Following on from Part 1 last time (see previous lesson) we now look at the layout of the page, as shown by the margins "chosen" by the writer. In fact, the 'blank' page can be likened to the 'world', with the position we take when we first start to produce marks on the blank sheet showing how we view our position in the world.
Before considering the margins separately, they should be examined in relation to one another as well, especially the right and left margins, so as to determine if the writing as a whole is placed evenly on the paper, or if it is 'shifted' to the left or right.
Paul de Sainte Colombe tells us, in his book "Graphotherapeutics":
"When not dictated by the need to squeeze a message onto the only available piece of paper, the individual's choice of a left margin relates to the front he puts up for the public; the right margin, to his real feelings toward the world. Whether or not the left margin is well maintained corresponds to how he succeeds or fails to keep up that front. A wide left margin reveals that the writer wishes to appear distant to other people; a narrow left margin, that he wants to seem close. The width or narrowness of the right margin shows how he actually feels on the question."
>From this we can see that displacement to the left overall is actually a sign of inhibition, perhaps of fear, displacement to the right shows release, confidence, looking towards a goal and confirms the general indications of other strong right tendencies.
The width of the margins is often a reflection of the size of the writing, in that the large margins go appropriately with large writing and vice versa. Unless they are accounted for by the general symmetry of this principle, the width of the margins may be significant. Broad margins that are not the result of other causes, such as are indicated above, may be pointers towards (a) good social standing or (b) extravagance - or of both. Narrow margins naturally have the opposite significance.
As well as the width, the straightness and the constancy must be examined. It is usually taken as an indication of the consistency of behaviour and manners, and of the sense of economy, though the nature of the economy is not always apparent. As the size of the writing must be considered as well a number of indications emerge:-
| Large writing | - Narrow margin | - Writer wants all available space for himself |
| - Wide margin | - Writer used to space and to wasting it. Extravance. Frequent in upper class writing. | |
| Small writing | - Narrow margin | - Writer forced, or accustomed, to economy. Frequent in lower class writing. |
| - Wide margin | - Good manners. General disposition. May be somewhat artificial. |
| NOTE:- | In many cases, 'time' or 'money' might be written for 'space'. Other features are the guide to the right answer. Speed, shape of hooks, etc. |
| Constant Margin | - Constant behaviour, good manners. |
| Irregular Margin | - Careless or unorthodox about behaviour or dress. |
| Broadening Margin | - "Letting go". Fatigue. Increasing generosity. Interest in subject overcoming writing consciousness. Sign of speed. |
| Narrowing Margin | - "Putting on brake". Restraint. Discipline. Economy overriding generosity. Inhibition. |
(Note that the effect is to lengthen the distance, and therefore the time taken, between starting point and goal.)
The right margin is of necessity less consistent than the left. Its width depends on the writer's impulse to end the line. If it is consistent, it shows exceptional powers of judgement and decision (can also show the good driver), especially if the writing is fast and natural.
Broadly speaking, the right margin shows if there is full use made of available space. Note if there is "cramming" at the right end of the line, or if unnecessary additional space is allowed. Consider if the following word at the beginning of the next line could have been included easily in the previous line or not.
This margin indicates the ability to organize space and time and also to make decisions. It is also a sign of the degree of confidence in, or mistrust of, other people. In conjunction with the left margin, it can also indicate economical trends, or the lack of them.
A full use of available space points towards moral courage and decision.
An enlarged margin, if unbalanced, shows self-consciousness or reserve; deep inlets emphasize this tendency to aloofness or to guard privacy.
Long end strokes, reaching the edge of the paper, can be taken as warding off ("touching wood"), or of keeping others out.
A narrow margin, if consistent points towards determination to reach a goal. But crammed endings, and words descending sharply to make up for lack of space, indicate poor judgement.
The width of the top margin varies with regard for convention and, sometimes, with esteem for the addressee (i.e. the person you are writing to).
A very narrow top margin points to disregard of convention. (It can also point to the writer being under considerable stress, with supporting factors.)
A broad top margin may show good taste, over-strict observance of formal rules and conventions, or even subservience and pedantry.
In the absence of extenuating circumstances, consistent crowding of lines, or too narrow a margin, at the bottom of the page may be a sign of indecision, laziness, sentimentality, or procrastination.
Note also the likelihood of depression being the cause of a progressive narrowing and drooping of lines to a wedge-shape formation at the bottom of a page.
The interpretation of good and bad punctuation is almost self-evident; careful punctuation shows accuracy, care and consideration, whilst neglect of this aid to making the meaning of the sentence more clear is a sign of carelessness and neglectfulness of others. When taken to extremes however, as sometimes found in the writing of adolescents (also a feature of writing used by eccentrics of all kinds), it then becomes a sign of pedantry and of placing emphasis on things of little real importance.
If you have enjoyed this brief introduction, and would like to take a serious course of instruction, details of tuition are available. The Institute offers a series of examinations leading to Diploma for those students who successfully complete all stages.
