Literary Devices in Voice ✍️

Introduction

Voice is a fundamental literary device that refers to the distinctive style or the particular speech and thought patterns of a narrator or character within a piece of literature. It’s how the author conveys their story, setting the tone and the mood through the narrator’s perspective, or through characters’ dialogue and internal monologues. Voice can shape the reader’s perception of the story’s characters and their environments, making it a critical element in creating a compelling narrative.

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A strong, distinctive voice can set a piece apart and give it a unique flavor, distinguishing it from others in the same genre. For example, the whimsical and introspective voice of the narrator in The Catcher in the Rye helps to paint a profound portrait of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, capturing his teenage angst and disillusionment.

How to Pronounce Voice

Voice: /vois/

When Do Writers Use Voice?

Writers employ the literary device of voice to inject personality into their work, create mood, and influence how readers engage with the text. Voice is essential not only in helping to define characters but also in establishing the narrative’s point of view. For instance, a first-person narrative will have a very different voice from a third-person omniscient narrative.

Voice can vary dramatically from author to author, and even from character to character within a single work. It helps to build a connection between the reader and the characters, and can be pivotal in driving the narrative forward. By choosing a specific voice, writers can steer the reader’s feelings and reactions, guiding them through the story in a way that fulfills the narrative’s emotional and thematic intentions.

How Should I Use Voice?

Using voice effectively in writing requires both an understanding of your characters and your narrative’s needs. Here are some rules and tips for effectively harnessing voice in your literary work:

Be Consistent: Once you establish a voice, maintaining its consistency throughout the story is crucial unless a shift is required by the narrative.
Reflect Character Development: Let the voice evolve in response to character development. Changes in a character’s voice can subtly signal growth or change.
Match Voice to Audience and Purpose: The voice should be appropriate for the intended audience and the purpose of your text. A children’s book will likely employ a simpler, more playful voice compared to a complex, layered voice in adult literary fiction.
Use Voice to Enhance Themes: Align the voice with the themes of your story. A dark, cynical voice might complement a narrative with themes of despair or betrayal.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different voices to find the one that best fits your narrative style and enhances your storytelling.

By carefully choosing and crafting the voice, you can elevate your writing and provide your readers with a more immersive and engaging experience.

Types of Voice

Voice in literature can generally be classified into several types, each serving a different purpose and giving a unique tone to the narrative. Here are the primary types of voice found in literature:

First-Person Voice: This voice uses “I” or “we” and offers an intimate perspective, allowing readers to see through the eyes of the narrator. It’s deeply personal and can either be a main character or a peripheral observer.
Second-Person Voice: Less common, this voice directly addresses the reader as “you,” making them feel like a participant in the story. It’s often used to create an immersive experience.
Third-Person Omniscient: The narrator knows everything about the story’s events and characters, including their thoughts and feelings. This voice allows for a god-like perspective, providing insights into multiple characters and plots.
Third-Person Limited: Here, the narrator describes the events from the perspective of one character at a time. This voice is limited to what the chosen character knows, sees, feels, and thinks.
Objective Voice: The narrative voice remains neutral, offering no thoughts or feelings of the characters, only describing actions and dialogue, which can mimic the impartiality of a camera lens.

Voice in Literature

Voice in literature not only shapes how a story is told, but also how it’s received and understood by the audience. Some famous examples include:

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: The distinctive, conversational voice of Holden Caulfield offers deep insight into his cynical worldview.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The narrative voice of Scout Finch provides a naive yet insightful perspective into the complex world of racial injustice in the American South.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Nick Carraway’s reflective and analytical voice provides a lens through which the story’s themes of decadence and idealism are explored.

Voice in Children’s Books

In children’s books, voice plays a crucial role in engaging young readers and helping them understand complex emotions and situations through relatable language. Famous examples include:

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: The voice is warm and instructional, perfect for conveying the story’s themes of friendship and the cycle of life to young readers.
“The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson: The rhythmic and rhyming voice captivates children, making the narrative both enjoyable and memorable.
“Matilda” by Roald Dahl: Dahl’s voice, filled with wit and a touch of rebellion, perfectly matches the clever and precocious protagonist, Matilda.

