A Scrapbook of Styles: Passages for Rhetorical Analysis
These excerpts from essays, short stories, autobiographies, and novels published over the past century illustrate some of the key stylistic traits of their well-known authors.
Hyperbole in Martin Amis's "Money"
Note the effects created by hyperbole, tricolons, and crots in these two paragraphs from Martin Amis's novel "Money."
Note the effects created by hyperbole, tricolons, and crots in these two paragraphs from Martin Amis's novel "Money."
Ritual in Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird"
In these paragraphs from the first volume of her autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Maya Angelou recalls the first funeral that she attended as a child--and her first encounter with the fact of her own mortality.
In these paragraphs from the first volume of her autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Maya Angelou recalls the first funeral that she attended as a child--and her first encounter with the fact of her own mortality.
Hypotaxis in James Baldwin's "Notes of a Native Son"
In this excerpt from the autobiographical essay "Notes of a Native Son," James Baldwin employs hypotactic structures to rank, order, and build his observations from evidence to conclusion.
In this excerpt from the autobiographical essay "Notes of a Native Son," James Baldwin employs hypotactic structures to rank, order, and build his observations from evidence to conclusion.
A Definition of Pantomime, by Julian Barnes
In this excerpt from the essay "MPTV," Julian Barnes defines the essential characteristics of the pantomime, a form of popular theater in England since the 16th century.
In this excerpt from the essay "MPTV," Julian Barnes defines the essential characteristics of the pantomime, a form of popular theater in England since the 16th century.
Hyperbole in Dave Barry's "Revenge of the Pork Person"
As you read these excerpts from a column composed in the mid-1980s, decide for yourself whether Dave Barry may still be telling the truth even when he is making things up.
As you read these excerpts from a column composed in the mid-1980s, decide for yourself whether Dave Barry may still be telling the truth even when he is making things up.
Saul Bellow on the Writer's Voice
The subject of Saul Bellow's Romanes Lecture, "The Distracted Public," is "the contemporary crisis" of distraction--the "hostile condition (massive and worldwide)" that writers and other artists "are called upon to overcome." In these two paragraphs from the end of the lecture, Bellow explains how the writer's voice can rise above "the moronic inferno" and bring us to attention.
The subject of Saul Bellow's Romanes Lecture, "The Distracted Public," is "the contemporary crisis" of distraction--the "hostile condition (massive and worldwide)" that writers and other artists "are called upon to overcome." In these two paragraphs from the end of the lecture, Bellow explains how the writer's voice can rise above "the moronic inferno" and bring us to attention.
The Meaning of Home, by John Berger
In this passage from "And Our Faces, My Heart, Brief as Photos" (1984), John Berger draws on the philosophy of Mircea Eliade, a Romanian-born historian of religion, to offer a memorable definition of home.
In this passage from "And Our Faces, My Heart, Brief as Photos" (1984), John Berger draws on the philosophy of Mircea Eliade, a Romanian-born historian of religion, to offer a memorable definition of home.
A Definition of Monkeying, by Carol Bly
Carol Bly begins her essay "Getting Tired" by describing a John Deere 6600 combine, which leads to reflections on the nature of modern farm work. In the following excerpt from that essay, Bly offers a definition of "monkeying" from a distinctly rural point of view.
Carol Bly begins her essay "Getting Tired" by describing a John Deere 6600 combine, which leads to reflections on the nature of modern farm work. In the following excerpt from that essay, Bly offers a definition of "monkeying" from a distinctly rural point of view.
Lists and Anaphora in Bill Bryson's "Neither Here Nor There"
In the opening chapter of "Neither Here Nor There," journalist Bill Bryson recalls his first visit to Europe as a college student 20 years earlier. In the following paragraph from that chapter, Bryson uses lists and anaphora to convey how "smitten" he was by his first impression of Luxembourg City.
