Stylistics: A Comparative

Analysis

This monograph has been submitted as a partial fulfillment of

the requirements for obtaining a Bachelor's degree in English
studies.

Sumbitted by: Rida Chaouki

Supervised by: professor Belhaj

Table of contents :
Dedication and acknowledgement …................... 3
 Introduction
Definition of style and stylistics............................

Stylistics in literature and linguistics.......................

Functions of stylistics........................................

Common issues related to stylistics.................

 Practical part
Important literary figures................................
 Stylistic analysis
Some stylistics uses.....................................................

A comparative analysis.........................................

The importance of stylistics in spoken language............

Conclusion..............................................

References..........................................
Acknowledgement and dedication:

I would like to express my very appreciation to Dr Belhaj for his

valuable and constructive suggestions during the planning and
development of this work. His willingness to give his time so
generously is appreciated, note Sir that this work would not have been
possible without your patient guidance, enthusiastic encouragement,
and useful critiques. My words can never convey our gratitude.
I would also like to extend my thanks to all our respected professors
in the English department for their time, help, and patience
throughout these years.
Last, but not least, my warm and heartfelt thanks go to my famil for
their tremendous support.
Thank you all for the strength you have given us.

I-Introduction to the topic :

1)Definition of style and stylistics:
1.1) General idea about stylistics:
Stylistics is a branch of linguistics that specifically focuses on the
study and interpretation of literary texts, as well as other forms of
written and spoken language. It involves the analysis of various
stylistic features, such as diction, syntax, rhythm, tone, and figurative
language, to understand the meaning, effect, and purpose of a text.
By examining these stylistic elements, researchers can gain insights
into the author's intention, the target audience, and the cultural or
historical context of the work. Style analysis identifies the precise
elements of language that produce effects such as emotional impact,
humour, sarcasm, and persuasion, and attempts to explain how
those effects are produced. Literature, advertising, political
speeches, and regular conversation are just a few examples of the
different forms of writing in which stylistics can be used. Overall,
stylistics seeks to uncover the artistic and communicative aspects of
language use in different forms and genres.

2.1)The difference between style and stylistics:

In the realm of literary and linguistic studies, style and stylistics are
similar ideas, but they have separate meanings and uses. Let's
explore the differences between the two: Style is
the distinct manner in which a writer or speaker use language to
communicate their ideas, feelings, and emotions. It includes their
choices in vocabulary, sentence construction, tone, rhythm, and
other linguistic aspects. An individual's own tastes, experiences, and
the environment in which they are writing or speaking all impact
their style. It may be a strong instrument for imbuing readers or
listeners with a certain mood, ambiance, or perception. Some
common aspects of style include:

o Diction: The choice of words and phrases.

o Syntax: The arrangement of words in sentences.
o Tone: The attitude or emotion conveyed through
language.
o Imagery: The use of descriptive language to create vivid
mental pictures.
o Figurative language: Using metaphors, similes, and other
non-literal language.

In the other hand, stylistics is a branch of linguistics and literary

criticism that focuses on the systematic study of style in texts. It
involves analysing and describing the language features used by
writers or speakers to understand how they create meaning, convey
emotions, and achieve specific effects. Stylistics employs various
methods and techniques, such as close reading, corpus analysis, and
discourse analysis, to examine the patterns and variations in
language use. Some key areas of stylistic analysis include:
  Lexical choices: The study of word choice and vocabulary
patterns in a text.
 Syntactic structures: The examination of sentence patterns
and grammatical structures.
 Phonological features: The analysis of sound patterns, such
as alliteration and rhyme.
 Pragmatic aspects: The investigation of how context
influences language use and interpretation.
 Textual structures: The exploration of how texts are
organized and structured.

In summary, style is the individual way in which a writer or speaker

uses language, while stylistics is the systematic study of style in texts.
Both concepts are important for understanding and appreciating
literature and linguistic expression.

2) Stylistics in literature and linguistics:

1.2)Explanation of how stylistics is related to
literature and linguistics:

Stylistics is an interdisciplinary field that lies at the intersection of

linguistics and literary studies. It involves the systematic analysis of
style in language, particularly in literary texts. By examining various
linguistic features of texts, stylistics seeks to uncover deeper
meanings, interpretations, and the aesthetic qualities of literature.
Here's a brief explanation of how stylistics is related to both
literature and linguistics:
Literature
Stylistics play an important role in the study of literature. This is
because it helps authors uncover unique ways of using language to
create meaning and evoke emotion. Literary works are often
characterized by their unique use of linguistic features such as
wording, syntax, imagery, and rhetorical techniques.
Stylisticians analyse these features to:
 Illuminate the thematic and aesthetic aspects of a text.
 Determine the author's style and its relation to the literary
tradition or genre.
 Explore the relationships between form and content in literary
works.
 Understand the effects of linguistic choices on the reader's
experience and interpretation.

