Define Decorum In Literature
Decorum in literary style the appropriate rendering of a character action speech or scene.
Define decorum in literature. Right proper was a principle of classical rhetoric poetry and theatrical theory concerning the fitness or otherwise of a style to a theatrical subject. Decorum from the latin. According to cicero s discussion of decorum in de oratore see below the grand and important theme should be treated in a dignified and noble style the humble or trivial theme in a less exalted manner.
A requirement of correct behaviour in polite society. Concepts of decorum increasingly sensed as inhibitive and stultifying were aggressively attacked and deconstructed by writers of the modernist movement with the result that readers expectations were no longer based on decorum and in consequence the violations of decorum that underlie the wit of mock heroic of literary burlesque and even. Propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance strict in her notions of decorum jane austen.
The subject or theme must be dealt with in the proper diction metre form and tone. In classical rhetoric decorum is the use of a style that is appropriate to a subject situation speaker and audience. Fitness according to strict neoclassic decorum only the aristocracy had the right to appear in tragedy irving babbitt.
The concept of decorum is also applied to prescribed limits of appropriate social behavior within set situations. The concept of literary propriety in its simplest stage of development was outlined by aristotle. Decorum definition dignified propriety of behavior speech dress etc.
An example of decorum is to show good table manners. Propriety esp in behaviour or conduct. Behavior that is controlled calm and.
Literary and dramatic propriety. In later classical criticism the roman poet horace maintained that to retain its unity a work of art must be consistent in every aspect.