In a general sense, loops show us the mental attitude of the writer.

FIGURE 1.

Figure 1 shows neither an upper loop nor a lower one, only single strokes. If there had been loops, they would not have made the letters more readable. This writer reduces everything to its simplest form. Any stroke that is not essential is omitted. As long as the word is readable, why add loops? In whatever this writer does, his method is direct.

Directness and intelligence are indicated in Jean Shrimpton’s handwriting (Figure lA). Notice the simplified strokes: the h in wishes and in her surname; the d in "enclosed"; the downstrokes in "you" and "yours." This is quite an uncluttered hand.

FIGURE 2.

Figure 2 shows the same characteristics as Figure 1. There are no loops, but the top and bottom strokes are written thickly and bluntly, so we find, in addition to directness, that the writer is opinionated and impatient to finish the job (the heavy pressure accentuates what the strokes themselves have already shown, directness and speed).

FIGURE 2A.

Figure 2A shows the handwriting of Arthur Conan Doyle. To be a top-notch investigator one must break things down to their essentials, gleaning the important out of the unimportant. Observe the key word "lean" in Arthur Conan Doyle's writing. The upper- and underlengths are both unlooped and thick, showing directness. Anything that is not essential (loops) is not there to clutter his mind, hence, the investigator. Sherlock Holmes's author also reveals impatience by having these strokes thick (blunt).

Notice the similarity in the writing of Dr. Karl A. Menninger in Figure 2B:

FIGURE 2B.

Figure 3 shows tall, thin loops. Thinness of the loop in the upper (intellectual) area shows cautious thinking, skepticism. The height of the loop shows spiritual meaning and a lack of materialism.

FIGURE 3.

Figure 4 shows the upper loops both high and wide. Like Figure 3, this example also shows aspirations, but the accent is on the materialistic aspect of aspiration. Think of this upper loop as a balloon. The writer is flying. He wants very much to be noticed.

FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 5.

Figure 5 shows a relatively short upper loop. This writer is cautious in his thinking. He is not willing to indulge himself in flights of spirituality. When the rest of his writing shows unusual traits (unique techniques, forms not often found) we see a person with strong concentration and critical ability. The more ornamented and full of flourishes the writing, the less power of concentration the writer has. Here we see little to obstruct the writer’s concentration.

Examination for Lesson 13

1. Jean Shrimpton's writing shows directness. How is this noticed? 2. Arthur Conan Doyle reveals directness and impatience. Explain how this latter trait is detected.

Answers for Lesson 13

1. The strokes are simplified.

2. The strokes are thick (blunt).

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