Linguistics
While stylistics is a discipline of linguistics that examines literary
works using linguistic theories, techniques, and methodologies,
linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure.
Phonetics and phonology (sound patterns), morphology (word
structure), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning), and
pragmatics (contextual meaning) are only a few of the levels of
language that are taken into account.
By applying linguistic concepts and frameworks to the study of
literature, stylisticians can:
 Investigate patterns and deviations in linguistic features and
their effects on meaning and style.
 Identify and categorize the different stylistic devices used by
authors.
 Examine the role of language variation, such as dialects and
sociolects, in shaping literary texts.
  Study the historical development of literary styles and their
relationship to linguistic change.
In summary, stylistics is an interdisciplinary field that bridges the gap
between literature and linguistics. It uses linguistic methods and
theories to systematically analyse the language of literary texts,
enhancing our understanding of their meaning, aesthetics, and
cultural significance.

2)Functions of stylistics:
1.3)Different functions of stylistics used in literature
or language:

Stylistics is the study of linguistic style in texts, particularly in literary

works. It focuses on the analysis of various linguistic features to
understand and interpret the meaning, effects, and aesthetics of
language use. Here are some key functions of stylistics used in
literature or language:
 Characterization: Stylistic choices help create and develop
characters in a narrative. For instance, the use of dialect,
specific word choices, and sentence structures can reveal a
character's personality, social class, or background
 Setting and atmosphere: Stylistic elements such as
descriptions, imagery, and figurative language can help
establish the setting and atmosphere of a story, immersing
readers in the narrative. Tone and mood: The choice of
words, sentence structures, and literary devices can convey
the writer's attitude and evoke specific emotions (e. ,
humour, sadness, or suspense) in the reader.
 Theme and symbolism: Stylistics can aid in the identification
and understanding of themes or underlying messages in a
text. Symbols, motifs, and recurring patterns can contribute
to the overall meaning of a narrative.
 Narrative voice and point of view: Stylistic choices can
establish the narrative voice (e. , first-person, third-person,
or omniscient) and affect the reader's perception of the
story.
 Cohesion and coherence: Stylistic techniques such as
parallelism, repetition, and the use of cohesive devices (e. ,
pronouns, conjunctions) help maintain coherence and
consistency within a text.
 Foregrounding and defamiliarization: By employing unusual
or unexpected linguistic features (e. , neologisms, archaic
language), writers can draw the reader's attention to specific
elements or create a sense of estrangement, prompting
deeper engagement with the text.
 Intertextuality and allusion: Stylistic choices may involve the
echoing of other texts, either through direct quotations,
references, or subtle allusions. This can enrich the reader's
experience and add layers of meaning to the work.
 Rhythm and sound patterns: The use of alliteration,
assonance, consonance, and other sound patterns can create
a pleasing or memorable auditory experience for readers,
enhancing the overall aesthetic quality of the text.
 Textual analysis: Stylistics helps in the close reading and
interpretation of texts by examining the linguistic features,
such as vocabulary, syntax, and phonology. This analysis can
reveal the underlying meaning, themes, and emotions
expressed in a text.
 Authorial style: Stylistics helps to identify and describe the
unique writing style of an author. By analysing the linguistic
 choices made by a writer, such as word choice, sentence
structure, and figurative language, stylistics can provide
insight into the author’s creative process and individual
voice.
 Comparative analysis: Stylistics can be used to compare
different texts or authors, highlighting similarities and
differences in style and technique. This can help to establish
literary relationships, influences, and trends across time and
genres.
In summary, the functions of stylistics are to analyse, compare, and
evaluate the linguistic choices made by authors in order to
understand and appreciate the richness and complexity of literary
texts.