In the opening chapter of "Neither Here Nor There," journalist Bill Bryson recalls his first visit to Europe as a college student 20 years earlier. In the following paragraph from that chapter, Bryson uses lists and anaphora to convey how "smitten" he was by his first impression of Luxembourg City.
Parenthetical Details in Truman Capote's Place Description
In these three paragraphs from "In Cold Blood," Truman Capote offers a brief history and description of Garden City, Kansas. Observe how the author frequently interrupts his sentences (with parentheses) to insert factual and illustrative details.
In these three paragraphs from "In Cold Blood," Truman Capote offers a brief history and description of Garden City, Kansas. Observe how the author frequently interrupts his sentences (with parentheses) to insert factual and illustrative details.
Raymond Chandler's Tough Guy Prose Style
These examples of Raymond Chandler's hard-boiled prose have been drawn from the opening and closing chapters of his 1939 novel, "The Big Sleep."
These examples of Raymond Chandler's hard-boiled prose have been drawn from the opening and closing chapters of his 1939 novel, "The Big Sleep."
Absolutes and Appositives in Frank Conroy's "Midair"
In these three paragraphs from the short story "Midair," Frank Conroy relies on a variety of sentence structures. Note, in particular, Conroy's effective use of appositives and absolute phrases.
In these three paragraphs from the short story "Midair," Frank Conroy relies on a variety of sentence structures. Note, in particular, Conroy's effective use of appositives and absolute phrases.
Ritual in Doctorow's "World's Fair"
With his customary attention to precise details, E. L. Doctorow describes the small rituals carried out by the narrator's grandmother, a "desiccated, asthmatic little woman" whose gentleness has been consumed by senility and rage.
With his customary attention to precise details, E. L. Doctorow describes the small rituals carried out by the narrator's grandmother, a "desiccated, asthmatic little woman" whose gentleness has been consumed by senility and rage.
Barbara Ehrenreich's Explanation of a Ritual
In this passage from the opening chapter of the book "Blood Rites," Barbara Ehrenreich explains why the ritualistic experience of boot camp is a psychological necessity for new soldiers.
In this passage from the opening chapter of the book "Blood Rites," Barbara Ehrenreich explains why the ritualistic experience of boot camp is a psychological necessity for new soldiers.
Ian Frazier's List of Reasons in "Great Plains"
One critic has pointed to this lengthy series as evidence of Ian Frazier's "immature and unsophisticated" literary style. Other readers see it as an example of the artful playfulness that characterizes his best work.
One critic has pointed to this lengthy series as evidence of Ian Frazier's "immature and unsophisticated" literary style. Other readers see it as an example of the artful playfulness that characterizes his best work.
Kinky Friedman's Interior Monologue: On Loners
In these two paragraphs from "Armadillos and Old Lace," Kinky Friedman indulges in an interior monologue (that is, he talks to himself) "on the subject of loners."
In these two paragraphs from "Armadillos and Old Lace," Kinky Friedman indulges in an interior monologue (that is, he talks to himself) "on the subject of loners."
Lists and Anaphora in Nikki Giovanni's "View of Home"
In these final two paragraphs from the essay "Pioneers: A View of Home," poet and teacher Nikki Giovanni illustrates her points through lists and a forceful anaphora.
In these final two paragraphs from the essay "Pioneers: A View of Home," poet and teacher Nikki Giovanni illustrates her points through lists and a forceful anaphora.
Process Analysis in Joseph Heller's "Catch-22"
In these two paragraphs from the opening chapter of "Catch-22," we learn how Yossarian, a U.S. Air Force pilot in World War II, fights off boredom in a military hospital. Consider how the steps involved in his private "war" on language introduce the novel's theme of the absurd response to an absurd predicament.
In these two paragraphs from the opening chapter of "Catch-22," we learn how Yossarian, a U.S. Air Force pilot in World War II, fights off boredom in a military hospital. Consider how the steps involved in his private "war" on language introduce the novel's theme of the absurd response to an absurd predicament.
