Discourse

Introduction

Discourse in literary terms refers to the structure and organization of spoken or written communication. In literature, it involves the way that narrators, characters, and speakers present their thoughts and dialogue, which shapes the reader’s understanding of the story or argument. Discourse can encompass a variety of styles and elements, from the choice of narrative voice (first-person, second-person, third-person) to the manner in which a story’s information is presented to the audience.

The concept was heavily influenced by the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault, who expanded the understanding of discourse to mean ways of thinking and speaking about knowledge, society, and culture. In his view, discourse isn’t just about language but about power and ideology, shaping how subjects and practices are understood in different contexts. In literary analysis, examining discourse can reveal deeper insights into the text’s themes and the author’s ideological stance.

Pronunciation: /dɪˈskɔːrs/

When do writers use Discourse literary device?

Writers use the discourse literary device to control how information is presented in their narratives, which in turn influences the reader’s interpretation and emotional engagement. It’s a crucial tool for setting the tone and pace of the story. For instance, a stream of consciousness discourse can immerse readers in the character’s thoughts and emotions, providing a raw and unfiltered view of their inner world.

Discourse is also used to establish point of view. By choosing a particular narrative voice or perspective, authors can manipulate readers’ access to information, guiding their judgments and sympathies. This technique is often employed to create suspense or to develop complex characters whose reliability or moral stance may be in question.

Furthermore, discourse can highlight themes or underscore contrasts between characters, settings, or ideological viewpoints. It’s particularly effective in works that aim to challenge societal norms or question prevailing ideologies, as it subtly directs the reader to consider alternative viewpoints or underlying messages.

How should I use Discourse literary device?

Using the discourse literary device effectively requires careful consideration of several key elements:

1. Choose the Appropriate Narrative Voice: Whether it’s first-person, second-person, or third-person, the choice of narrator can dramatically influence the tone and credibility of the narrative. Each perspective offers different advantages for storytelling and thematic development.
2. Control the Flow of Information: Decide how much the reader knows and when they know it. This can be crucial in creating suspense or deepening the mystery of the narrative. Discourse can either reveal or conceal motives, backstories, and personalities.
3. Consider the Language and Style: The way characters speak and the narrator describes events can reflect cultural, social, and historical contexts. Use language that enriches the story’s setting and deepens character development.
4. Use Discourse to Build Themes: Through subtle hints and explicit statements, discourse can be used to reinforce the central themes of your work. It can also provide critical commentary on social issues or historical events.
5. Experiment with Structure: Non-linear narratives, unreliable narrators, or varied narrative forms (like letters, diary entries, or digital communications) can all be part of discourse strategy, each offering unique ways to engage and challenge the reader.

By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, writers can use discourse to enhance their narrative’s impact, making their stories not just told, but felt and contemplated.

Types of Discourse

Discourse in literature and speech can generally be classified into four main types, each serving a different purpose and utilizing unique structures and techniques:

1. Narrative Discourse: This type involves telling a story with a clear sequence of events, often with a beginning, middle, and end. It is used extensively in novels, short stories, historical accounts, and personal anecdotes. Narrative discourse focuses on plot and character development.
2. Descriptive Discourse: This type uses detailed imagery and adjectives to describe a scene, object, or character. It aims to bring the subject to life for the reader or listener, creating a vivid mental picture. This form is common in poetry, certain types of essays, and works with rich settings.
3. Expository Discourse: Expository writing is used to explain, describe, or inform about a topic in a straightforward, logical manner. It is devoid of the writer’s opinions or emotions. This type of discourse is often found in textbooks, manuals, and academic articles where factual information and explanation are required.
4. Argumentative Discourse: This form aims to persuade the reader or listener about a particular point of view or argument. It involves presenting reasons, making claims, and supporting these claims with evidence and logic. Argumentative discourse is typical in persuasive essays, debates, and opinion pieces.

Discourse in Literature

Famous examples of discourse in literature demonstrate how authors manipulate language and structure to create meaning, develop characters, or advance the plot:

• “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville: The narrative discourse in this novel is interspersed with expository passages about whaling. Melville uses these shifts in discourse to provide a broader context to the story, enhancing the thematic depth and historical authenticity of the narrative.
• “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: Austen uses free indirect discourse, a technique where the third-person narrative incorporates the thoughts and speech patterns of a character without direct quotation. This method gives insights into characters’ thoughts and feelings while maintaining a broader narrative perspective.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The narrative discourse here is first-person, narrated from the perspective of Scout Finch. Through her eyes, readers gain a personal yet naive viewpoint that evolves over the course of the novel, reflecting themes of racism and justice.