4) Common issues related to stylistics:

1.4)Explanation of issues is stylistics and their
impact on the understanding of the reader:

Style-related problems can substantially affect how well a reader

comprehends a piece of text. These problems encompass concerns
with the composition of the text, such as grammar, syntax,
vocabulary, tone, and structure. Here are some specific instances of
how style-related problems can influence a reader's comprehension:
 Grammar and Syntax: In cases where an author's grammar
and syntax are lacking, their text may become challenging to
read and comprehend. For instance, excessively long or
intricate sentences can make it tough for readers to follow
an author's line of reasoning. Likewise, incorrect verb tenses
 or subject-verb agreements can lead to confusion regarding
the subjects or objects in a sentence.
 Vocabulary: The choice of words by an author can also affect
a reader's comprehension. If an author employs complex or
technical terminology unfamiliar to the reader,
understanding the author's intended meaning becomes
problematic. Conversely, using overly simple language may
appear condescending or disrespectful to the reader's
intellect.
 Tone: The tone adopted by an author can influence a
reader's comprehension as well. An excessively formal or
scholarly tone might render the text dull and uninviting. On
the other hand, an overly casual or conversational tone
could make the text appear unprofessional or lacking in
authority.
 Structure: The organization of a written piece can also
impact a reader's comprehension. Disorganized or poorly
structured text can make it difficult for the reader to follow
the author's argument or narrative. In the same vein,
inadequate transitions between ideas or paragraphs can
hinder a reader's ability to see connections between
different points.
In summary, style-related problems can significantly affect how
well a reader understands a written piece. As a result, it is
crucial for authors to be mindful of their writing style and
endeavour to convey their thoughts as clearly and effectively as
possible.

4.2) Different backgrounds as an obstacle :

Different backgrounds can create barriers between the reader

and the writer. These impediments are mostly caused by
 variations in culture, language, experiences, and attitudes.
When readers and writers originate from different
backgrounds, it can be difficult to grasp and interpret written
information.
Cultural references, idioms, and customs discussed in the work
may be unfamiliar to readers from other cultural backgrounds.
As a result, they may struggle to completely grasp the intended
meaning or context. If the reader and the writer do not speak
the same language, translations may be necessary. However,
translations are not always faultless, and nuances and
subtleties might be lost, affecting the reader's comprehension
and relationship with the text. Readers add their own distinct
experiences and viewpoints to the reading experience. When
the writer's experiences differ much from those of the reader,
it might be difficult for the reader to relate to or empathize
with the topic. This may reduce their engagement and
connection to the writing.

II-Important literary figures and their

deployement of stylistics:

It would simply be unfeasible to list every author who has used some
form of stylistics to add to their writing, surely a six fruitless effort
seeing as how the majority of wordsmiths in creative writing, have
employed it in their work. Instead we can handpick a few writers of
note throughout history and analyse what made their work stand out
and what elements of stylistics helped their work escape obscurity
and gain the esteem of readers as well as fellow writers.

1)Biography of Ernest Hemingway:

1.1) Early life, writing style, themes and selected
works:

Ernest Miller Hemming was Born on July 21st, 1899, in Oak Park
Illinois. At seventeen years old, He started his literary career in a
local newspaper as a reporter it is widely believed that is when he
first picked up his signature "dry", economic and understated style.
He didn't stay in the newsprint business for long as he shipped out to
Italy in 1918 to become an ambulance driver In the first World War.
Where He helped get wounded soldiers to safety. On one such
mission a shell exploded feet away from Hemmingway leaving him
severely wounded. Despite his injury the 18 year old managed to
drag a soldier out of harm's way earning himself the Italian silver
medal for bravery.Ernest spent six months in an Italian hospital
where he fell in love with a nurse who later abandoned him for an
Italian soldier. His early brushes with war, love, life and death shaped
his writings and were later recounted in his novel "A Farewell to
Arms". Hemmingway lived in different parts of Europe mainly 7 Italy,
France And America He was married four times. He joined a
movement of American expatriate modernist writers dubbed the
"Lost generation". His first Novel "The Sun Also Rises'' was published
in 1926 and it wasn't long before he gained traction with many of his
books selling in the thousands. During the 1940s Ernest was situated
in Cuba with his wife where they suffered multiple accidents notably
a miscarriage, a skee accident and two successive airplane crashes.
Later on he would receive the Nobel peace prize in 1954. With
multiple injuries and health problems. And suffering from depression
as his friends and fellow writers were dying. He could no longer
organise his writing and was struggling financially. In the morning of
July 2nd 1961 Ernest Miller Hemmingway turned the "double-
barreled shotgun that he used so often it might have been a friend"
on himself and tragically committed suicide.

