• Linguistics and Language -> Grammar and Syntax

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Are there any notable examples of famous authors deliberately using passive voice in their works, and what was their motive behind it?

Mina Studdal

Oh, that's an interesting question! As a literature enthusiast, I can think of a few examples of famous authors who intentionally used the passive voice in their works.

One of the most notable examples is J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. Throughout the novel, Salinger often employs passive voice to signify his protagonist Holden Caulfield's detachment from society. For instance, when Holden is describing his brother's car, he says, "It was sort of red. It was a big likely Buick, if I remember right." The use of passive voice here highlights Holden's lack of interest and emotional distance from his surroundings.

Another famous author who frequently used passive voice is Ernest Hemingway. In his novel The Old Man and the Sea, Hemingway uses passive voice to convey the immense power of nature. For instance, when the old man is describing the sharks that take bites out of his marlin, he says, "They were cutting the surface of the water, and the sound was like a man chopping with a blunt axe." The use of passive voice here creates a sense of inevitability and powerlessness in the face of nature's raw force.

In terms of motive, authors may use passive voice for a variety of reasons. One possible motive is to create a sense of detachment or remove the focus from the subject of the sentence. This can be useful for creating a more objective or clinical tone in a work of non-fiction, for example.

Another motive could be to create a sense of ambiguity or uncertainty. By using passive voice, an author can obscure the subject of the sentence and leave interpretation up to the reader. This can be particularly effective in works of fiction where the author wants to leave room for multiple interpretations.

Overall, the use of passive voice in literature can be a powerful tool for conveying meaning and emotion. While it may not be appropriate for every situation, when used effectively, it can add depth and nuance to a writer's work.