Structural Elements in Literature
While the presence of math in literature often manifests in plotlines or characters, its influence extends to the very bones of the narrative—its structure. In this section, we delve into how authors use mathematical sequences and ratios to craft unique, compelling narrative structures.
Fibonacci Sequence in Literature
The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, starting with [latex]0[/latex] and [latex]1[/latex] ([latex]0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8...[/latex]). In literature, some authors use this sequence to structure their chapters or sections. For example, each chapter might have a word count that corresponds to a number in the Fibonacci sequence.
Fibonacci sequence
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. Typically starting with [latex]0[/latex] and [latex]1[/latex], the sequence proceeds as follows: [latex]0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,[/latex] and so on.
Golden Ratio in Literature
The Golden Ratio, approximately [latex]1.618[/latex], has been used to divide a story into two parts. The first part takes up about [latex]38.2\%[/latex] of the story, and the second part [latex]61.8\%[/latex], often marking a critical turning point or climax in the narrative.
golden ratio
The Golden Ratio, often denoted by the Greek letter [latex]ϕ[/latex], is a mathematical constant approximately equal to [latex]1.618[/latex].
“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
Dan Brown uses the Golden Ratio to structure his novel. The story is divided in such a way that key events and turning points align with this mathematical ratio, adding a layer of intricacy to the narrative.
Rhythmic and Linguistic Patterns in Literature
Beyond structural elements, math also plays a significant role in the rhythm and language of literature. In this section, we’ll explore how poets and authors use mathematical patterns to create syllabic and rhyme schemes that add depth and complexity to their works.
Syllabic Patterns
Mathematical patterns often dictate the structure of verses in poetry. For example, a sonnet traditionally has [latex]14[/latex] lines, each with [latex]10[/latex] syllables, while a haiku has [latex]3[/latex] lines with syllable counts of [latex]5, 7,[/latex] and [latex]5[/latex] respectively.
Haiku by Matsuo Basho
An old silent pond ([latex]5[/latex] syllables)
A frog jumps into the pond— ([latex]7[/latex] syllables)
Splash! Silence again. ([latex]5[/latex] syllables)
This haiku follows a [latex]5-7-5[/latex] syllabic pattern, a mathematical structure that adds to its beauty.
Rhyme Schemes
Rhyme schemes are also mathematically structured, often following specific patterns like [latex]ABAB[/latex] or [latex]AABB[/latex]. These patterns add a layer of musicality and rhythm to the poem, making it more engaging and memorable.
“Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? ([latex]A[/latex])
Thou art more lovely and more temperate: ([latex]B[/latex])
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, ([latex]A[/latex])
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: ([latex]B[/latex])
This sonnet follows an [latex]ABAB[/latex] rhyme scheme, a pattern that adds musicality to the poem. In an [latex]ABAB[/latex] rhyme scheme, the first and third lines of a stanza rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other. This creates a pattern where alternating lines rhyme. The “[latex]A[/latex]” and “[latex]B[/latex]” labels are used to denote the rhyming lines, making it easier to identify the pattern.
Different types of poems use various rhyme schemes. For instance:
- Limericks often use an [latex]AABBA[/latex] scheme.
- Villanelles have a complex [latex]ABA \ ABA \ ABA \ ABA \ ABA \ ABAA[/latex] scheme.
- Odes can have irregular rhyme schemes, depending on the poet’s choice.