Style is the way in which a writer expresses themselves through words. It’s also how they organize sentences and create a certain “aesthetic” in their writing. It’s what makes their work unique and sets them apart from other writers.
A good piece of literature is crafted in a way that grabs the reader’s attention, holds it and refuses to let go. It’s what compels the reader to read on, invest their time and money into a piece of fiction.
The role of style in literature is complex and varied, encompassing everything from word choice to tone. A writer’s personal preferences and diction affect their style, as does their attitude towards the subject of their writing. They may use a tone that is angry or sad, or they may choose to be very direct with their audience.
Tone is a factor that often goes unrecognized in style, but it’s important to note. If a writer has a harsh tone, readers will probably interpret that as negative and may not take them seriously. On the other hand, if the tone is soft, the reader will likely interpret that as positive and may be more inclined to read on.
Diction is another major part of a writer’s style, as it is a key factor in how readers read and interpret the text. This can include using a specific slang term, using metaphors or other abstract or literal language. It can also be influenced by the writer’s native culture, as different cultures have a variety of words and meanings that may differ from their English counterparts.
There are many different styles of writing, but they are usually broken down into five categories: descriptive, persuasive, satirical, narrative and experimental. Each type of style has its own set of rules, and can be manipulated to achieve a desired effect.
Descriptive style aims to evoke a picture in the reader’s mind, and is commonly used in poetry. This style uses sensory words to describe a person or event, often utilizing metaphors and similar devices to paint a vivid picture of the topic at hand.
Persuasive style tries to sway the reader into thinking in one particular direction, usually through use of argumentative techniques or metaphors. This type of writing is common in advertisements, media articles and speeches.
Narrative style is an alternative to third-person omniscient narration and involves a narrator that tells a story from the point of view of a single character. This type of writing is used in novels, short stories and poetry.
While there are many different types of style, the most important thing to remember is that each author has their own style. This is because no author writes alone, and each author will have a set of influences that have shaped their writing. These influences can be reflected in their style, and will help you learn what they do and do not like. You should always experiment with your own writing to find the best style for you.