Hemingway's Use of Repetition
The first two paragraphs of Ernest Hemingway's short story "In Another Country" illustrate the author's effective use of repetition and polysyndeton.
The first two paragraphs of Ernest Hemingway's short story "In Another Country" illustrate the author's effective use of repetition and polysyndeton.
A Definition of Happiness by Nikos Kazantzakis
In this excerpt from his memoir "Report to Greco" (1965), Kazantzakis recounts an experience that illustrated for him the meaning of happiness.
In this excerpt from his memoir "Report to Greco" (1965), Kazantzakis recounts an experience that illustrated for him the meaning of happiness.
Cause & Effect in Stephen King's "Horror Movies"
In this excerpt from an article that first appeared in 1981, Stephen King examines the causes and effects of an experience that points, he says, to the "insanity" inside us all.
In this excerpt from an article that first appeared in 1981, Stephen King examines the causes and effects of an experience that points, he says, to the "insanity" inside us all.
John Lahr's Profile of David Mamet
The following paragraph has been drawn from the conclusion of John Lahr's profile of David Mamet. Notice how the description of the cabin where the playwright works, the references to the books on his table, and the brief quotations from Mamet's sister and from Mamet himself all serve to reveal aspects of character.
The following paragraph has been drawn from the conclusion of John Lahr's profile of David Mamet. Notice how the description of the cabin where the playwright works, the references to the books on his table, and the brief quotations from Mamet's sister and from Mamet himself all serve to reveal aspects of character.
Fran Lebowitz on the Greenwich Village Postal System
In the following paragraph from the essay "Taking a Letter," Fran Lebowitz offers a fresh (and ironic) perspective on the postal workers in her neighborhood.
In the following paragraph from the essay "Taking a Letter," Fran Lebowitz offers a fresh (and ironic) perspective on the postal workers in her neighborhood.
Personification in Jonathan Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn"
The narrator of Jonathan Lethem's novel "Motherless Brooklyn" (1999) is Lionel Essrog, an orphan with Tourette syndrome. In the novel's opening paragraph, Essrog describes his neurological disorder through metaphors and extended personification.
The narrator of Jonathan Lethem's novel "Motherless Brooklyn" (1999) is Lionel Essrog, an orphan with Tourette syndrome. In the novel's opening paragraph, Essrog describes his neurological disorder through metaphors and extended personification.
Subordination in Bernard Malamud's "A New Life"
In this paragraph from early in Bernard Malamud's novel "A New Life," Sy Levin relates his encounter with his first class on the opening day of the fall term. Notice the various kinds of subordination used by Malamud, in particular participial phrases and absolutes.
In this paragraph from early in Bernard Malamud's novel "A New Life," Sy Levin relates his encounter with his first class on the opening day of the fall term. Notice the various kinds of subordination used by Malamud, in particular participial phrases and absolutes.
"Changes," by Peter Matthiessen
In "Men's Lives" (1986), Peter Matthiessen describes the effects of pollution on the waters around the South Fork of Long Island and the disappearing way of life of the local fishermen. The changes that he records in the following paragraphs took place in the 1950s and early 1960s.
In "Men's Lives" (1986), Peter Matthiessen describes the effects of pollution on the waters around the South Fork of Long Island and the disappearing way of life of the local fishermen. The changes that he records in the following paragraphs took place in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Joseph Mitchell's Place Description: McSorley's Saloon
In this paragraph from "The Old House at Home" (1940), Mitchell describes New York City's oldest Irish tavern in a series of clearly arranged sentences, many of them short and deceptively simple yet always precise and evocative.
In this paragraph from "The Old House at Home" (1940), Mitchell describes New York City's oldest Irish tavern in a series of clearly arranged sentences, many of them short and deceptively simple yet always precise and evocative.
