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 Clarity 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 course in theme. Though they agree style is important, their approach and views of style differ. Stunk and Whites book was published in 1912 and was written for the old-fashioned ivy leaguers. This brook be expressed by their rehearse 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 kinda of policeman and mail carrier instead of mailman. Strunk and White feel 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 alread y incorporated many of the rules in Strunk and Whites book into her own writing. They feel it is important for the writer to arrive at an individual style what your are, rather than what you subsist, will at last determine your style. (Strunk 84) Strunk tells the writer that he should sympathize with the ratifier, but never seek to know the readers wants. The duty of the writer is to please and satisfy yourself and a true writer always plays to a party of one. (Strunk 84) In patty Clarks Blog spot she gave a great statement about Strunk and White. The voice in which this little book is written sounds like an old-fashioned superior. I completely agree with her and when I read their book I picture my twelfth grade English teacher at the blackboard with her estimate 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 himsel f. Williams explains how to write or the reader. In his last 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.