An author's technique is the carefully crafted method used to elicit a specific response from the reader through their writing. This can include everything from individual word choices to the overall structure of the piece. Ultimately, the purpose of the text determines the specific technique that an author employs.
For example, an author writing propaganda will utilize a different technique than one creating a graphic novel; while the former aims to persuade, the latter aims to entertain. This results in the propaganda writer using an informative technique, while the graphic novelist has more creative freedom and may utilize a humorous technique.
At times, it may be challenging to understand the underlying message being conveyed by an author. In such cases, analyzing the techniques used becomes crucial in gaining insight into the meaning of the text.
Think of a piece of text as a block of wood, and an author's technique as the tools used to carve it into something else, like a table or a swing set. Each purpose requires different techniques and strategies.
Two fundamental elements that significantly impact the audience are rhetorical strategy and language choice. Rhetorical strategy refers to the approach an author takes to convey their message, such as using examples in scientific articles or narration in novels.
The author's style encompasses choices made about language, including word choice (diction), sentence structure, and figurative language such as similes and metaphors. These choices manipulate language to evoke various reactions from readers.
Literary devices are creative techniques used by authors throughout history. They use words to create vivid imagery and provide insight into the author's message.
A deeper understanding of these literary devices enables a more comprehensive grasp of an author's technique and enhances comprehension of the overall text.
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two seemingly unrelated things to illustrate their similarity in a particular way; it does not make a direct comparison but uses "like" or "as" to demonstrate the connection.
If an author utilizes such words as part of a literary technique to compare two things, then it is a simile. On the other hand, if the comparison is direct, it is a metaphor.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to make a point. It overstates something to convey a message beyond the literal meaning of the words.
Personification goes a step further than metaphor by giving human attributes to something non-human. An excellent example of this can be seen in John Keats's poem "To Autumn" (1820), where he gives human traits to the season and the sun for illustrative purposes.
Symbolism is the concept of using one thing to represent something else. This literary device adds depth and meaning to things and is commonly used in literature.
An analysis of an author's writing techniques allows for a deeper interpretation of the message behind any given text, helping readers gain a better understanding while reading. An author's technique is what makes their writing unique and effective in evoking specific responses from readers. By understanding and analyzing the rhetorical strategies and language choices an author employs, readers can gain insight into the meaning of a text. Additionally, the use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, symbolism, hyperbole, and personification is a common aspect of an author's technique.
