Hug – Writer’s Emotion Tool

Writers have several “emotion tools” in their writing toolbox. And one of them is “Hug” or “Embrace”. Narrating this act of affection in literary works is quite common and a necessary element to craft emotionally charged scenes. Hug is one of the essential attributes of human beings and a compelling way of evoking reader emotions.

Although “hug” doesn’t really belong to the onomatopoeia class it does offer a distinct reflection – a feeling of comfort, consolation and protection.

Incidentally, it is derived from the Norwegian word “Hugga”.

An embrace comes in many flavours and therefore its use depends on the corresponding event. A friendly hug is generally offered in public places such as cafe, bar and even on streets as an integral part of cordial greeting ethos. Of course this is subject to local culture. On the other hand an intimate / sensual hug is a private affair, and typically practiced by lovers and couples while a familial embrace is reserved for family occasions and happenings.

Writers, especially those who fall under romance genre are known to manipulate an emotional scene with a complementing constituent, turning it into an intense passage, and hug is one of the popular mediums.

According to Wikipedia it is a form of endearment, common amongst human communities. It is an act where two or more people put their arms around the neck, back or waist and hold each other closely. This doesn’t mean that a hug cannot be shared between several individuals at the same time. Books based on apocalyptic theme usually employ “group hug” to enhance emotional connection / consolation.

On the scientific front, a hug releases oxytocin and at the same time reduces stress hormone, cortisol in our bodies. This in turn reduces blood pressure and offers instant freedom from tension. A hug alleviates fear, assuages the feeling of doom and soothes emotional pain. The last vantage is adapted in many group therapy sessions.

Interestingly, a hug is categorised as a one hand bro hug, two hand evocative hug and full bear hug. No wonder then the Americans have dedicated 21st January to hugging and turned it into an annual event.