Elements of the Letter

Letters hold a vital role in our society. Unlike any form of verbal exchange, letters provide us with a tangible precise source of information. The power of the written document over spoken discourse is undeniable. Information is "put into writing" to become official. Conversations are recorded and transcribed by a computer to ensure accuracy and to withstand trial. Letters are also a viable source of documentation of history. When reading a letter, or any other writing for that matter, it is important to recognize the type, purpose, and audience of the document.

An older man wearing glasses writes with a pen on a paper. Old letters in cursive writing are superimposed over. The photo is in a vignette style.

Click here to download the Text-type Chart. This document is a chart distinguishing the different text types, and provides instances in which the type is most commonly used. Please review the chart and use it as a reference when reading the letters in this unit.

Click here to download the Elements of a Letter document. Now that you have a reference to aid you through the study of the letter, let's take a brief moment to review the structural elements of the letter. All letters include six, and sometimes seven, structural elements: heading, date, greeting, body, closing, signature, and post script (P.S.). Please refer to this document for the placement of the structural elements.

Reading Assignment: Colonial Letter, Master George Percy

An illustration of George Percy. The middle-aged man has thick, ear-length hair brushed away from his face. He has a mustache. He is wearing an overcoat with a lacy decorative collar.

Click here to read a Colonial-era letter from Master George Percy from 1606. While reading this letter, consider the purpose and audience, as well as the historical significance resulting from his account. Pay attention to the way Percy uses language to express his opinions of the places and people he encounters.

Reading Assignment: John Adams and Abigail Adams

The next two letters are from a series of letters between John and Abigail Adams. Their courtship and marriage have been preserved through their ample and regular letter correspondence. Note that these letters were written only 170 years after Percy's letter. Keep in mind your knowledge of American history and challenge yourself to make inferences you may not have previously considered. Note the historical importance of the following letters.

Click here to read the letter of 3 July 1776 from John Adams to Abigail Adams.

Click here to read the letter of 13 and 14 July 1776 from Abigail Adams to John Adams.

Reflect on the differences of subject matter between John and Abigail's letters. Are any of the opinions concerning America's independence different than you originally believed? If so, how? Which elements of John and Abigail's language indicate the tone in the letters?

Reading Assignment: Gauguin and van Gogh Correspondence

Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gaufuin's "Self Portrait at Lezaven," 1888.

You may have heard of these artists. The time period of the letters is relevant here because we are establishing a pattern of letters during both times of war and peace. Notice that the first letter by Percy was written during a time of peace--the Renaissance--which allowed for money to be spent on art and exploration. This next series of letters were written in 1890, a time of peace in France and the movement of Impressionism.

Click here to read the correspondence from French painter Paul Gauguin to Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.

Click here to read the letter from van Gogh to Gauguin.

"Self-Portrait," Vincent van Gogh, 1889.

Self-Assessment and Practice

Match the types of texts with their corresponding purposes. Drag the items from the bottom to the slots on the right.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.