Why Does The Author Shift From 2007 To 2017

The narrative technique of shifting between timelines, particularly from 2007 to 2017, serves a multitude of purposes for an author. It's a deliberate choice, often driven by the desire to enhance storytelling, reveal character arcs, explore thematic resonance, and create suspense. By dissecting the possible motivations behind this specific temporal jump, we can gain a deeper understanding of the author's intent and the overall impact on the reader.

Unveiling Character Development Through Juxtaposition

One of the most compelling reasons for an author to shift between 2007 and 2017 is to illustrate character development. The decade separating these two points in time offers a significant window for change, growth, and transformation.

• Highlighting Transformation: Jumping between a character in their formative years (2007) and a more mature stage (2017) allows the author to starkly contrast their personalities, beliefs, and values. Perhaps in 2007, the character was naive and idealistic, while in 2017, they are hardened by experience and more cynical. This juxtaposition emphasizes the impact of life events on shaping an individual.
• Revealing the Catalyst for Change: The shift can strategically unveil the events that triggered pivotal changes. By showing glimpses of the character's life in 2007, the author can establish a baseline, making the differences in 2017 more pronounced. The reader is then compelled to understand what occurred during those intervening years to cause such a transformation. Flashbacks to specific incidents or relationships within that decade can then gradually reveal the catalyst for the character's evolution.
• Exploring the Consequences of Choices: Time jumps provide an effective mechanism to showcase the long-term consequences of past decisions. Actions taken in 2007 can have reverberating effects that become apparent in 2017. The author can use this technique to explore themes of responsibility, regret, and the interconnectedness of time. For example, a seemingly insignificant choice made in 2007 could lead to unforeseen opportunities or devastating setbacks a decade later.
• Deepening Empathy and Understanding: By witnessing a character at different stages of their life, readers can develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. Seeing their vulnerabilities and struggles in 2007, and then observing how they cope with the challenges of 2017, creates a more nuanced and relatable portrayal. This connection can be particularly powerful if the character faces universal struggles such as loss, heartbreak, or the pursuit of dreams.

Thematic Exploration and Resonance

Beyond individual character arcs, the 2007-2017 time shift can also serve to explore broader thematic concerns. The specific years chosen hold historical and cultural significance that can be leveraged to enhance the story's message.

• Reflecting Societal Shifts: The period between 2007 and 2017 witnessed significant global events, including the 2008 financial crisis, the rise of social media, and increasing political polarization. By setting the story against this backdrop, the author can explore how these events impacted individuals and communities. The time jump allows for a before-and-after perspective, highlighting the ways in which society has changed and the challenges that have emerged.
• Examining the Passage of Time: The inherent nature of a time jump invites reflection on the passage of time itself. The author might use this technique to explore themes of nostalgia, memory, and the ephemeral nature of life. The contrast between the past and the present can evoke a sense of longing for what was lost or a recognition of the impermanence of the present moment.
• Highlighting Generational Differences: The gap between 2007 and 2017 can also represent a generational divide. Characters who came of age in 2007 may have different values and perspectives than those who are just entering adulthood in 2017. Exploring these differences can lead to insightful commentary on cultural evolution and the challenges of intergenerational understanding.
• Creating a Sense of Historical Perspective: By situating the narrative within a specific historical context, the author can provide a broader perspective on contemporary issues. The events of 2007 may shed light on the problems and anxieties of 2017, revealing underlying patterns and continuities. This historical awareness can enrich the reader's understanding of the present and encourage critical reflection on the past.

Building Suspense and Mystery

The strategic use of time shifts can also be a powerful tool for building suspense and unraveling mysteries. By withholding information and gradually revealing pieces of the puzzle across different timelines, the author can keep the reader engaged and guessing.

• Creating Narrative Tension: Jumping between 2007 and 2017 can create a sense of narrative tension by leaving unanswered questions in each timeline. The reader is constantly trying to connect the dots and anticipate how the events of the past will impact the present. This technique can be particularly effective in thrillers or suspense novels where the stakes are high and the truth is elusive.
• Withholding Key Information: The author might strategically withhold key information about a past event, only revealing it gradually through flashbacks or character interactions. This technique creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, encouraging the reader to piece together the full picture. The delayed revelation can also heighten the emotional impact of the event when it is finally disclosed.
• Employing Red Herrings: Time jumps can also be used to mislead the reader and create red herrings. The author might present seemingly contradictory information in different timelines, leading the reader to draw false conclusions. This technique can add layers of complexity to the plot and keep the reader guessing until the very end.
• Revealing the Unreliable Narrator: Shifting perspectives between 2007 and 2017 can expose an unreliable narrator. Discrepancies between the character's recollections of the past and their present-day actions can raise doubts about their trustworthiness and motivations. This technique adds a layer of psychological complexity to the narrative and challenges the reader to question the veracity of the story.

