Have you ever considered who is telling a story, beyond just the characters involved? It’s a surprisingly crucial element in understanding any poem, song, or narrative. That “who” is the Speaker. It’s a concept that unlocks deeper layers of meaning and allows us to truly connect with a piece of writing. This guide will explore the literary device of Speaker in detail, providing a clear definition, simple examples, and in-depth analysis to help you understand this often‑overlooked, yet vital, aspect of storytelling.
What is a Speaker? A Simple Definition
The Speaker in literature is the voice narrating the poem, story, or other written work. Importantly, the Speaker is not necessarily the author. It’s a constructed persona, a character created to deliver the text. Think of it like an actor delivering lines – the actor isn’t the character, but embodies them for the duration of the performance. Similarly, the Speaker is the voice through which the author chooses to convey their message, feelings, or story.
Quick Examples of Speaker
- In a poem about a lost love, the Speaker might be a heartbroken individual recounting their memories.
- In a story told from a pet’s perspective, the pet is the Speaker.
- A song told in the first person (“I”) has a Speaker who is essentially singing the song.
These examples demonstrate that the Speaker is the point of origin for the words we are reading or hearing.
Understanding the Nuances of Speaker
While the concept seems straightforward, the Speaker can be surprisingly complex. It’s vital to distinguish between the Speaker, the author, and the characters within the work. Let’s break down the key distinctions.
Speaker vs. Author
The author is the creator of the work, the person who physically wrote the words. The Speaker is the voice within the work. The author can use different Speakers to explore various perspectives and themes. For example, a male author might create a female Speaker to tell a story from a woman’s viewpoint. This does not mean the author is the Speaker; it means the author is employing a narrative technique.
Example: Sylvia Plath wrote many poems with a female Speaker, often grappling with themes of depression and societal expectations. Plath is the author, but the Speaker in each poem is a distinct persona, a voice she created to express complex emotions.
Speaker vs. Characters
Characters are the people (or animals, or creatures) who act within the story. The Speaker is the one telling the story. A character can be the Speaker, but not always. A story can be told from a third person perspective, where the Speaker is an outside narrator observing the characters.
Example: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the story is not told by Frodo Baggins, but about him. The Speaker is a narrator who recounts the events of the story, sometimes following Frodo’s perspective, and at other times shifting to other characters or providing broader context.
Types of Speakers
Speakers aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are several common types, each with its unique characteristics and impact on the work.
First Person Speaker
This Speaker uses “I,” “me,” “my,” and “mine.” It creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, allowing the reader to experience the story directly through the Speaker’s eyes. However, it’s important to remember that a first person Speaker is inherently biased, we only see the world as they perceive it.
Example: Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell Tale Heart” is narrated by a first person Speaker who is clearly unreliable and possibly insane. The reader is privy to his increasingly frantic thoughts, but must question the accuracy of his account.
Second Person Speaker
This Speaker uses “you,” “your,” and “yours.” It’s less common, but incredibly effective when used. It directly addresses the reader, creating a sense of involvement and immediacy. It can be disorienting or engaging, depending on the context.
Example: Some instructional poems or songs use a second person Speaker to guide the reader through a process (“You must first gather the wood…”).
Third Person Speaker
This Speaker uses “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” and character names. It creates distance between the reader and the story, allowing for a broader perspective. There are two main types of third person Speakers: limited and omniscient.
- Third Person Limited: The Speaker only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
- Third Person Omniscient: The Speaker knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters, and can see past, present, and future events.
Example: Many classic novels, like Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” use a third person limited Speaker, primarily focusing on Elizabeth Bennet’s perspective. However, the Speaker can occasionally shift to provide glimpses into other characters’ thoughts.
Analyzing the Impact of Speaker
Identifying the Speaker is only the first step. The real power lies in analyzing how the Speaker shapes the meaning of the work.
Speaker’s Tone and Attitude
The Speaker’s tone (their attitude towards the subject matter) significantly impacts how the reader interprets the work. Is the Speaker optimistic, pessimistic, sarcastic, angry, or mournful? Pay attention to the word choice, imagery, and sentence structure to decipher the Speaker’s attitude.
Example: Consider a poem about a rainy day. A Speaker with a melancholic tone might describe the rain as “tears falling from the sky,” while a Speaker with an optimistic tone might describe it as “a cleansing shower, nourishing the earth.”
Speaker’s Reliability
Is the Speaker trustworthy? An unreliable Speaker might be biased, delusional, or intentionally misleading. Identifying an unreliable Speaker requires close attention to inconsistencies, contradictions, and omissions in the narrative.
Example: In Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita,” Humbert Humbert is an unreliable narrator who attempts to justify his disturbing actions. Recognizing his unreliability is crucial to understanding the novel’s complex themes.
Speaker’s Purpose
What does the Speaker hope to achieve by telling the story? Are they trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or warn? Identifying the Speaker’s purpose can shed light on the underlying message of the work.
Example: A protest song often features a Speaker who aims to raise awareness about a social issue and inspire action.
Understanding the nuances of the Speaker is crucial for a complete understanding of any literary work. It allows you to move beyond simply what is being said, to how and why it is being said. It’s a powerful tool for unlocking deeper layers of meaning and connecting with the author’s intended message.
By carefully considering the Speaker—their identity, perspective, tone, and purpose—you can elevate your reading experience and gain a richer appreciation for the art of storytelling.