As I pondered the phrase "above reproach", I wondered what
was above "reproach" in the dictionary. I grabbed my Webster's New
World Portable Large Print Dictionary and saw that "reprisal" was
directly above it on the page.
It seems to me that an interesting story could be developed from that
juxtaposition. Could a character repay somebody's wicked deed in a way that
would be above reproach? Or are all reprisals reproachable?
Further searches found that the "godless" are above the
"godly". That's certainly how it seems in our world today.
Here's
another humorous juxtaposition. "."Water buffalo is under
"water". Somebody better rescue that poor animal before it drowns.
I also discovered that
"zest" is below "zero". No wonder skiing and other winter
sports are so popular.
A "Break-in" is after "breakfast". Somebody better
tell the police that. It would help them greatly to know when the crooks will
commit their crimes.
In addition
to this type of fun, you can look at the headings at the top of adjacent pages
and come up with interesting or humorous writing prompts. In my dictionary, I
found "plutocrat" and "poker" as headings. It's easy to in
visage how a few rich and powerful characters could gamble with a business
venture to oppose other rich and powerful players.
My favourite heading combination is "morbid"
"mother-in-law". A wide range of stories could be inspired by that
combination of headings. The mother-in-law could be living with a married
couple and continually warns them about risks to their lives. Or she might live
alone but be calling her son or daughter with dire predictions.
I also composed an electronic music tune and called it
"Discursive Disparity" after the heading words on one dictionary
page. Sadly, nobody has remarked about what a clever title it is to me.
If you ever find yourself in a creative dry spell, try exploring your
dictionary. Inspiration might strike when you least expect it.
@ve6xtc