Enhancing Plot Structure and Pacing

Beyond character, theme, and suspense, the 2007-2017 time shift can also be used to enhance the overall plot structure and pacing of the narrative.

• Breaking Up Monotony: A linear narrative can sometimes become monotonous. Introducing time jumps can break up the narrative flow and add variety to the reading experience. This technique can be particularly effective in longer novels where maintaining reader engagement is crucial.
• Creating Cliffhangers: Ending a chapter or section with a cliffhanger in one timeline and then jumping to the other timeline can create a sense of anticipation and encourage the reader to keep turning the pages. This technique is a classic tool for maintaining suspense and driving the narrative forward.
• Controlling the Release of Information: Time jumps allow the author to control the pace at which information is revealed. They can strategically withhold information in one timeline while providing clues in the other, gradually building suspense and intrigue. This controlled release of information can heighten the emotional impact of key events and create a more satisfying reading experience.
• Parallel Storylines: The author might use the two timelines to develop parallel storylines that converge in the end. This technique can create a sense of symmetry and thematic resonance, highlighting the interconnectedness of past and present. The convergence of the storylines can also provide a satisfying resolution to the narrative arc.

Specific Considerations for 2007 and 2017

The choice of 2007 and 2017 as specific temporal markers is not arbitrary. These years carry particular weight and significance that can be leveraged to enhance the story's impact.

• 2007: The Eve of Economic Crisis: 2007 represents the year before the global financial crisis of 2008. This period was characterized by a sense of optimism and prosperity, which makes the subsequent economic downturn all the more jarring. The author might use 2007 to depict a world on the cusp of change, highlighting the fragility of economic stability and the illusion of endless growth.
• 2017: A World Transformed: By 2017, the world had undergone significant transformations in the wake of the financial crisis. The rise of social media, the increasing awareness of climate change, and the growing political polarization had all reshaped the global landscape. The author might use 2017 to explore the consequences of these changes, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
• Technological Advancements: The decade between 2007 and 2017 witnessed rapid technological advancements, particularly in the realm of mobile technology and social media. This technological shift had a profound impact on communication, relationships, and the way people experience the world. The author might use the time jump to explore the effects of technology on human connection and the blurring of lines between the physical and digital realms.
• Cultural Shifts and Trends: Fashion, music, and popular culture also underwent significant changes between 2007 and 2017. The author might use these cultural markers to create a sense of nostalgia or to highlight the evolving tastes and values of different generations. These details can add authenticity and richness to the narrative, immersing the reader in the specific time periods.

Examples in Literature and Film

Numerous examples in literature and film demonstrate the effectiveness of shifting between 2007 and 2017 (or similar timeframes) for the purposes outlined above. While specific examples will vary depending on the author and the story, the underlying principles remain the same.

• Character-Driven Narratives: A story might focus on a character who experienced a significant trauma in 2007 and is still grappling with the consequences in 2017. The time jumps would allow the author to explore the character's healing process (or lack thereof) and the lasting impact of the past on their present-day life.
• Mystery and Suspense: A thriller might use the time shift to unravel a crime that occurred in 2007. The present-day investigation in 2017 would gradually reveal clues about the past, leading to a shocking revelation about the perpetrator and their motives.
• Thematic Exploration: A novel might explore the theme of environmental degradation by contrasting the relatively pristine landscape of 2007 with the more polluted and degraded environment of 2017. The time jump would serve as a visual representation of the consequences of inaction and the urgency of addressing climate change.

Conclusion

The author's decision to shift between 2007 and 2017 is a deliberate and multifaceted choice with a wide range of potential motivations. From enhancing character development and exploring thematic resonance to building suspense and manipulating plot structure, the strategic use of time jumps can significantly enrich the storytelling experience. By carefully considering the historical and cultural context of these specific years, the author can further amplify the impact of their narrative and create a more profound connection with the reader. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this technique depends on the author's skill in weaving together the different timelines and creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that resonates with the audience.