We all need stories. They are a basic part of human life. A novelist friend of mine says, 'If we didn't have stories, we would die.' This is a powerful statement about our need to express ourselves through narrative. Stories turn up everywhere, millions of them, every day. A cleaner in a school tells her friends about a night out, turning the evening's events into a humorous narrative. 'You should have seen what she was wearing...' This is the most common kind of storytelling, and takes place all around us every day.
Journalists talk about 'getting the story', children love to cuddle with parents or family members over a picture book before bedtime, a way of affirming love and support, but it's also the beginning of losing oneself in a magical narrative. Stories like Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings have been read or watched by millions. The Ancient Greeks enjoyed theatre that mirrored aspects of the human condition, with tales of love, loss and revenge. Aesop told tales that had some kind of moral lesson. The Bible is full of great yarns like Jonah and the Whale and Noah's Ark.
Stories are one of the most basic and powerful aspects of human imagination and reflection. Through them, we see ourselves in a new light, with all of our potential for greatness or error. On a more basic level, we adore them as entertainment. Millions watch the antics of Coronation Street or EastEnders several times a week, identifying with the plight of the characters, loving the confrontations, love affairs, crimes and weddings. Even advertisers recognise the power of stories, selling us cars, chocolate and shampoo around miniature tales that are spiced with sex and humour. Stories are a key part to what makes us human. They are not as fundamental as food, air, shelter and water, but they're not far off.
Miles Cain is a writer, storyteller and musician. His novel for teenagers, A Song For Nicky Moon, was shortlisted for The Times/Chicken House children's novel competition. You can email him at: milesinyork@hotmail.com
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