Abstract
In this paper, the diverse theories and the concepts of style are presented and discussed. From the presentation it is seen that there is no one ( the) definition of style. Instead, several characterizations exist but there are points of overlap. It is also suggested that there is no uniform approach or methodology for its analysis. The only consensus amongst practitioners of stylistics is that the concept is nebulous. We have because of these observations identified six broad rubrics under which we grouped the differing perspectives on the concept. These are (1) style as deviation from a norm; (2) a manifestation of the individual; (3) Content and/or form; (4) choice between alternative ways of expressing the same idea; (5) product of context; and (6) good or beautiful writing. These rubrics offer us convenient and tidy compartments under which we discuss the interesting but ‘elusive’ concept. The paper ends by providing a step by step analytical procedure for the stylistic examination of texts. The procedure ranges from a brief summary to which other levels of analysis are related, through diction, register, tone, punctuation, clausal and sentence types, paragraphing, schemes of construction and figures of speech. It is suggested that the provision of these analytical tools will be more beneficial to the student and the general reader than one instance of a text that is analysed.
Published Version
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