1.2) A short summary of his short story “The Killers” :

The story we are going to involve in this research is a well known

short story called « The killers », that takes place in a small town
diner in rural America. The story revolves around two hitmen who
arrive at the diner looking for a man named Ole Anderson, a former
boxer who has gone into hiding. The hitmen’s mission is to kill
Anderson, but he is nowhere to be found. As they wait for him to
show up, the killers intimidate the diner’s patrons and employees
with their cold, ruthless demeanor.

2)Biography of Stephen King:

2.1) Early life, writing style, themes and selected
works:

Stephen Edwin King born September 21st 1947 in Portland, Maine. Is

recognized as the most successful horror writer in history. At the age
of two his father left home to buy cigarettes never to return. So his
mother had to raise him and his bigger brother by herself, through
much financial strain. As a child King once witnessed one of his
friends get hit by a train. Though he says he has no memory of this
happening. His mother said he came home in shock. His readers
believe that this event played a big role in his writings. Stephen was
inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's collection of short stories, especially "The
Lurker in the Shadows". King decided he would be a horror writer.
His mother encouraged him by giving him a quarter for every short
story he wrote. During college King wrote for the school's newspaper
where he had a column dedicated to his short stories. In 1971
Stephen became an English teacher to support his family, that same
year he married a fellow writer by the name Tabitha Spruce. A friend
of Stephen once bet him 10 dollars to write from a 10 woman's point
of view, he accepted the challenge but 15 pages in he gave up and
threw it in the bin. His wife later fished it out and persuaded him to
finish it and make it into a full novel. That book would later become
"Carrie" which became a huge success when it was published. It was
even adapted to the cinema. All of this gave King the means to
become a full time writer. He soon started pushing out multiple
books a year; big names like "the shining" and "IT". But Stephen was
concerned the public wouldn't be very open to a writer publishing
multiple books in the same year. So he adopted the pseudonym
"Richard Bachman" under which he published four books. King went
on to win many awards throughout his still active career including an
Edgar award for best novel, multiple International horror guild
awards, mystery writers of America Master award, as well as two
Emmys.

2.2) A short summary of his novella “In The Tall Grass”:

Also in this research we are going to introduce one of Stephen’s

amazing writings, named « In the tall grass », it is a horror novel
written by both Stephen King and his son, Joe Hill. The story takes
place in rural Kansas, where siblings Cal and Becky DeMuth hear a
young boy crying for help in a field of tall grass. When they enter the
field, they become lost and seperated, and soon discover that the
field is not what it seems. They encounter strange shifts in time and
space, mysterious voices and an unknown force that seems to be
manipulating their move. As they struggle to find each other and
escape, they become increasingly trapped and must confront their
deepest fears.

III-A stylistic analysis:

1)Some stylistics uses in the short story “The Killers”
and the novella “In The Tall Grass” :
1.1) The different style applied in each work with
examples of metaphor, symbolism and rhyme used :

"The Killers" is written in Ernest Hemingway's signature style, which

is distinguished by a minimalist approach to language and a
preference for conversation and action over description and internal
thoughts. The story's intensity and sensation of immediacy are
enhanced by short, plain phrases and a straightforward narrative
framework. Hemingway's approach also stresses the bodily actions
and gestures of the characters, which disclose their feelings and
intentions. The two hitmen, Max and Al, are symbols of the violence
and corruption that exist in the world of the story. They are
described as "mean-looking" and "ugly," which suggests that they are
not only physically dangerous but morally repugnant as well. There
are several examples of symbolism in Hemingway’s work. For
instance, the swede’s room symbolizes his isolation and
hopelessness, and the use of the nickname "Ole Andreson" is
symbolic of the Swede's loss of identity. The Swede's real name is
not mentioned in the story. Hemingway also used some metaphors
to deepen the story's themes of mortality, violence, and human
connection. "George looked at Nick and then looked away. They sat
there for a while without saying anything." - Hemingway used silence
as a metaphor for the tension between the characters. The lack of
communication highlights the emotional distance between them.
The author used some instances of rhyme. One example of rhyme
occurs in the following sentence: "It's a hell of a night," said the
second man. "Listen to that rain. It never rains this time of year." The
repetition of the "-ain" sound in "rain" and "again" creates a half-
rhyme. Another example of rhyme can be found in the following
passage: "And you better beat it out of town," said the second man.
"You got half an hour. Go to the north end of town and get a couple
of sandwiches and then take the noon bus." The repetition of the "-
own" sound in "town" and "down" creates a near-rhyme.

