The Eye of the Beholder

Literature has surrounded human culture for hundreds of years, many still could not define literature from memory. By extracting the true meaning of literature, it can be shown how simple it can be defined. Literature is a piece of writing that speaks to or about the intermixing between culture and time. Therefore, the truest form of literary writing is non-fictional pieces because true stories allow for the reader to dive into the situation as if it had happened to them. Just like the feeling when watching a movie, and big bright letters at the beginning of the film flash before the eye which read “Based on a True Story.” Literature is more complex with strong and powerful writing that awakens your inner emotions, which movies simply cannot do.

Stripping back down from literature back to writing because literature consists of writing, but writing does not have to contain literature. Writing is taught to students throughout the traditional American schooling system, but many of the basics are overlooked. Voice being the most overlooked basic of them all. 

Russian Nesting Doll

Voice is like a Russian Nesting Doll consisting of diction, syntax, structure, and style. These basics do not just nest and rest inside the outer shell called voice, but influences how the piece comes across to the reader. Where the writer is a clothing designer curating their new line, but instead of stringing together thread and fabric words are used to form a sentences turning into larger pieces in the end. 

Starting with syntax, the first piece of thread to put together a sentence. Syntax is how the writer arranges the word in the sentence in order for ideas across in a functional way. Moving around and adding just a few words the can change the focus and meaning of the sentence. Then there is structure which can be looked as syntax’s older brother where syntax is the arrangement of word in a sentence and structure being the arrangement of sentences. Structure is not limited to introducing events in chronological order, but can be a way to express the writer’s style the last of the overlooked basics by schools. 

Style is how syntax and structure are used to string together the entire piece allowing for the voice of the piece to be heard. With style there is no set formula it is completely up to the how the writer wants the piece to be read. By manipulating the style the writer can force the reader to slow down and think or do the opposite by having a fast paced and exciting writing. Style influences pace, tone, and mood of a piece, but is still within the biggest Nesting doll of them all, voice. Voice, combines every technique for  a voice to project from the page; a true sign of literary excellence when done well. A writer who is capable to project ideas the way they express themselves in person has achieved what many strive to do.

The basics are just the necessary requirements before it can be considered literature. Culture and language play a large part in determining literature. Culture, language, and basic writing mechanics are the inner workings of literature. All which are highly overlooked when reading and writing literature. True enthusiasts will analyze all three parts and search for strengths and weaknesses. 

But, regardless of what society accepts as literature the true beauty lies in the readers hand. One reader may appreciate the clever use of breaking major grammatical rules, while another may think the writer is unskilled or apathetic. In both cases are correct interpretations of literature. Literature is math’s opposition, not having definite answers and incorrect processes. Literature does not need to hold these traits because it is an art form allowing for open mindedness and different point of views. Like a painting, literature is in the eye of the beholder.  

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