Etymology of Style
The term “style” originates from the Latin stilus, meaning a writing instrument. It evolved to encompass the technique and manner of writing. It gradually extended to include diverse forms of expression such as appearance, behavior, and artistic composition.
However, it is a derivative of the Old French estile. It denotes distinctive features, characteristics, or mannerisms that differentiate individuals, objects, or creative works. Until now, style remains a versatile and multifaceted concept in fashion, art, design, writing, and other domains.
Meanings of Style
| Context | General Definition | Description |
| General Definition | Distinctive manner of expression or specific approach | Style refers to an individual or entity’s unique way of doing something or expressing themselves. |
| Literary Context | Writer’s use of language for effect and message conveyance | In literature, style pertains to the author’s specific choices in language and writing techniques to convey a particular message or evoke certain emotions. |
| Artistic Context | Technique or approach employed by an artist in creating art | In art, style encompasses the distinct techniques, methods, and artistic choices an artist uses to create their work, which distinguishes them from others. |
| Fashion Context | Combination of clothing, accessories, and makeup for a specific look or image | In fashion, it involves the selection and arrangement of clothing, accessories, and makeup to create a unique and visually appealing image or appearance. |
| Multifaceted Concept | Applicable to language, art, fashion, and design. | Style is a multifaceted concept that applies across various creative disciplines, including language, art, fashion, and design. It represents a signature or distinct approach in each of these areas. |
Grammar in Style
“Style” is a singular noun, but it can take a plural verb when referring to multiple styles. For example:
- “The author’s style is unique.” (singular)
- “The styles of these two writers differ greatly.” (plural verb “differ”)
In this sense, “styles” refers to multiple distinct manners of expression, and takes a plural verb to agree with the plural subject.
Definition of Style
This literary device refers to a distinctive and identifiable manner of expression in any form of communication. It encompasses various elements such as language, tone, structure, and presentation, and is often used to convey a particular message or evoke a certain effect. It could be applied to various fields, including literature, art, fashion, and design.
Types of Style
There are many types, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Here are a few examples:
| Type of Style | Explanation | Example |
| Writing Style | Refers to the manner in which a writer uses language to convey their message. | Descriptive, Narrative, Persuasive, Expository |
| Artistic Style | Refers to the particular approach or technique used by an artist to create a work of art. | Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism |
| Fashion Style | Refers to the way in which clothing, accessories, and makeup are combined to create a particular look or image. | Classic, Bohemian, Avant-garde |
| Architectural Style | Refers to the particular style or design used in the construction of buildings. | Gothic, Art Deco, Modernist |
| Musical Style | Refers to the particular genre or approach used in creating music. | Jazz, Rock, Classical, Hip hop |
| Interior Design Style | Refers to the particular approach or aesthetic used in the decoration and arrangement of indoor spaces. | Minimalist, Bohemian, Farmhouse |
| Culinary Style | Refers to the particular approach or technique used in the preparation and presentation of food. | French, Italian, Fusion Cuisine |
| Photography Style | Refers to the particular approach or aesthetic used in the creation of photographs. | Portrait, Landscape, Documentary |
| Film Style | Refers to the particular approach or technique used in the creation of films. | Documentary, Animation, Experimental |
| Dance Style | Refers to the particular genre or approach used in the creation and performance of dance. | Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary |
Common Examples of Literary Style
Here are some common examples of literary style:
- Stream of Consciousness: It mimics the natural flow of thoughts and feelings in a character’s mind. It often involves the use of long, uninterrupted sentences and frequent shifts in perspective.
- Imagery: This refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language to create a mental image in the reader’s mind. Imagery can be used to evoke emotions, create atmosphere, or provide sensory details.
- Satire: It uses irony, sarcasm, and humor to criticize or mock human behavior, often with a political or social message.
- Symbolism: This uses symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning. Symbolism can be used to add depth and meaning to a work of literature.
- Formalism: It is a type of literary analysis that focuses on the structure, form, and language of a work of literature, rather than its social or historical context.
These are just a few examples which can vary widely depending on the author, genre, and historical context of a work of literature
Examples of Writing Style from Literature
| Work | Extract | Explanation |
| J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye | “Holden Caulfield often uses phrases like ‘goddam,’ ‘phony,’ and ‘It killed me,’ which add to the realism of his character and create a sense of immediacy in the narration.” | Salinger employs colloquial language in The Catcher in the Rye to authentically capture the voice of the teenage protagonist, Holden Caulfield. This choice of language adds realism to the character and makes the narration feel immediate. |
| F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby | “Fitzgerald describes Daisy Buchanan’s voice as ‘full of money,’ evoking a sensory experience that goes beyond the literal meaning and adds depth to the characterization.” | Fitzgerald’s writing style in The Great Gatsby is marked by lyrical and vivid descriptions. The example given shows how he uses poetic language to create sensory-rich descriptions, enhancing character depth and the novel’s atmosphere. |
| George Orwell’s Animal Farm | “Orwell exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of the ruling class with phrases like ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.’ His concise language and impactful statements heighten the novel’s satirical tone.” | Orwell’s writing style in Animal Farm is straightforward yet masterfully conveys complex ideas. The quoted phrase demonstrates his ability to expose political themes using concise language and impactful statements that enhance the novel’s satirical tone. |
| Toni Morrison’s Beloved | “Morrison’s skillful use of symbolism can be seen in the repeated motif of water throughout the novel, symbolizing both life and death, freedom, and entrapment.” | Morrison’s writing style in Beloved is characterized by rich imagery and metaphors. The use of water as a symbol throughout the novel adds depth and multiple layers of meaning, enhancing the emotional impact on the readers. |
This table provides insights into the distinct writing styles of these authors and how they employ specific techniques to convey their narratives and themes effectively in their respective works.
Suggested Readings
- Adler, Mortimer J. How to Read a Book. Simon and Schuster, 1972.
- Frye, Northrop. The Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
- Gardner, John. The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers. Vintage Books, 1991.
- King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Scribner, 2000.
- Lanham, Richard A. Analyzing Prose. 2nd ed., Continuum, 2003.
- Strunk Jr., William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Pearson, 2000.
- Williams, Joseph M. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. 11th ed., Pearson, 2014.