“In The Tall Grass" by Stephen King and Joe Hill is a novella that
features various stylistic elements that contribute to its overall effect
on the reader. The novella's narrative is fragmented and non-linear,
bouncing back and forth in time and between the perspective of
different characters. This method of storytelling adds to the story's
sense of uncertainty and confusion. Throughout the novella, King
and Hill used vivid descriptions in order to create atmosphere and
tension. For example, the tall grass is described as "moving like
seaweed in a strong current" and "swaying and rustling in the breeze
like the hair of a thousand green women” This symbolizes the
characters' sense of being lost and trapped. The time loop is a
symbol of the characters' entrapment and their inability to escape
their fate. The characters are caught in a loop where they keep
repeating the same actions over and over again, with no hope of
breaking free. The tall grass is a symbol of confusion and
disorientation. It represents the characters' inability to find their way
out of their unpleasant situation. The lost of their way and their
confusion are not the only obstacles the characters are facing, the
authores used the woman in white as a symbole of death and
danger. She appears to the characters as a ghostly figure, and they
are warned to stay away from her. In "The Tall Grass," the metaphor
of the grass itself is used to explore ideas of entrapment, isolation,
and the unknown. In this case, Stephen King and Joe Hill employed a
variety of metaphors:

 "The grass was a green ocean and they were drowning in it."
This metaphor compares the tall grass to an ocean and the
characters' experience of being lost in it to drowning. It
emphasizes the overwhelming and suffocating nature of their
situation.
 "The sun had been swallowed by the grass." This metaphor
personifies the grass as a living entity that can consume the
sun. It creates a sense of foreboding and adds to the eerie
atmosphere of the story.
 "His voice was a dry whisper." This metaphor compares the
character's voice to a whisper, but also adds the adjective
"dry," which suggests that the character's throat is parched and
hoarse. It creates a vivid image of the character's physical state
and adds to the sense of desperation and exhaustion.
 "The rock was a magnet, pulling them closer." This metaphor
compares the rock to a magnet, which implies that it has a
powerful attraction that draws the characters towards it. It
emphasizes the importance of the rock as a symbol of hope and
a way out of the maze of grass.
The use of rhyme in "The Tall Grass" is minimal and is not a dominant
feature of the writing. However, there are some instances of end
rhyme in the story. One example of rhyme occurs in Chapter 2, when
Cal and Becky are first exploring the tall grass. The passage reads:
"Yellow and green, like a patchwork quilt, The grass stretched on for
miles without wilt." In this passage, "quilt" and "wilt" rhyme with
each other.
Another example of rhyme occurs later in the novella in Chapter 9,
when Cal is trapped in the maze of grass and is becoming
increasingly disoriented. The passage reads:
"Left or right, which way to go? I can't remember, don't you know."
In this passage, "go" and "know" rhyme with each other. This is also
an example of end rhyme.
One can not read this suspenseful novella without observing the use
of alliteration, as represented in the following sentences :
 "The tall grass rippled and sighed like an endless sea." This
sentence uses alliteration (repeating the "s" sound) to create a
sense of movement and sound in the description of the grass.
 "They screamed and scrambled, trying to escape the maze."
This sentence uses alliteration (repeating the "s" sound) to
create a sense of urgency and panic in the action that is
happening.
Each work has its own distinctive style of wrinting, these styles has
been developed and used by many writers throughout the history of
literature. However, the use of these styles faced numerous issues.
The novella “ In the tall grass” and the short story “ The killers” has
some differences and similarities on many levels we’ll talk over some
of them in the next part.

2) A comparative analysis between the two works:

2.1) Explanation of the style :

