What is a proverb? Definition and examples
What is a proverb?
A proverb is a popular saying that contains generally accepted advice or wisdom. Proverbs are short and are often metaphorical or indirect.
Proverb examples
All that glitters is not gold.
Beggars can't be choosers.
Kill two birds with one stone.
Ignorance is bliss.
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Proverbs in literature
Lord of the Rings
Proverbs can be used in literature but they can also be inspired by literature. A classic example of this is in Lord of the Rings where Gandalf speaks the proverb "Not all those who wander are lost".
This phrase has become commonplace, especially amongst fantasy readers.
What's the difference between a proverb and an aphorism?
Unfortunately, there's no clear and definitive answer. Generally, a proverb's author is unknown while an aphorism can be attributed to its author. Other people say that a proverb comes from spoken language, often passed down through generations, while an aphorism is sourced from literature.
If Gandalf made up "Not all those who wander are lost" himself, that this would technically be an aphorism!
However, there are many aphorisms that are treated like proverbs.
How to use proverbs in fiction writing
Proverbs are a useful tool in fiction writing because they can show the morals and expectations that your characters experience in your world. As proverbs are usually metaphorical, another great use of them is to indicate the wider socially acceptable behaviours and values in a subtle manner.
You can either use existing proverbs, adapt them to suit your world or the themes of your novel, or create entirely new ones.
Twisting proverbs can also be used for humorous purposes, such as changing "kill two birds with one stone" to "kill two dragons with one stone".
Remember to keep everything in the perspective of your characters and their world, as well as understanding how this proverb applies to them.
If you are writing an epic fantasy, using common American proverbs may confuse your readers as they may wonder how this phrase came to be in your world as well.
Similarly, a Costa Rican character is unlikely to be familiar with niche Australian sayings beyond "throw a shrimp on the barbie" (which Australians don’t actually say!) unless they have a reason to know this information, such as having Australian friends.
Conclusion
Proverbs are brief sayings that contain advice or wisdom. They are a popular feature in literature and are a useful tool for fiction writers to embed morals into their novels. Draw on your narrator or character's unique perspective and knowledge (or lack thereof!) to drive their proverb usage.