How do the things we cannot say differ in fiction and nonfiction?
In nonfiction, things we can't say might be related to power dynamics. Powerful institutions may suppress certain information. This is different from fiction, where unsaid things can be a narrative device. In a horror story, the nature of the evil force might be hinted at but not fully said at the start. This keeps the reader in suspense. In nonfiction, the unsaid things are often about real - world consequences, while in fiction it's about storytelling techniques.
In nonfiction, the things we cannot say are often facts that are inconvenient, dangerous, or violate social norms. For example, whistleblowers may know certain illegal activities in a company but are afraid to speak out. In fiction, the unsaid things are more about creating mystery or emotional depth. A character's unspoken love for another might be left unsaid to build tension.
The things we cannot say in nonfiction are typically rooted in reality. It could be a matter of confidentiality, like in a medical case. Or it could be a political situation where speaking out would put someone at risk. In fiction, the unsaid things are part of the creative process. For example, in a coming - of - age story, the main character's insecurities might not be directly stated but shown through their actions. Fiction uses unsaid things to develop characters and plots, while nonfiction has unsaid things due to external real - world factors.
