What Is Style in English Literature?

Literary style can be found in every book.

Style in literature refers to the way in which an author puts together words, and the kinds of words he uses. Most good writers have a recognizable style. Hemingway, for example, was famous for short, declarative sentences. The style an author chooses is very important to the way the reader experiences the work.

Definition

Style in literature is based on the sum of the author's word choices. A glossary of literary terms from Brooklyn College defines style with the following entry: "Style: manner of expression; how a speaker or writer says what he says."

Types

Literary style can be classified by formality, directness, complexity of language and the tendency to use imagery. For example, a realistic style usually has stark imagery and relatively straightforward sentences, while a romantic style has flowery images and flowing sentences.

Effects

Depending on the style, a work of literature will be more or less challenging to read. The images will be vivid or flat. The sounds of the words will be rhythmic, melodic or awkward. Literary style shapes the reader's perception of the characters, the settings, the plot lines and the author herself.

Benefits

An author's work is more recognizable if he has a distinctive style. He builds a reputation for a certain voice. Usually the style he chooses is influenced by the kind of writing he does. And often it also is influenced by the kind of image of himself he wants to project.

Considerations

Even though most authors have a particular style, that style often evolves during an author's career, so that early works might be stylistically different from later ones. Also, an author might choose to abandon her usual style, either to make a point or to try something new.

References

• Brooklyn College: Literary Terms: Style