Speaker

Introduction

The term “speaker” in literature refers to the narrative voice in a poem or a piece of writing that speaks to the reader. This voice can be distinct from the author’s voice, providing a unique perspective and personality. Often confused with the author, the speaker is a constructed persona, whether it reflects an aspect of the author’s own personality or an entirely fictional character. In poetry, understanding the speaker is crucial for interpreting themes, tones, and deeper meanings, as the speaker’s perspective, experiences, and emotions are central to the poem’s impact.

Pronunciation: /ˈspiː.kər/

When Do Writers Use Speaker Literary Device?

Writers employ the speaker literary device primarily in poetry and dramatic monologues to create a clear and distinct voice that conveys the emotional tone, perspective, and thematic depth of the piece. By personifying the speaker, authors can explore various viewpoints and social contexts, giving voice to characters or personas that might be very different from themselves. This technique also allows writers to address complex subjects indirectly, providing a layer of separation between their personal views and the views expressed in their work.

Rules for Using Speaker Literary Device

To effectively use the speaker literary device in your writing, consider these guidelines:

1. Define the Speaker Clearly: Establish who is speaking right from the outset. This clarity helps readers understand the perspective from which the story or poem is told.
2. Differentiate the Speaker from the Author: Make it clear that the speaker is a persona, not necessarily the writer. This distinction is vital for the reader’s interpretation of the narrative voice.
3. Give the Speaker Depth and Personality: Even if the speaker is only present for a short poem, imbue them with distinct characteristics, motivations, and emotions to make them memorable and believable.
4. Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent voice for the speaker throughout the piece. Changes in the speaker’s style or perspective should be intentional and clear, serving the narrative’s development.
5. Utilize the Speaker to Enhance Themes: Use the speaker’s perspective to reinforce the literary themes you wish to explore, allowing their unique viewpoint to add complexity and richness to the narrative.

Following these rules, you can harness the full potential of the speaker literary device to enrich your literary creations.

Types of Speaker

In literature, speakers can be categorized based on their relationship to the story they are telling and the perspective they offer. Here are some common types of speakers:

1. First-Person Speaker: This speaker uses “I” or “we” and is a character within the story, sharing their personal experiences directly with the reader.
2. Third-Person Speaker: Typically an outside narrator, this speaker uses “he,” “she,” or “they” and offers a broader perspective on the story, which might include insights into multiple characters and events.
3. Objective Speaker: This type of speaker delivers a narrative without interpreting events or delving into the thoughts of characters, providing a factual account of events.
4. Omniscient Speaker: An all-knowing speaker who provides information about the thoughts, feelings, and backgrounds of all characters, offering a god-like perspective on the narrative.
5. Limited Omniscient Speaker: This speaker knows the thoughts and feelings of one or a few characters but not all, creating a more focused yet insightful narrative.
6. Unreliable Speaker: A speaker whose credibility has been seriously compromised, offering a skewed or distorted view of the story, which the reader must critically assess.
7. Intrusive Speaker: A speaker that frequently breaks the narrative flow to provide commentary, ask questions, or directly address the reader, creating a conversational and often philosophical tone.

Speaker in Literature

Here are some famous examples of speakers in literature:

1. Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – An iconic first-person speaker known for his distinctive, colloquial voice.
2. Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Serves as a first-person narrator who is both a character in the story and a reflector of the events around him.
3. The Narrator in Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk – An example of an unreliable first-person speaker, whose identity and reality are ambiguous.
4. Death in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – An unconventional and omniscient speaker who offers a unique perspective on the story’s events.

Speaker in Children’s Books

Famous examples of speakers in children’s books include:

1. The Narrator in The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss – Speaks directly to the reader, presenting a playful and engaging story.
2. The Narrator in Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – A third-person speaker who provides insights into both human and animal characters.
3. The Narrator in The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter – Offers a warm and inviting voice that draws young readers into the story.

