diffuseness

More of a consideration is that the relative diffuseness of Payne’s storytelling will not appeal to everyone.

The diffuseness of the show’s writing is more problematic.

He addressed himself to Miss Bennet, with a polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and said he was “very glad;” but diffuseness and warmth remained for Bingley’s salutation.

Historical drama “The World to Come” has so much going for it — atmosphere, locations, situational tensions and performances — that its lingering diffuseness is puzzling, like a promised but undelivered rain for a well-laid seedbed.

But the play’s episodic structure creates diffuseness, certain plot twists are strained, some psychological epiphanies are too tidy, and the narrative treads an uneasy tightrope between realism and symbolism.