Participial Phrases in Momaday's "House Made of Dawn"
In this passage from N. Scott Momaday's novel "House Made of Dawn," Abel observes two eagles in flight--"an awful, holy sight, full of magic and meaning." Observe how Momaday uses present and past participial phrases to convey the rapid movements of the eagles.
In this passage from N. Scott Momaday's novel "House Made of Dawn," Abel observes two eagles in flight--"an awful, holy sight, full of magic and meaning." Observe how Momaday uses present and past participial phrases to convey the rapid movements of the eagles.
Willie Morris's Descriptive Narrative
In the following passage from his memoir "North Toward Home," Willie Morris relies on concrete details that both record and interpret an experience.
In the following passage from his memoir "North Toward Home," Willie Morris relies on concrete details that both record and interpret an experience.
Polysyndeton in Julie Myerson's "Sad-Grand Moment"
British novelist and journalist Julie Myerson relies on polysyndeton to convey a moment that "ought to have been . . . significant."
British novelist and journalist Julie Myerson relies on polysyndeton to convey a moment that "ought to have been . . . significant."
Susan Orlean's Extended Metaphor: "Super-Duper"
In this excerpt from the travel piece "Super-Duper," journalist Susan Orlean introduces specific examples to support her thesis that "the real contest at the Super Bowl" is not the game itself but the metaphorical battles leading up to it.
In this excerpt from the travel piece "Super-Duper," journalist Susan Orlean introduces specific examples to support her thesis that "the real contest at the Super Bowl" is not the game itself but the metaphorical battles leading up to it.
Ethopoeia in George Orwell's "A Hanging"
In the following two paragraphs from George Orwell's essay "A Hanging," the narrator shifts his point of view from that of a disinterested observer to one who identifies intimately with the prisoner. In classical terms, this sort of identification is known as "ethopoeia."
In the following two paragraphs from George Orwell's essay "A Hanging," the narrator shifts his point of view from that of a disinterested observer to one who identifies intimately with the prisoner. In classical terms, this sort of identification is known as "ethopoeia."
The Copia of S.J. Perelman's Comic Prose
Hyperbole, inflated diction, and abstruse allusions are just a few of the characteristics of S.J. Perelman's comic prose style.
Hyperbole, inflated diction, and abstruse allusions are just a few of the characteristics of S.J. Perelman's comic prose style.
Contrast in Rybczynski's "Home"
In "Home: A Short History of an Idea," Canadian architect and writer Witold Rybczynski contrasts cultures that have adopted a sitting-up posture with those that favor squatting.
In "Home: A Short History of an Idea," Canadian architect and writer Witold Rybczynski contrasts cultures that have adopted a sitting-up posture with those that favor squatting.
Process Analysis in Richard Selzer's "The Knife"
In these paragraphs from "The Knife," Richard Selzer vividly describes the process of "the laying open of the body of a human being."
In these paragraphs from "The Knife," Richard Selzer vividly describes the process of "the laying open of the body of a human being."
Absolutes and Participial Phrases in Shaw's "The Eighty-Yard Run"
Here, in the opening paragraph of his short story "The Eighty-Yard Run," Irwin Shaw relies on participial phrases and absolutes to bring to life Christian Darling's memory of his few seconds of fleeting glory.
Here, in the opening paragraph of his short story "The Eighty-Yard Run," Irwin Shaw relies on participial phrases and absolutes to bring to life Christian Darling's memory of his few seconds of fleeting glory.
Descriptive Details in Wallace Stegner's "Town Dump"
In these five paragraphs from his memoir "Wolf Willow," Wallace Stegner employs precise descriptive details to convey the poetry of a town dump.
In these five paragraphs from his memoir "Wolf Willow," Wallace Stegner employs precise descriptive details to convey the poetry of a town dump.
Parataxis in Steinbeck's "Paradox and Dream"
In his essay "Paradox and Dream" (1966), John Steinbeck examined the values and dreams of his fellow citizens. His familiar paratactic style (heavy on coordination, light on dependent clauses) is clearly illustrated here in the first three paragraphs of the essay.
