Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults
Written by Ambrose Bierce
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 4 hours
- intermediate
- instructive
- critical
- witty
Ambrose Bierce's "Write It Right: A Little Blacklist of Literary Faults" is a prescriptive guide from the early 20th century, meticulously cataloging common misuses and errors in the English language. Through a systematic listing of problematic words and phrases, Bierce champions precision and clarity, advocating for the correct choice of vocabulary to ensure effective communication. The book reflects Bierce's sharp wit and critical eye, offering not just corrections but also insights into the underlying principles of good writing. It serves as both a practical manual for aspiring writers and a humorous, albeit stern, commentary on the intricacies and common pitfalls of linguistic expression, aiming to cultivate clear thinking through precise language.
“The right word is to the wrong word what the lightning is to the lightning-bug.”
Key themes
- Precision in Language
- This is the foundational theme of the entire book. Bierce relentlessly advocates for the exact and careful selection of words, arguing that each word possesses a specific meaning that should not be diluted or confused with others. He believes that sloppy language leads to sloppy thought and that true communication hinges on absolute precision.
- Clarity in Communication
- Flowing directly from precision, Bierce asserts that the ultimate goal of writing is clear and unambiguous communication. He views common errors and misuses as impediments to understanding, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. His guide is, therefore, a tool for writers to ensure their message is conveyed exactly as intended, without distortion.
- Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism
- While not explicitly stated, Bierce's entire work is a robust defense of linguistic prescriptivism—the belief that there are definitive rules for 'correct' language usage that should be followed. He stands in stark contrast to descriptivism, which observes and records how language is actually used without imposing judgment. Bierce's 'blacklist' is a clear attempt to enforce a particular standard and resist what he perceives as linguistic decay.
Worth discussing
To what extent should language be prescriptive versus descriptive? Where does Bierce fall on this spectrum, and what are the implications?
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