Style Analysis Essay

653 Words2 Pages

Every writer has a style of writing that is unique to them. This literary element, style is the author’s personal way of describing, events, object and ideas. An author’s style is also comprised of his or her word choice (diction), sentence structure (syntax), sentence arrangement (organization) and figurative language (imagery). All those thing come together to create mood, image and meaning throughout the text. Similarities and differences in style can be established in the writings of nineteenth century British writer, Charles Dickens, and his French comrade, Guy de Maupassant. Both author’s diction is unbelievably comparable, but their imagery is far from being related. One of the many things Dickens is famous for is his extensive and detailed imagery, which can be seen in his classic short story “A Christmas Carol”. Maupassant’s imagery is in fact very concise and nonspecific, which can be seen in his short story “The Necklace. Both stories “A Christmas Carol” and “The Necklace” show various similarities and differences. But in the aspect of style, diction, both authors use formal and sophisticated word choice.

Diction is the style of speaking or writing determined by the choice of words by a speaker or a writer. Both authors diction shows a extensive vocabulary and higher level of intelligences. Dickens’ diction can be seen within the first few pages of “A Christmas Carol”; “The water-plug being left in solitude, its overflowing sullenly, congealed and turned to misanthropic ice. Dickens uses words, such as solitude, sullenly, congealed and misanthropic. Most of these words are not commonly used or even known. Maupassant uses similarly diction in his short story” The necklace”, which is eminent in the second paragraph; “Th...

... middle of paper ...

...kens included who signed off on Marley being dead. Dickens’ and Maupassant’s imagery differ extensively. Dickens states every intricate detail of the story, while Maupassant gives just a few words to describe his text.

Though it is hard to see similarities or differences between Dickens’ and Maupassant’s style of writing at first glance, they are indeed similar and different. Both author’s diction is almost interchangeable, while their imagery is far form even being related. Dickens’ imagery goes into great depth, while Maupassant’s imagery is vague. Though different from one another, their style of writing is what makes the author stand out from other writers; allowing readers the ability to recognize the identity of an author. An author’s style grants us; the reader a piece of the author’s personality and leaves us wanting more and something to think about.

Open Document