Voice in Poetry

Voice in poetry is essential for conveying emotions and messages, often leaving a lasting impact through the unique tone and style of the poet. Famous examples include:

“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: The melancholic and eerie voice enhances the poem’s themes of grief and loss.
“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: Angelou’s assertive and triumphant voice empowers the poem, reflecting themes of resilience and self-confidence.
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot uses a reflective, insecure voice that perfectly encapsulates the protagonist’s internal existential anxieties.

These examples highlight how voice can be tailored to different audiences and purposes, enriching the literary experience.

Voice in Songs

Voice in songs refers not only to the literal singing voice of the artist but also to the lyrical perspective and emotional tone conveyed through the lyrics and performance. Here are ten famous examples:

“Imagine” by John Lennon: Lennon’s hopeful and reflective voice promotes peace and unity.
“Someone Like You” by Adele: Her soulful voice conveys deep personal heartbreak and longing.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen: Freddie Mercury’s dynamic voice takes listeners through various emotional and musical shifts.
“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan: Dylan’s sneering voice critiques societal norms and expectations.
“Hurt” by Johnny Cash: Cash’s aged, weathered voice adds depth to the song’s themes of regret and redemption.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin: Franklin’s powerful voice demands respect and equality, resonating with the civil rights movement.
“The Times They Are a-Changin’” by Bob Dylan: A call for change delivered through Dylan’s assertive and prophetic voice.
“Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga: Gaga’s theatrical voice captures the complex dynamics of a romantic relationship.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana: Kurt Cobain’s gritty voice embodies teenage angst and rebellion.
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen (and covered famously by Jeff Buckley and others): The contemplative and spiritual voice explores themes of love and loss.

Voice in Movies

Voice in movies often emerges through a distinct narrative style or unique character delivery, significantly impacting the film’s tone and the audience’s connection to the story. Here are some famous examples:

“The Shawshank Redemption”: The calm, wise voice of Red (Morgan Freeman) as the narrator adds a reflective and hopeful dimension to the story.
“Goodfellas”: Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) provides a casual yet engaging narrative voice, guiding the audience through the life of mobsters.
“Fight Club”: The disillusioned and darkly humorous voice of the unnamed Narrator (Edward Norton) shapes the film’s critique of consumer culture.
“Forrest Gump”: Forrest’s (Tom Hanks) simple, sincere voice narrates his extraordinary life story in a straightforward manner.
“Pulp Fiction”: The distinct voices of multiple characters intertwine to create a rich, engaging narrative tapestry.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Voice

One of the most iconic lines that showcases a unique voice in film is from “Forrest Gump”, where Tom Hanks delivers the memorable line: “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

YouTube Link of Movie Clip Demonstrating Voice

Here’s a YouTube link to a clip from “The Shawshank Redemption”, where Morgan Freeman’s voice as Red narrates a pivotal scene, demonstrating the power of voice in film: The Shawshank Redemption – Red’s Parole

Voice in Advertising

Voice in advertising is crafted to connect with the audience on an emotional level, persuade, and create brand identity. Here are some notable examples:

Nike: “Just Do It” – The encouraging, inspirational voice appeals to people’s ambition and determination.
Apple: Early iPhone ads – The innovative, sleek voice highlighted the simplicity and elegance of Apple products.
Old Spice: The humorous, over-the-top voice in the “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign redefined the brand for a new generation.
Dove: “Real Beauty” – A supportive, genuine voice challenges beauty standards and promotes self-acceptance.
Coca-Cola: “Open Happiness” – The cheerful, friendly voice invites consumers to share moments of joy.

Voice-Related Literary Devices

Voice interacts with various literary devices to enhance narrative and lyrical expression. Some related literary devices include:

Tone: The attitude the writer or speaker conveys about the subject through their voice.
Diction: The choice of words that helps to establish voice and convey the appropriate tone.
Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told, which is intrinsically linked to voice.
Dialogue: How characters speak to each other, which also helps define their individual voices.
Narrative Style: The manner in which a story is told, heavily influenced by the voice of the narrator or the lyrical voice in songs.

These devices work together to create a vivid, engaging voice that resonates with audiences across different mediums.