Principles of Good Writing Summary
According to L.A. Hill, a writer must write clearly and logically and to do so he must think clearly and logically. He lays stress on constant practice of writing as the only way of learning how to write well He also advises the ambitious writers to increase the stock of words, to jot down the striking words and expressions and to use a dictionary for their correct meanings and appropriate uses. The author strongly suggests that simplicity of language is the earmark of standard writing these days. He shows how to avoid the obsolete devices in language and how a personal style can be developed. The author’s arrangement of points and the progress from the introductory paragraph up to the last paragraph are just in keeping with what he has said regarding the beginning, the middle and the concluding portions of a composition. The examples cited by him only serve the purpose of illustrating the relevant points without spoiling the compact structure of the essay
But, we must simultaneously point out here that some of his points, too evident and commonplace, are not beyond criticism. Any word or expression, however much appealing it may appear, becomes lacklustre through constant use and passage of time. Hence, a word or an expression, very much striking today, may lose its shine tomorrow, even if it does not become obsolete. Again, writing is according to him, 99 percent perspiration and I percent inspiration. But, the author though does not agree that one percent inspiration has a great role in making a successful writer. Then, however oblivious we may be of ourselves, constant studying of some author’s distinctive style evades analysis but normally creeps in the style of a new writer unknown to him.
There are other points of disagreement, too. Though Mr. Hill never says it, his instructions are not however, applicable to all classes of writing. His essay can render little help to those who want to be creative writers. Neither his instructions can help playwright, or a novelist. His rules are good only for the young men who, at best, desire to write a very informative article on commercial, technical and scientific topics of about commonplace matters of everyday. Moreover, his statement that most people are interested in the present than either in the past or in the future does not bear a standard observation. There are many amongst is who look back to the past to be amidst its happy or morose moments as there are many of us who wistfully look forward to the future for the happiness of an imaginary fulfilment of their cherished desires
Again, Mr. Hill’s statement that to write in plain language in a conversational one does not always hold water, because, neither plain language nor conversational one can always commendably express the solemnity and sublimity of a very deeply sensitive type of literature which needs the robust and elegant a carrier just as the lighter and requires a lighter medium. Then, it is to be borne in mind that incorrect and vulgar speech also is quite natural in the lips of the illiterate characters. Persons should speak and write in a language characteristic to their own standard or education and very often to their social strata. As such the letter quoted by Mr. Hill as an example of inflated language to be discarded by the aspiring writers, is only apt and natural for the fictional character, Mr. Micawber. Any other type of expression would have falsified that character.
But, after everything said, it is to be admitted that Mr. Hill’s observations and instructions are on the whole, accurate and acceptable if we think that he has evidently written the essay only for the young men who aspire to be common writers.
Hello, Viewers! Besides being the Founder and Owner of this website, I am a Government Officer. As a hardcore literary lover, I am pursuing my dream by writing notes and articles related to Literature. Drop me a line anytime, whether it’s about any queries or demands or just to share your well-being. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!