Both "The Killers" and "In The Tall Grass" focus on creating a sense of
tension and unease. The two works have different styles to explore
this emotional strain and terror. However, the authors used some
similar styles such as pacing and imagery.
Stephen King’s use of pacing and imagery :
  Pacing: King slowly builds the tension in the story, starting with
a feeling of unease and gradually ratcheting up the suspense.
The pacing is deliberate and measured, with moments of
intense action punctuated by slower, more contemplative
scenes. This creates a rollercoaster effect, with moments of
calm followed by sudden, shocking twists.
 Imagery: King's descriptions of the tall grass are vivid and
unsettling. He uses the grass to create a sense of disorientation,
with the characters losing their sense of direction and
struggling to find their way. This creates a feeling of
helplessness and vulnerability that adds to the tension of the
story.
Hemingway’s use of pacing and imegary :
 Pacing: Hemingway builds tension by slowing down the pace of
the story. He spends a lot of time describing the diner and the
people in it, which creates a sense of anticipation for what's to
come. The slow pace also makes the sudden violence of the
story all the more shocking.
 Imagery: Hemingway's descriptions of the killers are chilling.
For example, he describes one of the killers as having a "blond
face with a straight nose and a cruel mouth." This creates a
vivid mental image of the killer and makes him seem all the
more menacing.
The dominating style of the novella "In The Tall Grass" and the short
story "The Killers" differs. "The Killers" is dominated by minimalism.
Minimalism in literature is distinguished by a stress on brevity,
directness, and understatement, as well as a pared-down prose style
that use simple and precise words to express content. Minimalist
writers frequently avoid intricate descriptions and sophisticated
sentence patterns, preferring to express a story or idea through
sparse, plain text. The minimalist style originated in the 1960s and
1970s as a reaction to the ornate and complex forms that had
previously dominated art and literature. Minimalism aims to
eliminate superfluous components and focus on the essential
qualities of a work, with an emphasis on form, structure, and
content. In literature, the minimalist style has been associated with
writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Carver, and Amy
Hempel, among others.
In the other hand, the novella “ In The Tall Grass” has a dominant
style of horror and suspense. The story is written in a descriptive and
atmospheric style, with a focus on building tension and creating a
sense of unease and dread. In literature, the horror and suspense
genre became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with
the rise of Gothic literature. Writers such as Horace Walpole, Ann
Radcliffe, and Mary Shelley incorporated supernatural elements and
suspenseful plotlines into their stories, creating a new style of
literature that was both scary and thrilling. The horror and suspense
genres continued to expand in the twentieth century, with writers
such as H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and Stephen King pushing to
the limits of what was considered terrifying and unsettling. These
authors tackled themes of insanity, death, and the supernatural in
their writings, which were frequently unpleasant, gruesome, and
psychological in character.

2.2) Differences and similarities on the graphological,

lexical and syntactic level :

