Emotion: Solemnity

When you want to write the emotion solemnity, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid show; don't tell and immerse your readers in your story.

Solemnity is a feeling of deep seriousness and dignity. It is a state of being characterized by a solemn and dignified manner or conduct. In writing, it can be expressed through the behavior, actions, and speech of a character. A character exhibiting solemnity might speak with gravity and purpose, act with decorum and reverence, and carry themselves with a sense of reverence and respect. This emotion can be used to convey a sense of importance, gravity, and reverence in a story.

Different Types of Solemnity

Here are some different types of solemnity:

• Reverence
• Dignity
• Respectfulness
• Seriousness
• Gravity
• Earnestness
• Sobriety
• Thoughtfulness
• Gravitas

Situations Associated with Solemnity

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of solemnity:

• Losing a loved one or experiencing the death of someone close
• Witnessing a tragic event or being involved in a serious accident
• Realizing the gravity of a difficult situation or decision
• Recognizing the consequences of one's actions or the actions of others
• Feeling a sense of responsibility or duty towards a difficult task or responsibility
• Being forced to confront one's own mortality or the mortality of others
• Experiencing a significant change or loss in one's personal or professional life
• Reflecting on past mistakes or missed opportunities

Physical Reactions to Solemnity

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing solemnity might have:

• A quiet and serious demeanor
• Avoiding laughter or jokes
• Slow movements and gestures
• A lowered head or a serious facial expression
• A soft and measured tone of voice
• Avoiding eye contact or maintaining intense eye contact
• Taking deep breaths or sighing often
• A tendency to be introspective or reflective
• Speaking in a slow and deliberate manner

Thoughts Associated with Solemnity

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing solemnity might have:

• The weight of my responsibilities feels heavy on my shoulders.
• I can't help but feel a sense of gravity in this moment.
• My mind is filled with thoughts of the past and the future, and it's hard to find solace in the present.
• This moment is significant, and I need to approach it with the respect it deserves.
• I feel like I'm standing at a crossroads, and the path ahead is unclear.
• I'm filled with a sense of reverence and awe.
• I feel a deep sense of sadness and solemnity wash over me.

Atmosphere of Solemnity

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of solemnity in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use a muted color palette to create a somber atmosphere.
• Incorporate natural elements such as rain, fog, or snow to add a sense of melancholy.
• Choose a quiet, deserted location like a graveyard or abandoned building to evoke a sense of stillness.
• Use slow pacing and avoid frenetic action to convey a sense of solemnity.
• Include religious or cultural symbols that represent mourning or reverence.
• Have characters speak in hushed tones or use few words to communicate their solemnity.

Verbs Associated with Solemnity

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of solemnity:

• Reflect
• Contemplate
• Ponder
• Meditate
• Mourn
• Grieve
• Commemorate
• Honor
• Respect
• Reverence
• Cherish
• Treasure
• Remember
• Acknowledge

Emotions Before Solemnity

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences solemnity:

• Sadness
• Grief
• Melancholy
• Regret
• Disappointment
• Despair
• Loneliness
• Heartache
• Pensive

Emotions After Solemnity

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences solemnity:

• Melancholy
• Reflection
• Nostalgia
• Contemplation
• Serenity
• Reverence
• Gratitude
• Awe
• Peacefulness

Telling Solemnity Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion solemnity in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• He felt solemn as he walked through the cemetery.
• The funeral procession was a solemn affair.
• The judge spoke in a solemn tone as he delivered the verdict.
• The soldier stood at attention with a solemn expression on his face.
• The minister's sermon had a solemn message about the importance of forgiveness.
• The mood in the room was solemn as everyone listened to the eulogy.
• The president's address had a solemn tone as he spoke about the sacrifices of the nation's heroes.
• The sound of the church bells added to the solemn atmosphere of the occasion.
• The artist's painting had a solemn quality to it, depicting a lone figure in a desolate landscape.

Practical Examples of Showing Solemnity

Here are some examples of showing solemnity in a sentence:

• She clasped her hands together and lowered her head in reverence.
• The room fell silent as they paid their respects to the fallen soldiers.
• The mourners draped the casket with a black veil and lit candles in solemn memory.
• He spoke in a hushed voice as he recounted his memories of the deceased.

Exercises for Showing Solemnity

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing solemnity:

• Start by defining what solemnity means to you. How would you describe it to someone who doesn't know the word? What images or memories come to mind?
• Think of a character in a solemn situation. What are they experiencing? What might they be thinking or feeling? Write a scene that captures this moment.
• Write a character sketch of someone who embodies solemnity. What are their physical attributes, mannerisms, and speech patterns? How do they interact with others?
• Use sensory details to convey solemnity. Describe the setting in which your character is experiencing this emotion. What do they see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?
• Experiment with different writing styles or genres to capture solemnity. For example, you might write a poem, a monologue, or a short story from your character's perspective.
• Consider the role of symbolism in conveying solemnity. What objects or colors might represent this emotion? How can you incorporate them into your writing?
• Use dialogue to reveal your character's thoughts and feelings about solemnity. Write a conversation between your character and someone else that touches on this emotion.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full list of emotions.