Speaker in Poetry

Famous examples of speakers in poetry include:

1. The Duke in My Last Duchess by Robert Browning – A dramatic monologue where the speaker unintentionally reveals his own arrogance and jealousy.
2. The Speaker in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot – Provides a deep personal insight into the mind of Prufrock, reflecting his insecurities and internal conflicts.
3. The Speaker in Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath – Uses a confessional tone to explore themes of death and resurrection, offering intense emotional insights.

Speaker in Songs

Songs often feature distinctive speakers who convey stories or emotions through lyrics. Here are ten famous examples:

1. Johnny Cash in “Hurt” – The song features a deeply personal and reflective speaker recounting life’s hardships and regrets.
2. Adele in “Someone Like You” – The speaker expresses heartbreak and longing while addressing an ex-lover.
3. Bob Dylan in “The Times They Are A-Changin’” – The speaker calls for change and warns leaders to heed the message.
4. Tupac Shakur in “Changes” – The speaker discusses the struggles and injustices faced in urban America.
5. Taylor Swift in “You Belong With Me” – A speaker describes unrequited love and contrasts herself with the object of her affection’s current partner.
6. Nina Simone in “Mississippi Goddam” – The speaker uses a direct and confrontational tone to address racial inequalities.
7. Eminem in “Lose Yourself” – Features a speaker who talks about seizing the moment and overcoming challenges.
8. David Bowie in “Space Oddity” – The speaker, Major Tom, communicates the surreal experience of launching into space.
9. Billie Eilish in “Bad Guy” – The speaker plays with the idea of self-identity and public perception.
10. Kendrick Lamar in “Swimming Pools (Drank)” – The speaker delves into themes of peer pressure and alcohol abuse.

Speaker in Movies

In film, the speaker can be a character or a narrator providing context, commentary, or insights into the storyline. Here are some famous examples:

1. Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd ‘Red’ Redding in The Shawshank Redemption – Red serves as both a central character and a reflective narrator.
2. Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in Goodfellas – Henry narrates his own story, providing personal insights into the life of crime.
3. Jean Shepherd narrates in A Christmas Story – Offering nostalgic and humorous commentary on childhood memories.
4. Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth in The Dark Knight Trilogy – Provides wisdom and commentary that shapes the narrative.
5. Sam Elliott as The Stranger in The Big Lebowski – Acts as an omniscient narrator setting the tone of the movie.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Speaker

In The Shawshank Redemption, Red, the speaker and narrator, profoundly states: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”

YouTube Link Demonstrating Speaker

Here’s a YouTube clip that exemplifies the use of a speaker in film, specifically the narration by Red in The Shawshank Redemption: Watch on YouTube

Speaker in Advertising

In advertising, the speaker often plays a key role in connecting with the audience. Here are some notable examples:

1. Dos Equis’ “The Most Interesting Man in the World” – A character who narrates incredible feats, setting a sophisticated, adventurous tone.
2. Apple’s “1984” commercial – Features a narrator setting the scene for Apple’s revolutionary new product in a dystopian scenario.
3. Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” – The speaker directly addresses the viewer with charisma and humor.
4. GEICO’s Gecko – The Gecko serves as a friendly and approachable speaker who simplifies insurance talk.
5. Budweiser’s “Wassup?” commercials – Features speakers in a casual, humorous dialogue that became culturally iconic.

Speaker-Related Literary Devices

Understanding the speaker in literature can be enhanced by several related literary devices:

1. Persona – The character the speaker presents to the audience, which may differ from the author’s identity.
2. Voice – The individual writing style of the author or speaker, including syntax, diction, and dialogue.
3. Tone – The attitude the speaker or narrator adopts towards the subject of the text, which can convey emotions like irony, sarcasm, pity, and more.
4. Point of View – This determines from which perspective the story is told, which can be first-person, second-person, or third-person.
5. Narrative Style – How the story is conveyed, whether it’s through straightforward narration, stream-of-consciousness, unreliable narration, or other techniques.

These devices work together to build a comprehensive narrative experience, guiding the audience through the story as shaped by the speaker.