Have you ever noticed how the way someone says something can be just as important as what they say? That’s where attitude comes in. In literature, attitude isn’t just about being polite or rude; it’s a powerful tool authors use to color their writing and reveal a character’s feelings, beliefs, or even a deeper message. Let’s explore this fascinating literary device.
What is Attitude in Literature?
Simply put, attitude is the author’s or a character’s feelings toward a subject, character, or situation. It’s communicated through word choice, imagery, details, and the overall tone of the writing. Think of it as the emotional coloring of a piece of text. It’s not what is said, but how it’s said that reveals the attitude. Recognizing attitude helps us understand not just the surface level story, but also the underlying meanings and motivations.
Defining Attitude: A Quick Look
Attitude in literature is the author’s or a character’s stance, feeling, or opinion about a subject. It’s a subtle, yet impactful element that shapes the reader’s perception.
Simple Examples of Attitude
- Positive Attitude: “The sun shone brilliantly, warming the earth and filling everyone with joy.”
- Negative Attitude: “Rain lashed against the window, mirroring the gloom that had settled over the house.”
- Neutral Attitude: “The cat sat on the mat.” (This statement simply states a fact, with no emotional coloring.)
How is Attitude Created?
Authors employ several techniques to convey attitude. These aren’t always direct statements; often, they are implied through subtle choices. Here’s a breakdown:
Word Choice (Diction)
The words an author chooses have a massive impact on attitude. Consider these examples:
- Positive: “She was a radiant woman, full of grace and kindness.”
- Negative: “He was a gruff man, filled with resentment and bitterness.”
Notice how the positive words evoke warm feelings, while the negative words create a sense of discomfort. A writer can easily show attitude through word choice.
Imagery and Description
The way something is described can strongly suggest an attitude. Consider these two descriptions of the same house:
- “The house stood proudly on the hill, its white paint gleaming in the sunlight. Roses climbed the walls, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees.” (Positive attitude)
- “The house loomed ominously on the hill, its peeling paint a testament to years of neglect. Dead branches scraped against the windows, and an unsettling silence hung in the air.” (Negative attitude)
Even though it’s the same house, the imagery evokes drastically different feelings.
Details and Selection
Authors don’t include every single detail about a subject. The details they choose to include, and the ones they omit, reveal their attitude. For example, a biography focusing solely on a politician’s charitable acts will portray a positive attitude, while a biography focusing on scandals will portray a negative one.
Irony and Sarcasm
These are powerful tools for conveying attitude. Irony involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite. Sarcasm is a form of irony intended to mock or convey contempt.
Example of Irony: “What a beautiful day,” said the hiker, as a torrential downpour began. (The attitude is likely frustration or resignation.)
Example of Sarcasm: “Oh, wonderful,” she said, as she discovered her car had a flat tire. (The attitude is annoyance.)
In-Depth Examples of Attitude in Literature
Let’s look at some extended examples to see how attitude operates in real texts.
Example 1: Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”
Swift’s essay proposes that impoverished Irish families sell their children as food to the wealthy. While the proposal is shocking, it is clear Swift doesn’t actually advocate for this. The attitude is one of scathing satire and outrage at the injustices faced by the Irish. The formal, rational tone contrasts sharply with the horrific suggestion, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The detailed, “logical” arguments are designed to shock the reader into recognizing the severity of the problem.
Example 2: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Austen often employs free indirect discourse, a technique where she blends the narrator’s voice with the character’s thoughts. This allows her to subtly reveal a character’s attitude. For instance, her descriptions of Mr. Collins are filled with ironic detachment. The narrator mimics his pompous and self-important language, but the underlying tone suggests amusement and disapproval. We don’t need to be told directly that Austen dislikes Mr. Collins; his own words and the narrator’s subtly mocking tone reveal everything. The attitude is conveyed through a mix of imitation and gentle criticism.
Example 3: Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”
Poe masterfully uses imagery, rhythm, and sound devices to create a pervasive atmosphere of despair and grief. The repeated use of words like “dreary,” “bleak,” and “ominous” establishes a distinctly negative attitude. The raven itself is a symbol of death and loss, and its constant repetition of “Nevermore” reinforces the speaker’s hopelessness. The attitude isn’t simply sadness; it’s a profound and inescapable sense of grief and despair. The darkness, the shadows, and the unsettling rhythm all contribute to this oppressive atmosphere.
Example 4: Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Dickinson’s poems often explore themes of death, immortality, and nature. Her unique style, characterized by unconventional punctuation and capitalization, contributes to a sense of mystery and introspection. While her attitude toward these themes is complex, it often reveals a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, coupled with a quiet acceptance of mortality. Consider a poem like “Because I could not stop for Death.” The calm, almost conversational tone belies the profound subject matter. The attitude isn’t fear, but rather a curious acceptance of the inevitable.
Why is Understanding Attitude Important?
Recognizing attitude in literature enhances your understanding and appreciation of a text. It allows you to:
- Identify the author’s purpose: What is the author trying to convey beyond the literal meaning of the story?
- Understand character motivations: What beliefs and feelings drive a character’s actions?
- Analyze themes: How does the author’s attitude shape the central themes of the work?
- Develop critical thinking skills: Recognizing attitude requires you to look beyond the surface and analyze the subtle cues within the text.
In conclusion, attitude is a powerful literary device that adds depth, complexity, and meaning to any text. By paying attention to word choice, imagery, details, and other stylistic elements, you can unlock a deeper understanding of the author’s message and the characters’ inner worlds. So, the next time you read, remember to look not just at what is being said, but how it’s being said. You’ll be amazed at what you discover.