In his essay "Paradox and Dream" (1966), John Steinbeck examined the values and dreams of his fellow citizens. His familiar paratactic style (heavy on coordination, light on dependent clauses) is clearly illustrated here in the first three paragraphs of the essay.
Appositives in Alexander Theroux's "How Curious the Camel"
In the following excerpts from a short essay on the camel, Alexander Theroux both informs and delights--often relying on appositives to clarify and amplify his observations.
In the following excerpts from a short essay on the camel, Alexander Theroux both informs and delights--often relying on appositives to clarify and amplify his observations.
The Running Style in Lewis Thomas's "On Cloning"
Lewis's seemingly casual, almost spontaneous way of writing fits the definition of the running style: a sentence style that appears to follow the mind as it worries a problem through, mimicking the "rambling, associative syntax of conversation."
Lewis's seemingly casual, almost spontaneous way of writing fits the definition of the running style: a sentence style that appears to follow the mind as it worries a problem through, mimicking the "rambling, associative syntax of conversation."
Sentence Variety in Thurber's "Life and Hard Times"
In this paragraph from James Thurber's autobiography, notice how he helps to maintain our interest by varying the length of his sentences.
In this paragraph from James Thurber's autobiography, notice how he helps to maintain our interest by varying the length of his sentences.
Examples in Frank Trippett's "Loaded Words"
In the following paragraph from the essay "Watching Out for Loaded Words," editor and reporter Frank Trippett offers several examples without once using the word "example."
In the following paragraph from the essay "Watching Out for Loaded Words," editor and reporter Frank Trippett offers several examples without once using the word "example."
Comparison in Sarah Vowell's Place Description
In this carefully crafted paragraph from the essay "Shooting Dad," Sarah Vowell conveys distinct impressions of her father and herself by describing--and comparing--their different work spaces at home.
In this carefully crafted paragraph from the essay "Shooting Dad," Sarah Vowell conveys distinct impressions of her father and herself by describing--and comparing--their different work spaces at home.
Points of View in Alice Walker's "Beauty"
In the opening paragraphs of the narrative essay "Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self," Alice Walker mingles the point of view of her childhood self with that of the adult who is recalling the experience.
In the opening paragraphs of the narrative essay "Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self," Alice Walker mingles the point of view of her childhood self with that of the adult who is recalling the experience.
Eudora Welty's Sketch of Miss Duling
Eudora Welty's precise physical description of her first-grade teacher, Miss Duling, also provides insights into the character of this "lifelong subscriber to perfection."
Eudora Welty's precise physical description of her first-grade teacher, Miss Duling, also provides insights into the character of this "lifelong subscriber to perfection."
E.B. White's Diction and Metaphors in "Death of a Pig"
In these opening paragraphs of the essay "Death of a Pig," E.B. White mixes formal with informal diction while introducing an extended metaphor.
In these opening paragraphs of the essay "Death of a Pig," E.B. White mixes formal with informal diction while introducing an extended metaphor.
Examples in E.B. White's "Progress and Change"
After commenting on the gradual disappearance of the Pullman berth (a small sleeping compartment in trains), E.B. White offers this reflection on the "dim degeneracy" that often accompanies progress.
After commenting on the gradual disappearance of the Pullman berth (a small sleeping compartment in trains), E.B. White offers this reflection on the "dim degeneracy" that often accompanies progress.
Status Details in Tom Wolfe's Descriptions
In two paragraphs from the novel "A Man in Full," Tom Wolfe conveys a sense of character through physical description--or what he calls "status details."
In two paragraphs from the novel "A Man in Full," Tom Wolfe conveys a sense of character through physical description--or what he calls "status details."
New York City Passages: Poe's New York in the 1840s
Note Poe's attention to details of place and the ways that his descriptions evoke moods as well as images.
