In literature, style is a specific way that authors express their ideas through words and sound. It’s what makes one author’s work different from another’s and a key aspect of why people enjoy reading novels, short stories, or poetry. Every author has a unique writing style that differentiates their work from others’.
In some cases, style refers to the specific lexical choices a writer makes and how those choice relate to their purpose and context. It could also mean the overall tone and persona the writer is trying to convey in their writing, such as a serious tone or slangy tone. Finally, style could be the underlying philosophy or perspective that drives how the writer approaches and outlines their compositions.
The word “style” can be a little confusing because it’s used in many different ways. It can be a term for the particular way someone dresses, the type of car he or she drives, or the way a person speaks, among other things. In the context of writing, it’s most often used to describe a writer’s overall “look” or tone.
A good way to think about style is as an “outer reflection of an inner self.” If you want to appear a certain way, your outer clothing will reflect that, while the things you say and how you do them will communicate your inner beliefs and values. When a teacher or a supervisor comments on your style, they are commenting on the whole package-your diction, how you arrange and present your ideas, and how your sentences flow together.
In general, the definition of style changes as technology and societal norms change. For example, the long paragraphs and pages of text characteristic of 19th century writing have given way to shorter sentences and an increased reliance on visual language and other media like videos and embedded hyperlinks.
A writer’s style can be influenced by a variety of things, including their culture, personal experiences, artistic influences, and epistemological assumptions. Their exposure to diverse scholarly conversations on particular topics, genres of writing, and media also shapes their understanding of what defines a style.
In the end, however, a writer’s style is more a matter of individuality than anything else. Each writer develops their own style through their own unique combinations of influences and experiences, making it difficult to define or categorize in advance. This freedom to be yourself in your writing allows writers to create pieces of genuine literature that will engage their readers and leave them wanting more. Without the ability to be truly original, writing would lose its appeal. Fortunately, the world of literary expression continues to be vibrant with many different styles, and there’s no shortage of inspiration for writers to draw on.