Author: The person who *creates* the text. They are responsible for the overall message and ideas presented.
Speaker: The voice that delivers the text. This can be:
* A fictional character: Think of a novel where you hear the thoughts and words of a character, even if they aren't the author.
* A narrator: A voice that tells the story, often in a third-person perspective.
* A persona: A voice that the author adopts to express specific ideas or perspectives.
Examples:
* Novels: In many novels, the speaker is a character, not the author. For example, in "Pride and Prejudice," the speaker is a narrator who observes the events of the story.
* Poetry: Poets often use different speaker voices to explore various themes and emotions. Think of a poem written in the voice of a soldier or a lover.
* Dramatic works: Playwrights create characters who speak their lines, and those characters are the speakers, not the playwright.
* Essays and articles: Even non-fiction writing can have a distinct "speaker" voice. Authors might adopt a more formal or informal tone, depending on their audience and purpose.
Why it's important to distinguish between author and speaker:
* Understanding perspective: Recognizing the speaker allows you to analyze the text from their point of view, which might be different from the author's own.
* Unpacking meaning: The speaker's words can reveal their beliefs, motivations, and even biases, contributing to the overall meaning of the text.
* Critical analysis: Understanding the speaker's role helps you to analyze the author's intent and the effectiveness of their choices in crafting the narrative.
To identify the speaker in a text, ask yourself these questions:
* Who is doing the talking?
* What is their perspective on the events or ideas being presented?
* How does their voice influence the reader's understanding?
By recognizing the difference between the author and the speaker, you can gain a deeper understanding of the text's meaning and its impact on the reader.