5 examples of an invisible/"normal" style
An invisible or ‘normal’ style in literature refers to writing that doesn’t call attention to itself. The writing lets readers sink into the story without being distracted by ornate language or unique syntax. This style is a transparent window into the world of the story, almost as if the author is saying, “Forget about me; focus on the tale.” Here are five authors who’ve excelled in this understated art.
Five authors who've excelled at an invisible style
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s novels are replete with social observations, intricate character relationships, and witticisms. Her writing, though rooted in the language of her time, is clear and accessible. In Pride and Prejudice, her ‘normal’ style lets readers focus on the evolving dynamics between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy without being sidetracked by overly intricate prose.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Scout Finch’s narration in To Kill a Mockingbird is a quintessential example of the invisible style. Lee’s prose is straightforward, making readers feel as if they are sitting on the porch in Maycomb, Alabama, watching the events unfold. The clarity of her style amplifies the novel’s powerful themes of racial injustice and moral growth.
3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Holden Caulfield’s narrative voice is colloquial, direct, and sincere. Salinger crafts an ‘ordinary’ style that mirrors the mindset of a disillusioned teenager. This approach makes Holden’s experiences in New York City both relatable and raw, allowing readers to empathise with his struggles without the interference of convoluted language.
4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s novella about two displaced ranch workers during the Great Depression is a masterclass in transparent writing. The prose is simple and direct, reflecting the straightforward dreams and desires of the central characters, George and Lennie. Steinbeck’s ‘normal’ style underscores the stark realities and emotional depth of the narrative.
5. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Though Hemingway can also be credited for his minimal style, The Old Man and the Sea exemplifies his invisible technique. The story of Santiago’s epic battle with a marlin is told in plain, direct prose. This clear-cut style serves to highlight the novella’s themes of perseverance, pride, and the enduring human spirit.
The beauty of the ordinary
An invisible or ‘normal’ style is by no means plain or uninteresting. Instead, it’s a deliberate choice by the author to make the story the star of the show. By stepping back, these authors let their narratives shine, ensuring readers are engrossed in the plot, characters, and themes rather than the mechanics of the prose itself.
