You know how when you are retelling the story of a movie you've seen, how you kind of naturally fall into the present tense? Is there a name for that phenomenon? Besides the one I've just made up?
Yes, this query is related to my essay grading. I have a very consistent example of the use of the "cinematic present tense" right here. (But I can't show you.)
It's standard practice in literary studies (and the same is true with film) to use the present tense.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Has anyone discussed this choice?
ReplyDeleteIt is a literary device to use the progression of tense to show progress: 'He gathered his forces, marched them across the country, and there he stands face to face with the foe'. The present tense - the here and now - is the point of focus.
ReplyDeleteThe fault I am calling the cinematic present tense is not nearly so subtle. All the verbs go into the present tense. I am sure that this is not what literary studies and film studies people do.
ReplyDeleteThat's the historical present tense, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was called the present historic. Or that's what I've been telling my students for the last twenty years... 'If it happened in the past, use a past tense' is my stock phrase.
ReplyDeleteIn Latin it's called the dramatic present and was a legitimate stylistic choice. I'm not convinced about it in English, but I have seen the phrase `historic present tense' for it. I think I like `cinematic present' better, but it will date, alas.
ReplyDelete