To Emphasize:
* Important words or phrases: Italics can draw attention to key words or phrases that are particularly significant to the story's meaning or theme.
* Emotional weight: Words can be italicized to highlight their emotional impact on the reader. For example, a character's inner thoughts or a particularly strong emotion can be emphasized.
To Distinguish:
* Foreign words or phrases: Italics are used to distinguish foreign words or phrases that haven't been integrated into the English language.
* Titles of books, movies, plays, etc.: Italics are used to differentiate titles from regular text.
* Internal thoughts or speech: Writers sometimes use italics to differentiate a character's internal thoughts or speech from the regular dialogue.
To Create a Specific Effect:
* To create suspense or mystery: Italics can be used to create a sense of intrigue or suspense, especially if the italicized words are vague or cryptic.
* To break the flow of the narrative: Italics can be used to interrupt the flow of the story and draw the reader's attention to something important.
* To create a sense of distance or alienation: Sometimes, italicizing words can create a sense of distance or alienation, making the reader feel like they are observing events from a different perspective.
Examples:
* Emphasis: "The *door* creaked open, revealing a figure shrouded in darkness."
* Distinguishing foreign words: "He spoke in broken *Français*, barely audible over the din."
* Creating suspense: "*They* are coming. *They* are watching. *They* are waiting."
Ultimately, the decision to use italics is up to the author, and their choice should be made based on what will best serve the story and its intended effect.