The plain style, also known as the 'low style,' represents a fundamental approach to communication in the English language, prioritizing clarity, brevity, and sincerity. This rhetorical form aims to convey messages directly and effectively, minimizing ambiguity and ornate language. Its core values stand in contrast to the more elaborate Baroque or 'high style,' offering a straightforward mode of expression that has influenced various forms of communication from
the 17th century to the present day.
The historical roots of the plain style can be traced back to the 17th century, with playwrights and scientists adopting it to articulate important ideas and theories. Ben Jonson, a notable playwright, utilized the plain style in his theatrical productions, earning him recognition as the "first thoroughly classical poet in English literature." Concurrently, the development of scientific theories, such as the inductive method and empiricism, necessitated a simple language that would not distort or misrepresent data. This demand led to the widespread popularization of the plain style in written communication for its accuracy and precision.
Historical Development and Societal Impact
Douglas Peterson highlights that the plain style gained traction through "predominantly Anglo-Saxon diction, folk proverb and metaphor," making it easily understood by lower-class society and facilitating its rapid spread. Playwrights observed that audiences responded more favorably to clear messages than to innuendos, double-entendres, or hidden meanings, prompting them to adjust their writing accordingly. The plain style also found significant use in Puritan practices, with sermons and poems written and delivered in this manner, further normalizing its presence across a wider demographic.
Over time, the plain style has evolved, incorporating elements from pop culture and slang to form its contemporary manifestations. While it is less prominent in modern written texts like novels, it remains a common mode in digital communication such as emails, social media captions, and text messages. Many political campaigns also strategically employ the plain style to deliver clear and concise messages, aiming to connect with their intended audience more effectively. Despite its pervasive use, many individuals remain unaware of its status as a distinct language form, largely due to its inherent simplicity and elegance.
Characteristics in Written and Spoken Prose
In written texts, such as novels or poetry, the plain style is characterized by a smooth and cohesive flow, devoid of excessive rhetorical devices or disjunctions. Unlike highly stylized poetry or grand language, it aims for directness. For instance, in scientific reports, the plain style is used to present data as clearly and concisely as possible, ensuring that the audience can easily grasp the content's meaning. Yvor Winters, a poet and literary critic, described the plain style as an "alternate canon of the Elizabethan style of poetry," contrasting it with the ornate and decorative high style. J. V. Cunningham, one of Winters' students, further characterized it as "free of ornament, almost without sensory detail, and compact. But it is... highly sophisticated."
In spoken communication, Marjorie Garber notes that the plain style can sometimes serve as a "cover for the most successful and duplicitous speech." This suggests that while it lacks complex rhetoric, it can be manipulated by political opportunists, media outlets, and other individuals to persuade audiences or evoke specific emotions. This manipulation often goes unnoticed because the language appears simple and unassuming. Similar to its written counterpart, the plain style in speech allows the listener to focus on the message itself rather than the linguistic embellishments, making it a powerful tool for direct communication and, at times, subtle influence. This is why many politicians favor it in speeches, aiming to foster a stronger connection with the populace and clearly articulate their intentions.
