Abeoseh Flemister

McFadden
May 11, 2019
Extended Definition Essay
Criteria for a Good Text
Literature should expand the mind of the reader. How that is done is up to the discretion of the
author. However, all good texts, regardless of genre, share three defining qualities: great use of style, well
thought out characters, and a profound theme. The distinct use of stylistic elements sets stories apart. A
good work of literature will have a distinct style to convey the author’s individual perspective. Style is the
foundation of the text. Through a distinct style, the author builds their themes to broaden the reader’s
world-view. Without well-developed characters (or lack development for emphasis), the reader loses
interest. The use of a distinctive style and thoughtful use of characterization, to develop a profound theme
is integral for a work of art to be classified as a good text. Without these elements, a story holds no value
beyond its pages.
The first criterion is the soundness of the stylistic elements. The style of the text must be original
to the author. A perfect example of that is ​Their Eyes Were Watching God​ by Zora Neale Hurston.
Hurston’s use of imagery and diction places the reader within the story. When the reader is captivated by
a story, they are open to a new perspective. They become willing to learn the author’s point of view since
they are so enthralled by the story. The description of the pear tree is a perfect example of the use of style
to develop the characters and the theme. “[A] blossoming pear tree in the back-yard. She had been
spending every minute that she could steal from her chores under that tree for the last three days…from
the leaf-buds to snowy virginity of bloom. It stirred her tremendously. How? Why?” (Hurston, 46).
Hurston’s use of imagery to describe the maturation of the tree places an image directly in the reader’s
mind. Using third-person point of view means Hurston is not limited to describe the tree using the
colloquial, southern vernacular the characters speak in. Intertwining descriptions of Janie’s innocent
infatuation with the tree create her characterization. The description shows both the tree and Janie as
maturing and growing which introduces the theme: self-actualization is a growing process that takes time.
In one description, Hurston advances the theme, characters, and setting through the strategic use of style.
Some stories fail to develop a unique style, which makes the presentation of the theme generic.
An example of this is ​The Hunger Games​ by Susan Collins. Collins’ diction and imagery used to create
descriptions, read just like the diction and imagery used in every other story, making a purely forgettable
book. When Collins writes descriptions of a scene, the description does not reflect on the characters or
story to advance the theme. Collins devotes over three pages to describe district 12 but fails to relate that
description back to Katniss, the main character (Collins, 12). She does not tell the reader why they should
care about district 12’s description past the fact that it is a place that exists. Without any weight to the
descriptions of the setting or the characters, the reader does not become captivated with the story, and
cannot place themselves there gain insight into Collins’ perspective. Collins fails to take full advantage of
any stylistic elements she attempts to use. As a commercial novel, the book is wonderful, but as a literary
work of art, it fails to meet the fundamental criterion needed to be classified as a good text.
The second criterion a text must reach is thoughtful use of characterization. The author must
develop characters that serve a particular purpose and are relatable to the reader. If a flat character exists,
the character must serve to enhance the theme or highlight qualities of the other characters. A perfect
example of this is ​Oedipus Rex​ by Sophocles. The play is relatively short, but it utilizes all of the
characters to enhance the theme. Creon, Jocasta’s brother-in-law appears primarily to interrogate Oedipus
about his involvement in the murder of Oedipus’ father. Due to his limited role, Creon is a flat character,
but his interrogative questions reveal important aspects of Oedipus’ character. The reader learns Oedipus
believes he escaped fate by his dismissal of Ceron’s assertions that he killed the last King, thus showing
he believes he is above fate (Sophocles, lines 71-150). Through the prodding of a flat character, Oedipus
is established to be fair with integrity. The scene erases any doubt in the audience’s mind that Oedipus
knowingly killed his father. Thus showing Oedipus, despite his moral character and best efforts, was not
able to escape his cursed fate; furthering the development of the theme. The reader relates to Creon’s
sense of justice and Oedipus’ integrity which causes the reader to consider the story from both character’s
perspectives. A good text, would be able to take a flat character, such as Creon, and use them to their full
potential.
Some stories, fail to develop any characters that would advance the theme. ​The Red Wheelbarrow
by William Williams is so minimalist the reader’s eyes simply glaze over the poem. Save for the chicken,
no characters are established for the reader to relate to. The story becomes forgettable since the reader is
not presented with a reason to care. The chicken is not poignant enough of a character to make the reader
want to analyze the text beyond its surface meaning.
The argument could be made that gaining a new perspective should not be a primary motivator
for reading. Or that style and characters are not the most important elements which enhance the theme.
However, this is simply not the case. Gaining a new perspective gives the reader a deeper understanding
of the story. When the reader seeks to understand the theme, which presents a new perspective, they
understand the author’s motivations for writing. Style serves as the foundation for the theme while the
characters serve as the vehicle. A unique style piques the reader’s interest and draws them in. Characters
that are relatable makes the reader invested. Without thoughtfully developed characters and style, the
theme becomes bland and formulaic.
For a story to have longevity, the author must develop a theme that is is thought-provoking and
profound. Style and characterization are the backbones on which the theme is formed. Without these
elements, the theme becomes underdeveloped. The is author unable to draw the audience in and present
their unique perspective to the reader. Style is how the author uniquely stamps their work. When style and
characterization are correctly formed, the story broadens the reader's mind and introduces them to new
perspectives.
 Works Cited

Collins, Suzanne. ​The Hunger Games​. Scholastic, 2012.

Hurston, Zora Neale. ​Their Eyes Were Watching God.​ HarperLuxe, 2008.
Sophocles' ​Oedipus Rex.​ New York :Chelsea House, 2007. Print.
Williams, William Carlos. ​The Red Wheelbarrow​. Poets.org, Academy of American Poets, 18 Apr. 2017,
www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/red-wheelbarrow.