Discourse in Children’s Books

In children’s literature, discourse plays a pivotal role in engaging young readers and helping them understand complex themes through simpler narratives:

• “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: The use of a third-person narrative that offers insights into both human and animal thoughts provides a unique perspective and emotional depth to the story of friendship and loss.
• “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter: Potter’s story combines narrative and descriptive discourse to create vivid images of the garden and its dangers, effectively conveying moral lessons through the misadventures of Peter.
• “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss: This book features a simple narrative with a strong element of persuasive discourse, as one character tries to convince another to try green eggs and ham, promoting themes of experimentation and open-mindedness.

Discourse in Poetry

Discourse in poetry often involves using compact, symbolic language to convey emotions and ideas:

• “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: This poem exemplifies complex narrative and descriptive discourse, weaving a tapestry of voices and images that reflect the disillusionment of post-World War I society.
• “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman: Whitman uses a celebratory and inclusive narrative discourse that blends observations, self-reflection, and social commentary, creating a vivid portrait of American life and identity.
• “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: This poem uses a persuasive discourse urging the reader (or the speaker’s father) to resist death passionately, emphasizing the poem’s urgent, emotional plea through its structured verse form.

Discourse in Songs

Songs often use various types of discourse to convey messages, tell stories, or evoke emotions. Here are ten famous examples where discourse plays a key role:

1. “Imagine” by John Lennon: Uses persuasive discourse to envision a world of peace without the barriers of borders or material possessions.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen: Incorporates narrative, argumentative, and descriptive discourse within a complex structure to tell a story of confession and regret.
3. “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Bob Dylan: A song that employs expository discourse to comment on social change and encourage the listener to join in that change.
4. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: Mixes narrative and expository styles to explore complex themes of love, religion, and personal struggle.
5. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin: Uses persuasive discourse to demand personal respect and equal rights, a powerful message during the Civil Rights Movement.
6. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: This song combines narrative and persuasive discourse, offering a message of hope and resistance against social injustice.
7. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen: A narrative discourse that captures the yearning for escape and the desire for something greater in life.
8. “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy: Employs a strong persuasive discourse urging listeners to stand up against societal oppression.
9. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin: Features a mix of descriptive and narrative discourse, leading listeners through an allegorical journey.
10. “American Pie” by Don McLean: Uses narrative discourse to chronicle the changes in American culture and music, reflecting nostalgia and critical observation.

Discourse in Movies

Movies frequently utilize different types of discourse to develop characters, advance the plot, or enhance thematic expressions. Here are some notable examples:

• “The Godfather”: Uses expository and narrative discourse to explore themes of power, loyalty, and corruption within a crime family.
• “Pulp Fiction”: Quentin Tarantino’s narrative style includes disjointed yet compelling discourse that intertwines multiple storylines with rich, idiosyncratic dialogue.
• “Forrest Gump”: The narrative discourse in this film is largely first-person, as Forrest narrates his extraordinary life story, providing insights into American social history.
• “Inception”: Uses complex expository discourse to explain the rules of its dream worlds, blending it with narrative elements that delve into the protagonist’s personal struggles.
• “The Social Network”: Features sharp, fast-paced argumentative discourse in its portrayal of legal battles and personal conflicts behind the founding of Facebook.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Discourse

One of the most iconic lines that exemplify persuasive discourse is from “The Godfather”, where Michael Corleone says:

“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

This line encapsulates the power dynamics and persuasive style typical of the movie’s discourse.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Discourse

Unfortunately, I can’t browse the internet, including YouTube. However, you can search for a clip titled “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse – The Godfather (1972)” to see a great example of persuasive discourse in action.

Discourse in Advertising

Advertising often relies on persuasive discourse to influence consumer behavior. Here are some famous examples:

• “Just Do It” by Nike: This simple yet powerful phrase encourages action and perseverance, effectively motivating consumers.
• “Think Different” by Apple: Used to align the brand with innovative thinking and creativity, setting Apple apart from its competitors.
• “Got Milk?”: This campaign used a variety of print and TV ads to create a simple, memorable phrase that significantly increased milk sales.
• “Diamonds Are Forever” by De Beers: Persuasive discourse that linked diamonds with eternal love, fundamentally shaping consumer perception of diamonds.
• “Share a Coke” by Coca-Cola: This campaign personalized bottles with names, encouraging sharing and creating personal connections through its discourse.

Discourse-Related Literary Devices

Several literary devices are closely associated with discourse, helping to shape the way information is presented and received:

1. Dialogue: Characters’ spoken words, essential for developing characters and advancing the plot.
2. Monologue: A long speech by one character, often revealing their thoughts or feelings.
3. Voice: The format (first-person, second-person, third-person) and style of the narrative voice, influencing how stories are told and perceived.
4. Tone: The attitude the writer takes towards a subject or character, which can be playful, serious, ironic, optimistic, critical, etc.
5. Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told, which can greatly affect the interpretation of the events described.
6. Stream of Consciousness: A narrative mode that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and sensations through the mind, often without conventional syntax or punctuation.