The Writer As Explorer

In “Nighthawks” by Michael Connelly we see, as we have been taught all semester, that observation is the key part within writing and life. Without speaking and observation there is no story and there is nothing happening. In the story, if Bosch had not been so observant with the painting, there would not have been any conversation brought up with Angela. If Angela had not been observant, she would not have known that Bosch had been watching her or the painting the past two days. If Bosch hadn’t been observant he would’ve given Griffin the location of his abused daughter. Adding onto this, if they had not joined together in their appreciation of the art, there would be no story. Additionally, if they had not been brought together by this art, and the job of course, then the daughter could have stayed in the danger. Finally, this piece of writing is quite literally what we are doing in class. Being inspired by art to create writing. Even if it is just sitting in the presence of the art and letting the stories flow through us. The inspiration and simple satisfaction that we get from art is something we all have experienced. I think it’s extremely important to talk about the power that observation holds. Like we saw in Girl with a Pearl Earring, observation adds so much to the story, one could claim it is the story. A piece of writing is the notes of observation.