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CLARITY, HARMONY, EMPHASIS, UNITY
Rhetoric: 1a. The art of using language effectively and persuasively (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language third edition)
At revise-and-polish time, a concept introduced to me by one of my critique partners has been of immense value. When I can't put a finger on what, exactly, isn't working, often a problem turns up with one or more of the "Rules of Rhetoric".
What are they?
Clarity
Harmony
Emphasis
Unity
How do they pertain to writing?
Clarity
Clarity is that which enables the reader to grasp the message you intend to convey in the fewest, clearest words possible.
The words you choose and their placement, the insertion of punctuation marks, dialogue tags—such small things contribute to or detract from the "clarity" of your prose.
Many words that appear to convey your meaning can actually be "vague" upon further consideration:
***She picked up the cup and then threw it across the kitchen.
***She snatched up the cup and then flung it across the kitchen.
The second sentence suggests anger. The first sentence conveys . . . what? For all we know, she could be tossing the cup to her brother.
Often pronouns contribute to clarity problems. "It", in particular, can almost always be replaced with a word far more precise. Remember, too, that in proper usage, a pronoun refers back to the most recent noun.
Unity
On the small scale, a paragraph should contain only one idea (which bolsters Clarity). On a larger scale, in a novel, for instance, each smaller unit--i.e., scenes, characters, chapters, character goals, etc.--should in some way relate to the big picture: the theme of the book ("love conquers all", "no man is an island", etc.).
Keep your characters consistent in their actions. As one obvious example, men and women think, act, and speak differently (generally speaking).
As Tom Clancy says, "The difference between real life and fiction is that fiction has to make sense."
Emphasis
From small units (sentences, paragraphs, scenes, chapters) to larger units (the complete story), the idea to which you wish to call attention belongs in the beginning or at the end. PIE… Position Is Everything. This, too, promotes the well-being of Clarity.
Emphasis can affect timing (sentence length, introduction of a plot device, etc.).
Overuse of unusual words or phrases, too much repetition in general, too much repetition in general, too much repetition in general, or the use of inappropriate punctuation!!!??!!, can, at the very least, cause a reader to consign your book to the wall-banger category.
Harmony
Harmony sets your scene.
A subtle problem in harmony will jerk your reader right out of your story, because it won't "feel" right. The words you choose need to reflect the setting and the characters within that setting. A Victorian lady speaks and behaves differently than a Valley Girl. "Gag me with a spoon, kind Sir!" simply would not fly in 1895. Well, unless you’re writing a parody or some such. . . . .
As you can see, Clarity, Unity, Emphasis and Harmony are tightly interwoven. If you apply them wisely, you'll find your story or article will be tight and well-balanced.
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Jan. 14, 2003 Author's Note
I must include heartfelt kudos for the critique partner whose workshop on "Rules of Rhetoric" provided the basis for this article. Her latest novel was released just last week. She's got a style all her own, and it's wonderful. Please check out LORD OF THE HUNT, by Ann Lawrence, a medieval romance. http://www.annlawrence.com.
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