Workbook Notes from Sessions 7-12 Flashcards
Origin of the word “style”
originally found in writing between 1250-1300 AD, and originated from the word stylus, which was a writing instrument of that period.
Metaphor from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope…“true wit is nature to advantage driest, what oft was thought but ne’er so well express”…
Taking the though that’s buzzing in everyone’s heads and put it in the words that allow people to “get it”
Don’t write it off as showy or unimportant glitz. It can be that, but it can also be the difference between a great idea lost and a great idea powerfully and memorably delivered.
Metaphor from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope…“something, whose truth convinc’d at sight we find, that gives us back the image of our mind”…
first the reader sees the truth of what he reads, but it’s the style that allows him to get the image of what’s in his mind into a form that can be visualized by others.
Metaphor from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope…“as shades more sweetly recommend the light”…
Who wants the glare of an exposed lightbulb? That would probably force us to close our eyes instead of seeing clearly.
Style can provide the perfect shade for the light of truth and meaning. It can also give a pleasing frame around that truth.
Metaphor from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope…“so modest plainness sets off sprightly wit: for works may have more wit that does ‘em good, as bodies perish through excess of blood”…
Strong exciting thoughts may actually show to advantage in straight forward simple words. Too much wit may overwhelm the meaning. Style should be subservient to content or meaning…even to truth.
Metaphor from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope…“they value books as/women men for dress”…
some people pay more attention to language rather than content because they (“value books as/women men for dress”). Which is not necessarily a bad thing…style isn’t synonymous with substance or sense, although we often are attracted by a great look (great suit or a pair of jeans) no sensible person really wants to pick a spouse or even a good friend based on outward changeable appearance.
Metaphor from Essay on Criticism by Alexander Pope…“expression is the dress of thought, and still appears more decent as more suitable; a vile conceit in pompous words exprest, is like a clown in regal purple driest; for diff’rent styles with diff’rent subjects sort, as several garbs with country, town, and court.”
The key factor to style is appropriateness.
The lesson here is that a disgusting thought is out of place in beautiful words just like a clown would be out of place in a kings’ robes. We should have in our closet different outfits for the different subjects we write about.
The metaphor of the fashion show…
Each style has its own value and appropriate time and place you have to control its use.
Formal English (think of a Navy uniform)
The writer carefully follows all the rules in order to stay in step with other writers and readers. One goal is uniformity, and clarity is highly valued. Usage and documentation rules assist as well.
Elevated Diction (think of wedding attire)
Usually connected to formal english, this elegant style is suitable to a celebration like an inaugural or commencement address. To the classical rhetorician, this is epideitic discourse. Vocabulary is elevated and beautiful - even dramatic - figures of speech are fitting.
Standard English (think of a businessman in his suit)
Writers in this garb care about the impression they’re giving to the audience. They are on their best behavior without being extremely “stuffy.” A research paper might “wear this.”
Concrete Language (think about an athlete’s uniform)
The communicator has a goal in mind and uses words that will carefully allow the reader or listener to see, hear, touch, taste, or smell the same things. It’s about transferring the “ball” from one hand to another. The narrative essay emphasizes this and so does the descriptive essay.
Persuasive Methods (think about a combat soldier’s uniform)
This communicator is fighting for the interest and attention of the audience and selects words that will allow him/her to win. This would be true in the classical form known as deliberative discourse where political speakers urged nations into battle. Think of this combat metaphor when you write your persuasive essay.
Crafted Language (think of a firefighter’s uniform)
Words are chosen with great care and are designed to achieve success in a challenging scenario. Classical writers saw forensic discourse as that which persuaded audiences concerning the justice or injustice
Slang (think of a swimmer)
The writer is having fun in a specific setting and is simply being themselves. An e-mail, text or tweet might reflect this.
