h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Bribrow, I have now got a video of Under Milkwood which is starring, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter o'toole. Stars or what? I intend to watch it this evening, as you suggested, to understand what hightened language is. I'll let you know what I think of it. Hope you are continuing to get better. Talk soon. Scribb.

Hi Scribbler,
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. But it was written for radio so I'm not sure how it will come across visually. All the pictures were in the language.
I'll be interested to hear your impressions.
Heathwise, I feel normal for the first time in almost three weeks. Flu is no laughing matter. I shall be getting my free french jabs early from now on.
Bribrow

Well Bribrow, I have seen the video and I think it only helped me understand the narrative better. It took a bit of thinking about, but was narrated by Richard Burton, who my fleet-street-raised Brother in Law suggested had the most perfect diction for Under Milkwood. I may have to watch it all again, as I think I may have missed something in it. My local library is going to lend me the audio cassette, when it comes in, so I'll try listening only next time. I kind of understand more of what you call 'heightened language' but I'm not sure I could ever think of words that convey such images, as good old Dylan! Best regards.

Hi Scribbler,
Dylan was unique but he did admit to being influenced by the poetry of Rupert Brookes - they both used "compound adjectives" to brilliant effect.
As an advertising copywriter, I was always taught to avoid adjectives (especially compound ones) and it was good advice for any kind of writer. However, there's a difference between poetry and ad. copy (although many think not a great difference) and after reading Brookes and DT I was persuaded to relax my grip on my adjectival hatchet!
We all have to unwrap our own style in the end but I think reading other writers who have special appeal to us is a way of finding our own glittering pressie under all those wrappings of brown paper.
Dylan Thomas also wrote brilliant short stories that might appeal to you - his "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog" is well worth buying (the title is a take-off of another book of short stories "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" by that great Irish author whose name escapes me for the moment). Also worth a read - but if we get into this little rowboat we could end up doing a cirmumnavigation of the world. And why not? Bring some sandwiches.
I look forward to seeing how this bit of research affects your next piece.
Bribow
"fleet-street-raised brother-in-law" - well, as compound adjectives go, it's a start!

Hi Bribrow, Just going to make them sandwiches and a flask, then I'm in that boat with you - the universe awaits! I am thoroughly enjoying this dialogue with you. You're making me look much harder at what I write and read! At first I didn't understand what you meant by 'compound adjectives' until you pointed out that I'd unintentionally used one! - Sometimes it's the only thing that works, isn't it! I'll try and do something really stunning for my next bit and see if I can impress you, but first I must sort out a bit or work to take to my Writers' Club tomorrow evening. Maybe I'll post a bit of that for you to read! Great to hear you sounding like yourself again!