Verisimilitude
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Verisimilitude (from Latin verisimilitudo, from verus true + similitudo similitude) is the state or quality of something which exhibits the appearance of truth or reality.
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[edit] In literature
In literature, the term denotes the extent to which the characters and actions in a work of fiction exhibit realism or authenticity, or otherwise conform to our sense of reality. A work with a high degree of verisimilitude means that the work is very realistic and believable; works of this nature are often said to be "true to life".
[edit] In theatre
The concept of verisimilitude is central to the art of theatre, who relies on it to not only separate the actors and story from the audience, but in the very attention to detail to create the situations and phenomenon displayed. The origins of modern acting methods, particularly Konstantin Stanislavsky's, requires a commitment to the character-related verisimilitude required to create a scene, situation or play. Verisimilitude was essential to Neoclassical theatre with a focus on the Three Unities of stringent time (all scenes are in real-time or occur within 24 hours), action (no sub-plots) and place (all usually in one room or town; places accessible within boundaries of travel time). Contrary to this, it was absurdist theatre such as plays by Samuel Beckett that willingly and regularly violated such concepts for its artistic purposes (Rabinovitz).
[edit] Suspension of disbelief
Verisimilitude is also the willingness to suspend one's disbelief (even if the events or fictitious representations might otherwise be considered preposterous) when the intensity of the story or interest in the characters overrides the need to believe that things are scientifically correct.
[edit] Distinguishing truth from verisimilitude in popular culture
An example (in American popular culture) of the use of verisimilitude (as an effective plot device) would be the television program Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction? This anthology television show (which aired from 1997 to 2002 and was produced by the FOX network) featured five stories (written as short sketches acted out by professional actors), some of which were true (Fact) and some of which were written to appear as true, but were works of fiction (verisimilitude). The main premise of the show was that the viewer was offered the challenge of determining which were true and which were false. At the end of each episode, of course, it would be revealed to the viewer which of the presented stories were true and which were works of fiction.
[edit] Traditional uses of verisimilitude
Historically, verisimilitude has been used as a literary technique or plot device to assist a writer in presenting a work as actually true, which was important in times when it was taught that reading fiction was sinful. [citation needed] Authors use actual people, places, and things toward this end, but also realistic character and setting detail and realistic dialogue. Note how Chaucer, in The Canterbury Tales, uses London and England, a pilgrimage that actually took place yearly, a real inn in a real place, authentic description of clothing and occupations, and realistic dialogue.
The false document is a literary technique used to enhance verisimilitude.
[edit] Trivia
Verisimilitude is also the title of Track 22 in the soundtrack for the film version of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events; music by Thomas Newman.
Director Richard Donner adopted verisimilitude as his motto during the filming of Superman, much to the chagrin of his cast, who had difficulty remembering the lengthy word and its meaning.
Scottish indie band Teenage Fanclub have a track entitled Verisimilitude on their album Grand Prix.
