Often, authors will repeat a general phrase throughout a work. It can be for emphasis, rhythmic effect, etc. Here are a few of my favorites: Some version of "Are you ready to get it on?" or "We're getting it on now." --Rage by Richard Bachman "All is vanity." --Ecclesiastes "Was ever grief like mine?" --"The Sacrifice" by George Herbert What about you guys?
I like Tennessee Williams's screenplays they have a lot of repeating phrases or ideas running through them. Though I'd have to say Babydoll is my favorite with - Tat for Tit, Tit for Tat - the good neighbor policy - being used for arson and cuckoldry. lol. The Bible has a lot of gems, hard to pick one. Maybe ... Fear not - because it's so potent and clear.
"...plans within plans within plans..." ~ Frank Herbert, DUNE (The film version makes use of the phrase only once and by a character who never actually says it in the book)
Maybe "and so it goes" from Slaughterhouse Five? Not sure it's a favourite, exactly, but it certainly sprang to mind, so I guess it's had an effect on my psyche...
Sticking with the Vonnegut theme how about "Um" from Sirens of Titan? I think Vonnegut describes how the character began saying it more and more, and then later in the book there's an entire conversation where he only responds with "Um" no matter what anyone else says. The other characters continue the conversation as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
Yeah. About thirty years ago. Every so often I open it more or less at random just to get a flavor of Joyce's language. I'd like to reread it, but that would be a serious project. Joyce was the first writer I ever read who made me love language. After reading Ulysses, I realized that language itself - style, voice - was a sufficient reason to write. I didn't need plot or even character (though characters just kinda happen to me) if I had a good sense of language. Prose is art enough.
I adore the 'I am Jack's broken heart etc...' from fight club, it was the use of that in the film that made me want to read his work.
The Bible does have plenty beautiful emphasized phrases. Also, in The Pilgrim's Progress it's Then I saw in my dream... There's another line that says "A Christian man is never long at ease.." But it's not repeated. I just love its truth.
This is a thing willed there where what is willed can be accomplished. - Dante, The Divine Comedy (depending on the translation)
