Writer’s Catharsis

Writing is a cathartic process in the sense that one can clarify many unsolved, distressing, and agonizing situations in life with logical interpretations. The troubling incidents tie life in a knot, and writing can be the most purifying experience after dealing with persistent turmoil.

It is not easy to resolve all needling issues at that very moment but as one regains balance to introspect, there is an urgency to be in a comfortable position to portray the situations through various characterizations. It is the cleansing process at a deeper level by revisiting those tough times and clearing away the doubts and actions that have had happened, and its consequences are creating persistent problems.

I think writing is a powerful medium to take control of any such emotions to clarify emphatically to yourself first, and to those who can relate to similar episodes. While it is true, the intellectual and logical aspect of writing should not be abandoned in the process of releasing those intense emotions.

Writing gives you the opportunity to interpret life and take control of your emotions to create a narrative that reflects maturity. You heal gradually, as you release the negative feelings and bravely erase them from your life, for you wish to be free.

There is a perception that writing is a lonely experience. While it is true in the worldly sense, it is not the entire truth. A writer is a brave wanderer; he has the ability to deal with many issues of life that are usually curled up like a ball and thrown away, terming them to be turmoil.

I feel a writer develops some deep sensibility to debate and derive logical conclusions. Conclusions are always open to further debates and interpretations, based on personal experiences and culture.

In the intense moments of catharsis (referring to literature, poetics, and philosophy) words may sound harsh and can terrify the readers at times. This can be true, but the honest clarifications of catharsis will present many uncomfortable questions through the narrative.

If a reader is not ready to read the underlying sentiments of the narrative, it is possible to be enraged and hurt at such incisive comments on human behaviour.

When the characters are portraying the reality of society and have the gumption to face the irate reader’s accusations of being too honest, it is evident that the writing is brilliant. What is more tragic than tragedy is when such tumultuous moments are spurned by society; the intense emotions and honest portrayal can mirror the true identity of devious human nature.

When so many intense emotions are brought together in one place, it transforms into a formidable force; although unpleasant (somehow truth seems to be more troubling compared to damning lies.).

Excess emotions will flow with urgency and create a course of its own and wash away the sludge of treachery and lies along the way.

Many perceive catharsis to be frivolous and philosophy of writing a mere moralistic discourse to humiliate the prevailing sentiments of people and society. Unfair critics will crawl out of their hibernation and resort to vitriolic attacks (probably that’s another devious way of purgation.), as dealing with truth can surprise many philosophers, for they open up unknown facets of human behaviour.

Let me revisit the process of cathartic writing. It is a worthy effort to let go of things in life, as well as, mature with time to share those anecdotes in a humanized manner.

It is this refined culture of forgiveness and the ability to move on, makes writers the communicators of uncomfortable, unreasonable, and unjust behaviour through a cathartic process. This is real healing!

~Amitav

First Published on- May 5th, 2018