Verisimilitude
Verisimilitude(from Latin
verisimilitudo, from
verus true +
similitudo similitude) is the state or quality of something which exhibits the
appearance of
truth or
reality.
In
literature, the term denotes the extent to which the characters and actions in a work of
fiction exhibit
realism or
authenticity, or otherwise
conform to our sense of
reality. A work with a high degree of verisimilitude means that the work is very realistic and believable; works of this nature are often said to be "true to life".
Verisimilitude is also the willingness to
suspend one's disbelief (even if the events or fictitious representations might otherwise be considered preposterous) when the intensity of the story or interest in the characters overrides the need to believe that things are scientifically correct.
An example (in
American popular culture) of the use of verisimilitude (as an effective
plot device) would be the
television program Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction? This
anthology television show (which aired from
1997 to
2002 and was produced by the
FOX network) featured five stories (written as short sketches acted out by professional
actors), some of which were true (Fact) and some of which were written to appear as true, but were works of
fiction (verisimilitude). The main premise of the show was that the viewer was offered the challenge of determining which were true and which are false. At the end of each episode, of course, it would be revealed to the viewer which of the presented stories were true, and which were works of fiction.
Historically, verisimilitude has been used as a
literary technique or
plot device to assist a
writer in presenting a work as actually true, which was important in times when it was taught that reading
fiction was . Authors use actual people, places, and things toward this end, but also realistic character and setting detail and realistic dialogue. Note how
Chaucer, in
The Canterbury Tales, uses
London and
England, a
pilgrimage that actually took place
yearly, a real
inn in a real place, authentic description of clothing and occupations, and realistic dialogue.
The
false document is a literary technique used to enhance verisimilitude.
Verisimilitude is also the Title of one of Track 22 in the
soundtrack for
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events the movie, music by
Thomas Newman.
Director
Richard Donner adopted it as his motto during the filming of
Superman, much to the confusion of his cast who had difficulty remembering the lengthy word and its meaning.
*
Truthiness*
fiction*
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Television Program*
Plot Devices*
short story
