Comparing The Elements of Style and Style Toward Clarity and Grace :: Compare Contrast Comparison

Comparing The Elements of Style by Strunk and White and Style Toward limpidity and Grace by Williams Both The Elements of Style by Strunk and White and Style Toward Clarity and Grace by Williams emphasize the importance of style in writing. Though they agree style is important, their approach and views of style differ. Stunk and Whites allow was publish in 1912 and was written for the old-fashioned ivy leaguers. This can be expressed by their use of the pronoun he. According to Strunk and White he should always be used. Williams book was published in 1981 and in more culturally written. Williams states that a writer can use either he or she whichever is socially acceptable. He also tells the writer to use such words as police officer instead of policeman and mail carrier instead of mailman. Strunk and White scent that to be a good writer one must adhere to the rules they state in their book. Jeri Elesweds blog states that she was amazed that she already i ncorporated legion(predicate) of the rules in Strunk and Whites book into her own writing. They feel it is important for the writer to have an individual style what your be, rather than what you know, will at drop dead determine your style. (Strunk 84) Strunk tells the writer that he should sympathize with the reader, but never seek to know the readers wants. The duty of the writer is to please and make full yourself and a true writer always plays to a party of one. (Strunk 84) In Patty Clarks Blog spot she gave a great report about Strunk and White. The voice in which this little book is written sounds like an old-fashioned schoolmaster. I completely agree with her and when I read their book I picture my twelfth grade English teacher at the blackboard with her fancy chalk holder cramming grammar down our throats. Williams views on style are more diverse. According to him, style should be more about the audience the writer is writing to rather than the writer him self. Williams explains how to write or the reader. In his final stage chapter Williams states how to write in a constructive voice, how to the flow of information affects the reader, what words to use when the reader has prior knowledge of the subject and when he or she does not, and how to be clear for the reader.