. It is likely in a play that the sets, movements, emotions, costumes and other factors are all decided by performers or directors. 

Are you convinced and even fall into one of those maps? Next time when you are trying to distinguish these genres of arts, don’t forget to use my “map theory ”. Furthermore, I believe that you could actually come up with more maps, which are amazing and imaginative. Having fun walking in those maps and enjoy the tail of the summer!