What sets a writer apart is this ‘style’ which is the
expression of his craftsmanship. With the increase in the literacy rate and the
clamour for reading material, a writer is a sought-after person. But do all
writers supply what their readers want? Some do – terms of information, static
s and other technical data. But a writer who wishes to use his talent to
educate and entertain will have to be very careful about developing a ‘style’
How does one define this word? It’s not easy, because it is
a certain something with you can
recognize only when you see and miss when you don’t! let me give you examples
of different styles so that you can work towards acquiring your own.
“When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had
been cautious in her praise of Mr.Bingley before, expressed to her sister how
very much she admired him. ‘He is just what a young man ought to be’, said she,
‘sensible, good humoured, lively and I never saw such happy manners! Sa much
ease with such perfect breeding!’ ‘He is also handsome’, replied Elizabeth, ‘which a young
man ought likewise to be if the possibly can. His character is thereby complete’;
‘I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time. I did not
expert such a compliment’”.
This is as ample of Jane Austen’s style, which has been
described as steady, with an unfailing balance of reason and sentiment,
graceful and refined. Surprisingly, though she is still a popular author, her
style is not suited to modern-day readers.
Forceful And Direct
Nearly a century after her, Emily Bronte brought in a forceful,
direct and matter-of-fact style. “Mr.Heathcliff forms a singular contrast to his abode and
style of living. He is a dark-skinned gypsy, in aspect, in dress and manners a
gentleman, that is as much a gentleman as many a country squire. Rather
slovenly perhaps, yet not looking amiss with his negligence, because he has an
erect and handsome figure and is rather morose; possibly some people might
suspect him of a degree of underbred pride. I have a sympathetic cord within
that tells me it is nothing of the sort; I know by instinct his reserve springs
from an aversion to showy display of feelings to manifestations of mutual
kindness.”
This lengthy sentence has only of full stop. You need to
have a perfect command over the language to get away with it. In contrast to
this, I’ve chosen a paragraph from an author who wrote a hundred years
later—Jeffery Archer.
Conversational
William, now fourteen, was in his third year at St. Paul’ sixth in his
class overall and first in mathematics. He had also become a rising figure in
the debating society. He wrote to his mother once a week, reporting his
progress, always addressing his letters to Mrs. Richard Kane, refusing to
acknowledge that Henry Osborne even existed. She continued to hope that in
time, would come around to liking Henry.” One can see the distinct change in
style. The last one being more conversational and the construction of sentences,
less ‘literary’.
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