Plain style in literature

The plain style can be traced to as far back as the 17th century, whereby playwrights and scientists would use this form of communication to convey an important idea or theory.

Ben Jonson, a playwright, used the plain style in his theatrical productions which earned him the title of the "first thoroughly classical poet in English literature".

[3] Along with theatre, the development of scientific theories such as the inductive method and empiricism required a simple language which would not distort or misrepresent data.

Playwrights noticed their audience would be more responsive to clear messages rather than innuendos, double-entendres and hidden meanings, and thus altered their style of writing accordingly.

Contrasted to stylised poetry and grand language, the plain style in written text types flows simply and cohesively without the use of rhetorical devices or disconjunctions.

[7] This emphasises that although the plain style lacks complex rhetoric and literary devices, it can sometimes be manipulated by political opportunists, media outlets and other individuals in order to persuade the target audience to think a certain way, or evoke a certain emotion.

In modern films, the plain style is used in a written form through the script, which is presented to the audience via the oral communication depicted by the actors.