Note Poe's attention to details of place and the ways that his descriptions evoke moods as well as images.
New York City Passages: Dreiser's New York in the Early 1900s
Though more highly regarded for his themes of social conflict than for his style, Theodore Dreiser had a reporter's eye for detail.
Though more highly regarded for his themes of social conflict than for his style, Theodore Dreiser had a reporter's eye for detail.
New York City Passages: James W. Johnson's New York in the Early 1900s
In these opening paragraphs from Chapter Six of James Weldon Johnson's "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man," the unnamed narrator recalls his first encounter with the deceptive enchantments of Manhattan.
In these opening paragraphs from Chapter Six of James Weldon Johnson's "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man," the unnamed narrator recalls his first encounter with the deceptive enchantments of Manhattan.
New York City Passages: Fitzgerald's New York in the 1920s
Nick Carraway, the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," is the anonymous observer of New York City in the early 1920s.
Nick Carraway, the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," is the anonymous observer of New York City in the early 1920s.
New York City Passages: Langston Hughes on Harlem in the 1920s
In the following passage from his autobiography "The Big Sea," Langston Hughes describes how Harlem became a tourist destination for white New Yorkers during the 1920s. Notice how his predominately paratactic style (along with his reliance on lists in paragraphs four and five) gives the writing a casual, conversational flavor.
In the following passage from his autobiography "The Big Sea," Langston Hughes describes how Harlem became a tourist destination for white New Yorkers during the 1920s. Notice how his predominately paratactic style (along with his reliance on lists in paragraphs four and five) gives the writing a casual, conversational flavor.
New York City Passages: Morrison's New York in the 1920s
Appearing early in Toni Morrison's "Jazz," this passage establishes the colloquial tone of the novel.
Appearing early in Toni Morrison's "Jazz," this passage establishes the colloquial tone of the novel.
New York City Passages: E.B. White's New York in the 1940s
In the first paragraph, drawn from the opening of "Here Is New York," E.B. White approaches the city through a simple pattern of division. In the next two paragraphs, taken from the end of the essay, White anticipates the terror that would visit the city more than 50 years later.
In the first paragraph, drawn from the opening of "Here Is New York," E.B. White approaches the city through a simple pattern of division. In the next two paragraphs, taken from the end of the essay, White anticipates the terror that would visit the city more than 50 years later.
New York City Passages: Joan Didion's New York in the 1950s
Consider the effects created by Joan Didion's use of polysyndeton in this excerpt from her autobiographical essay "Goodbye to All That."
Consider the effects created by Joan Didion's use of polysyndeton in this excerpt from her autobiographical essay "Goodbye to All That."
New York City Passages: Joyce Johnson's New York in the 1950s
Novelist Joyce Johnson relies on lists to organize the many cultural images and references in these two paragraphs describing life in the Lower East Side at the height of the Beat Movement.
Novelist Joyce Johnson relies on lists to organize the many cultural images and references in these two paragraphs describing life in the Lower East Side at the height of the Beat Movement.
New York City Passages: Kerouac's New York in the 1950s
At the end of Jack Kerouac's novel, narrator Sal Paradise finds himself where his cross-country journey began a year earlier--in New York City.
At the end of Jack Kerouac's novel, narrator Sal Paradise finds himself where his cross-country journey began a year earlier--in New York City.
New York City Passages: Walker Percy's New York in the 1960s
In Walker Percy's novel "The Last Gentleman," the character of Will Barrett lives alone in New York City, a detached observer of life.
In Walker Percy's novel "The Last Gentleman," the character of Will Barrett lives alone in New York City, a detached observer of life.
New York City Passages: Colby's Narrative of New York in the 1970s
In this passage from her family memoir "The View from Morningside," author and educator Constance Taber Colby illustrates her thesis with a striking, double-edged narrative.
In this passage from her family memoir "The View from Morningside," author and educator Constance Taber Colby illustrates her thesis with a striking, double-edged narrative.