Lanham Discussion: Understanding and Critique
The article "The Domain of Style" by Richard Lanham is an alarming attack on the
Clarity, Brevity, and Sincerity (C-B-S) theory of writing. Lanham says that this theory,
which is often taught in writing classes, needs to be corrected and show how written
communication really works. Lanham talks about the C-B-S theory, which says that
words are just carriers for ideas and that the main point of writing is to make sure that
ideas can quickly move from one mind to another. This way of thinking stresses honesty
and speed in talking, which frequently comes at the cost of style, creativity, and the
complicated human reasons behind all kinds of expression.
Lanham says the C-B-S theory is not only useless, but it is also deeply flawed because
it doesn't consider how people really talk and act. He says that being clear, brief, and
honest are not always good qualities in writing; they depend on the situation and are
hard to achieve in real life. One audience may not understand something that is clear to
another, and shortness can be a problem when it leaves out important details or
context. Also, being sincere in writing is hard because our sense of self isn't set in
stone; it changes based on our different social roles.
His criticism of the C-B-S theory shows how important style and language are in writing.
He says that good communication isn't just about getting information across; it's also
about getting the reader involved, making them think, and showing who the writer is and
their point of view. In this way, rhetoric—often brushed off as mere decoration in the CB-S framework—is an essential part of writing. Lanham wants a deeper understanding
of writing that considers how purpose, play, and competition work together in
communication.
CBS Theory of Prose: Definition and Description
The CBS (Clarity, Brevity, and Sincerity) theory of prose is a traditional approach to
writing that prioritizes the straightforward transmission of ideas. It assumes that the
primary goal of prose is to be clear, concise, and honest, with minimal attention to
stylistic flourishes or rhetorical strategies. According to this theory, effective writing
should be transparent, with the words serving as a neutral vehicle for conveying the
writer's thoughts. Lanham critiques this theory for being overly simplistic and failing to
account for the complexities of human communication.
The CBS (Clarity, Brevity, and Sincerity) theory of prose is a classic way of writing that
emphasizes getting ideas across clearly. It believes that the main goal of writing is to be
honest, clear, and concise, with little regard for rhetorical or stylistic flourishes. This
theory says that good writing should be transparent, with the words as a neutral way to
express the writer's ideas. Lanham argues this theory is too simple and doesn't take into
account how complicated conversation is between people.
Lanham's Main Argument and the Problem with CBS Theory
Lanham's main argument is that the CBS theory of prose is inadequate because it
reduces writing to a mere process of information transfer, ignoring the rhetorical and
stylistic elements that are essential to effective communication. He contends that this
theory is problematic because it oversimplifies the writing process and fails to recognize
the role of style in shaping meaning and influencing readers. Lanham argues that
writing is not just about clarity, brevity, and sincerity but also about engaging the
reader's emotions, imagination, and intellect.
Quotes and Analysis
1. "The C-B-S theory of prose violates not only our common sense about human
behavior but much that we have learned about behavior in a more formal way in
the last century" (Lanham 2).
o
I agree with this quote because it highlights the disconnect between the
CBS theory and the realities of human behavior. Writing, like all forms of
communication, is influenced by social, cultural, and psychological factors
that cannot be captured by a simplistic focus on clarity, brevity, and
sincerity.
2. "Rhetoric is everything in a message which aims not to deliver neutral information
but to stimulate action" (Lanham 6).
o
This quote resonates with me because it underscores the power of
rhetoric in writing. Far from being a superficial add-on, rhetoric is what
makes writing persuasive, engaging, and memorable. Multiple layers
3. "To think of prose only within the C-B-S framework encourages a simplistic
practicality which can have disastrous results in the practical world" (Lanham 8).
o
I strongly agree with this quote because it points out the limitations of the
CBS theory in real-world communication. Writing that adheres too rigidly to
the principles of clarity, brevity, and sincerity may fail to connect with
readers on a deeper level or to achieve its intended impact.
References

Lanham, Richard A. Analyzing Prose. Continuum, 2003.