There are several differences and similarities on the graphological,

lexical, and syntactic levels between Ernest Hemingway's short story
"The Killers" and Stephen King and Joe Hill's novella "In The Tall
Grass."
 Graphological level :
The use of white space and short, shattered parts, in the two
works is similar. Both pieces divide the text into smaller, easier-
to-read sections, which helps the reader feel a sense of urgency
and tension. In "The Killers," there are several short paragraphs
that are only one or two sentences long, while in "In The Tall
Grass," the novella is divided into short sections that are only a
few paragraphs each. Additionally, both works use font
changes, such as italics and bold, to emphasize certain words
and phrases. However, the use of imagery in Hemingway’s
short story is different from that of Stephen King and Joe Hill’s
use. Hemingway's prose is limited and focused on dialogue,
while King and Hill use vivid, and imagery in details to describe
the setting and characters in "In the Tall Grass."
The use of punctuation in the two works is effective. In the
short story “The killers” it minimizes the style for which
Hemingway is known. In the novella “ In The Tall Grass” ,
punctuation has an important role in shaping the tone, pacing,
and clarity of the story.
Hemingway’s use of punctuation :
 Quotation marks: Quotation marks are used to indicate
dialogue. For example:
"'Where's the boss?' asked Al."
"'The chef,' said Max. 'What's he look like?'"
 Dashes: Dashes are used to indicate interruptions in
dialogue or to add emphasis to a statement. For example:
"But what about me?" George asked. "You got nothing on
me." "You're an important citizen," Max said. "We
wouldn't want to hurt you."
 "I'll bet you're an American," said Al. "Sure," said Nick.
"I'm an American." "What's your name?" asked Al.
"Adams," said Nick.
 Periods: Periods are used to end a sentence. For example:
"Outside, the light was fading rapidly."
"The clock said a quarter past six."
 Exclamation marks: Exclamation marks are used to show
strong emotion or emphasis. For example:
"I got a stomach ache," said George suddenly. "I don't feel
well."
Stephen King and Joe Hill’s use of puctuation :
 Commas: Commas are used to separate items in a list, to
separate clauses in a sentence, and to create pauses in
dialogue. For example:
"The sun was directly overhead, burning down on
them like a hot lamp."
"He tried to call out again, but his throat was too
dry, too raw, from all the screaming."
 Periods: Periods are used to end a sentence. For example:
"He could hear Becky crying. He could hear her
pleading with Ross to stop."
 Question marks: Question marks are used to end a sentence
that asks a question. For example:
"Where are we?" she asked.
 Exclamation marks: Exclamation marks are used to show
strong emotion or emphasis. For example:
"Help!" he screamed.
 Lexical level :
The short story "The Killers" by Ernest Hemingway and the
novella "In The Tall Grass" by Stephen King differ in terms of
their lexicon, or vocabulary, as well as their respective use of
language.
"The Killers" has a brief and economical style, using simple
language to convey the sharp and brutal world of the story's
characters. In contrast, "In the Tall Grass" has a more detailed
and descriptive style, using a wider range of vocabulary to
create a sense of mystery and dread. The difference is the time
period and setting of the two works causes a different use of
words. "The Killers" is set in the 1920s and depict a world of
gangsters and violence, in the other hand "In the Tall Grass"
takes place in modern times and is set in a remote and
mysterious field. This difference in setting is reflected in each
works' vocabulary, with "The Killers" using language that is
characteristic of the time period, such as "swell" and "hype,"
while "In the Tall Grass" uses more modern language and
technical terms, such as "GPS" and "cell tower."
Dialogue is mostly used for the development of the characters,
it helps the reader to understand the characters deeper.
Dialogue can help the authors to show what is happening in a
scene, and keep the pace of the story moving along, as well as
make it feel more realistic. The two works use dialogue to
advance the plot and reveal character. Both stories use
dialogue to create tension and build suspense. In "The Killers,"
the dialogue between the two hitmen and the restaurant staff
conveys the ruthless and amoral nature of the killers, while in
"In the Tall Grass," the dialogue between the characters as they
 navigate the maze of the field conveys their confusion and
growing desperation.
 Syntactic level :
Ernest Hemingway's short story has a clear and brief literary
style that focuses on action and dialogue. Short, declarative
phrases dominate the narrative, with minimal descriptive
language or contemplation. The syntax is simple, with frequent
use of subject-verb-object constructs that add urgency and
suspense to the plot. For example, in the story's first line,
Hemingway utilizes a short, basic sentence to describe the
setting and establish the tone :
"The door of Henry's lunchroom opened and two men came
in."
In contrast, "In The Tall Grass" by Stephen King and Joe Hill is a
novella with a more complicated writing style and lengthier,
more complex phrases. The story has a lot of descriptive
language and introspection, which allows for a deeper study of
the characters' ideas and emotions. The syntax is more diverse,
with a combination of lengthy and short words that generate a
sense of pace and rhythm in the text. In the following passage,
for example, King and Hill use a sequence of extended,
descriptive words to set the mood and create a sense of
foreboding :
"The grass in front of him was waist high, and as the wind
began to pick up, it surged and swelled like a green ocean. He
saw something move in there, something big, and he felt a
sudden urge to step forward and plunge his hands into it, to
let the long blades slide through his fingers. But the wind rose
higher, and the grass surged again, and for a moment he
thought he saw a flash of metal buried in the green waves."
 Despite these differences, both stories have certain syntactic
similarities. Both stories make extensive use of speech to move
the plot and expose the characteristics of the characters.
Furthermore, both stories contain a lot of action, which is
expressed through short, powerful phrases that generate a
sense of urgency and intensity.

2.3) Common issues :

Both the novella “In The Tall Grass” and the short story “The
killers” are works of fiction, each one has its own distinctive
style of writing, however, there are some common issues
between the two works. Both works use stream of
consciousness narrative techniques, which allow readers to see
the characters' inner thoughts and opinions. This writing
approach frequently produces a more fragmented and
nonlinear narrative structure.

