Emily Dickinson
The ballad form is employed by Emily Dickinson in her writing. Dickinson’s poem depth and intensity of “My Life Has Stood – a Loaded Gun” are enhanced by its overall structure which contains irregular rhyme schemes, dashes, and metaphorical imagery to create a distinctive and emotionally powerful poetic encounter. She only utilizes the rhyme scheme in the first and last stanzas, specifically when discussing the themes of life and death. The other stanzas diverge from the pattern adding to the poem’s fragmented structure. Throughout the poem, Dickinson explores the concept of identity, beginning with birth and concluding with death. To convey her narrative, she employs traditional ballad elements such as the use of the words Owner and Master, Gun, and Speaker. Each stanza contains four lines except for the last stanza creating a structure with a sense of rhythm and symmetry. The structure of the poem utilizes metaphorical imagery, drawing comparisons between the speaker’s life and a gun. This comparison is consistently maintained throughout the poem, emphasizing the concept of suppressed power and the potential danger that the speaker’s life poses. Finally, as the poem progresses the imagery becomes more intense with the repetition of metaphors and increasing emotion contributing to the poem’s impactful conclusion.
Virginia Woolf
In “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf, the narrative follows a loosely structured manner, intertwining different elements. Rather than writing in a traditional format, the book progresses through a series of interconnected ideas, anecdotes, reflections, and fictionalized scenes. The essay loops through Woolf’s thoughts and observations creating a stream of consciousness. Woolf also includes personal reflections, anecdotes, and experiences that illustrate her main ideas. She uses fictional elements/characters like Judith Shakespeare to explore the limitations women faced historically in pursuing creative goals. The fragmented style she uses is where ideas flow freely, and occasionally return to central themes and anecdotes. Also, she touches on topics of social constraints women faced in history. Finally, this technique invites the reader into the complex inner workings of her mind offering a multilayered exploration of her subject matter while reflecting on the interconnectedness of thoughts and experiences.
James Baldwin
Baldwin’s essay articulate writing style, but also for their ability to catch the readers attention with their arguments and deep understanding of the human mentalness. Through his combination of personal stories, social observations, and intellectual analysis, Baldwin creates a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally touching. One of the defining features of Baldwin’s essays is his ability to weave together different elements to create a cohesive and engaging piece of writing. He effortlessly transitions from recounting personal experiences to making social observations, all while providing personal analysis that adds depth and complexity to his arguments. The multiple approaches allows Baldwin to explore a wide range of topics, from racial inequality to the complexities of human relationships, with a level of insight that is relatable.
Doris Lessing
In “The Old Chief Mshlanga,” Lessing’s writing style undergoes a transformation that perfectly aligns with the themes and settings of the story. Through her use of descriptive and expressive language, she brings the African landscape to life, painting a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. The way she accurately describes the colors, sounds, and smells of the environment not only adds imagination and realness to the narrative but also serves as a reflection of the characters’ emotions and experiences. Lessing’s ability to combine dialogue, experiences, and vivid descriptions is what makes this story so interesting and easy to read. Through the characters’ conversations, readers gain insight into their thoughts, desires, and conflicts. The dialogue serves gives insight of their inner worlds, allowing the reader to understand levels and meanings of their relationships.