Roopa Banerjee
Fiction writers often use varied literary devices to create engaging and thought-provoking narratives. One such popular device is a non sequitur, a Latin term that translates to ‘it does not follow’. A non sequitur is a statement or event that has no logical connection to the preceding narrative. While logic may dictate a linear progression in storytelling, introducing non sequiturs adds intrigue, humour, and even philosophical depth to works of fiction.
Non sequiturs are used in several ways. For instance, in humorous writing to surprise and amuse readers. A sudden, unexpected statement or event provokes laughter because it deviates from logical expectation. Also, they introduce an element of absurdity or surrealism into a narrative, challenging the boundaries of reality within a fictional world. This is particularly effective in genres such as magical realism and absurdist literature.
A prominent example is in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Carroll’s whimsical tale is replete with non sequiturs. For instance, when Alice encounters the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, the characters engage in absurd conversations that defy conventional logic. The Hatter’s famous riddle, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” is a classic non sequitur, as it presents a question without a logical answer, leaving readers both puzzled and entertained.
A more recent example is in Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. This anti-war novel uses non sequiturs to convey the disjointed and non-linear experiences of the protagonist, Billy Pilgrim. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, and events occur seemingly at random, creating a sense of temporal dislocation that mirrors the psychological trauma of war.
Non sequiturs can be used in events as well. For instance, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Peeves the Poltergeist disrupts a school assembly by dropping water balloons on students’ heads, shouting nonsensical rhymes, and causing mayhem. These moments are classic non sequiturs, as they have no direct relevance to the main plot but add humour and chaos to Hogwarts School.
In the cult Hollywood film Pulp Fiction directed by Quentin Tarantino, non sequiturs are woven into the dialogue to create moments of surprise and humour. For example, in the Royale with Cheese conversation between Jules and Vincent, they discuss the differences between American and European metric systems while on their way to a violent confrontation. This seemingly unrelated discussion adds an element of realism and humour to an intense situation.
In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerland, the charming Daisy Buchanan generously uses non sequiturs contributing to her air of sophistication and elusiveness. When describing her daughter, Daisy says, “I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” This statement is a non sequitur, as it follows no logical progression in the conversation. However, it reveals Daisy’s disdain of societal expectations placed on women during the Jazz Age and her desire to shield her daughter from the harsh realities of the world.
In conclusion, non sequiturs, while seemingly illogical, add wit, absurdity, and philosophical depth to fictional narratives. They challenge readers’ expectations, provoke thought, and contribute to the richness and diversity of literary and entertainment experiences. Whether used for comic effect or to explore complex themes or create a sense of the surreal, non sequiturs are valuable to writers, allowing them to push the boundaries of storytelling in captivating ways.
Exercise
Here are ten books known for their use of non sequiturs. Name their authors.
1. Catch-22
2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
3. Breakfast of Champions
4. House of Leaves
5. The Mezzanine
Answers
1. Joseph Heller
2. Douglas Adams
3. Kurt Vonnegut
4. Mark Z. Danielewski
5. Nicholson Baker
Also read: 10 commonly used literary terms
