📌 The Magic of Endowed Objects

Or, "Why I've always loved yard sales and vintage shops."

Recently I learned about the existence of a particular literary device that almost caused me to rise from my seat in excitement while on a Zoom webinar. (It’s good I didn’t because it was one of those where participants were on-camera.)

Anyhow, it was the idea of an endowed object—an object in a story that accrues meaning within the story and then signals an emotion when introduced later. Essentially, the object in question becomes an emotional bellwether: maybe of a relationship or another essential character arc. Often you can spot an endowed object by how a character handles, protects, and/or treats the object.

The best part (to me) of endowed objects is that they can provide emotional resonance in an interesting way—especially in scenes when your character is mostly alone with their thoughts. (Think of "Wilson" the volleyball in Castaway!)

This idea seemed destined for my ears; I’ve always felt that objects—especially well-worn objects—carry an emotional depth that “just off the Target shelf” items (as charming as they are!) just can’t replicate. I always have (I mean, even when I was a kid) loved yard sales and thrift stores—and items that have a worn-in quality to them.

Speaking of endowed objects…check out this “less than five-minute” look at the New York Public Library’s collection of literary objects! 😍

Yours materially,

Elayne

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