Elements of Fiction: Style
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The document discusses the element of style in fiction writing. It defines style as a writer's technical handling of language, including their choice of words (diction), sentence structure (syntax), and organization of paragraphs. Style also encompasses rhythm, tone, imagery, and symbolism. The writer's full use of these elements constitutes their unique voice. Point of view and dialogue can further influence a writer's style by shaping the narrative voice.
Elements of Fiction: Style
- 1. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION The Elements of Fiction Style
- 2. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style :: Can be loosely conceived as applying to everything in a story—for everything in it involves the writer’s use of language—but…for our purposes, we’ll say…
- 3. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style is a writer’s technical handling of all aspects of language
- 4. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style includes diction :: The kinds of words a writer uses
- 5. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style includes syntax :: How a writer combines words into sentences
- 6. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style includes organization :: How a writer groups sentences and passages (into paragraphs, for example) and makes them cohere more or cohere less
- 7. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION Hemingway Kincaid Wallace Words 1,459 673 1,125 Sentences 183 1 9 Avg./ 8 673 125 Sentence Paragraphs 110 1 1
- 8. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style also includes • Rhythm and sound—the writer’s use of language’s auditory appeals, i.e., its “music,” or poetry • Tone—the author’s attitude toward his or her subject matter
- 9. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Diction, syntax, organization, rhythm and sound, and tone constitute the author’s voice, which Charters defines as “the total effect of the author’s rhetorical and stylistic choices.”
- 10. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN Style also embraces those aspects of language that extend and magnify the impact and significance of language • Imagery—the use of words that give a concrete representation of a sensory experience or an object that is perceived by the senses • Symbolism—the use of an image, plot event, or character to suggest an abstract meaning in addition to its literal significance
- 11. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN A final note :: Point of view and dialogue can radically alter a writer’s style: S/he may be creating a narrative voice that reflects the style of the speaker.