3)The importance of stylistics in spoken language:

Stylistics, the study of linguistic style, plays an important role in

understanding how language is used and appreciated in various
contexts.
Enhancing Communication:
Stylistic choices in spoken language help to effective
communication by giving our expressions depth, nuance, and
clarity. To express meaning beyond the literal interpretation of
words, speakers use a variety of stylistic methods such as tone,
intonation, emphasis, and gestures. These aspects contribute to
the emphasis of crucial themes, the expression of emotions,
the indication of sarcasm or irony, and the engagement of the
 listener's attention. Speakers can improve the overall
effectiveness of communication by including stylistic qualities
that make their messages more engaging, compelling, and
memorable.
Facilitating Social Interaction :
Stylistics plays an important part in social interaction by
assisting individuals in navigating diverse social circumstances
and adapting their speech accordingly. Different social
groupings and settings may necessitate different linguistic
styles, such as formal to informal, professional to casual, or
even regional or cultural variances. Adapting one's speaking
style to the social setting allows for effective communication,
builds rapport, and aids in the formation of connections with
others. Stylistic decisions, such as language, syntax, and the
usage of slang or jargon, all help to shape social identity, group
identification, and the formation of a shared sense of
belonging.

IV-Conclusion :

Language is a dynamic and multifaceted tool that allows us to

express ourselves, connect with others, and convey meaning.
Stylistics is a crucial factor in spoken and written language . In
spoken language, stylistics holds immense significance in
facilitating effective communication, enabling social interaction,
expressing identity, and showcasing creativity.
In conclusion, while exploring comparable themes of tension
and anxiety, the stylistic analysis of "The Killers" and "In The
Tall Grass" finds substantial distinctions in their literary
approaches. "The Killers" is written in Ernest Hemingway's
 minimalist style, which is distinguished by brevity, directness,
and understatement, as well as plain and clear language.
Hemingway uses speech and action to express the passion of
the story, while also integrating symbols and metaphors to
develop its ideas. In contrast, Stephen King and Joe Hill's "In the
Tall Grass" uses a descriptive and atmospheric approach,
employing vivid imagery and fragmented, non-linear
storytelling to create a sense of uncertainty and dread. To
represent the characters' captivity and disorientation among
the dense grass, King and Hill use metaphors and vivid
descriptions.
In terms of comparison, both works share similarities in how
they use pace and imagery to create tension. Their dominant
styles, however, differ, with "The Killers" evoking minimalism
and "In The Tall Grass" evoking horror and suspense. Both
works employ shorter parts to build urgency and typeface
changes to emphasize. Hemingway uses punctuation sparingly
and focuses on dialogue, but King and Hill use it to determine
tone, rhythm, and clarity. Lexically, "The Killers" uses simple
language appropriate for the 1920s setting, whereas "In the Tall
Grass" uses a larger vocabulary to create mystery. In both
works, dialogue plays an important role in character
development and tension building. Finally, at the syntactic
level, Hemingway's story is more action-oriented than King's
and Hill's novella incorporates a fragmented and non-linear
structure.
The stylistic analysis emphasizes the distinctive approaches of
each work, demonstrating the efficiency of various styles in
producing tension and captivating the reader.

 References :
 Hemingway, Ernest. "The Killers." 1927.
 Carter, Ronald, and Angela Goddard. "The Analysis of
Metaphor: A Systematic Approach to Language and
Figurative Thought." Routledge, 2008.
 Lodge, David. "Language of Fiction: Essays in Criticism and
Verbal Analysis of the English Novel." Routledge, 2015.
 Werlock, Abby H.P. "The Companion to the Works of Ernest
Hemingway." Greenwood Press, 2002.
 King, Stephen, and Hill, Joe. "In the Tall Grass." Esquire,
2012. (Original publication)
 Baker, Carlos. "Ernest Hemingway: A Life Story." Charles
Scribner's Sons, 1969. (A comprehensive biography of
Hemingway)
 Reynolds, Michael. "Hemingway: The Final Years." W. W.
Norton & Company, 1999. (Focuses on Hemingway's later
life, including his struggles with depression and suicide)
 King, Stephen, and Hill, Joe. "In the Tall Grass." The Bazaar of
Bad Dreams: Stories. Scribner, 2015. (Included in the
collection of Stephen King's short stories)
 Schweitzer, Darrell. "The Grass is Always Greener: Stephen
King and Joe Hill's In the Tall Grass." Dead Reckonings: A
Review Magazine for the Horror Field, 2012. (Analytical
review of the novella)
 Goodreads. "In The Tall Grass." www.goodreads.com. (User
reviews and discussions)
 Lepine, David. "In the Tall Grass." The Short Story Project.
www.shortstoryproject.com. (Analytical article exploring the
themes and narrative techniques)
 Muschamp, Colin. "Review: In the Tall Grass by Stephen King
and Joe Hill." The Guardian, 2012. (Critical review of the
novella)