I read articles on ny times, economist, atlantic etc. One thing I noticed is that articles on Atlantic are difficult to comprehend – I have to pay more attention or some times go back and re-read sentences.
What is that that makes these articles difficult to comprehend for an average reader? Formation of sentences? For what it is worth, I have no problem with the vocabulary used in all these sources.
Here is an example I’m not saying every sentence that I read in this source difficult to comprehend. It is relatively harder to read compared to ny times, new yorker, economic etc
Answer
It’s effectively a “literary device”. OP’s linked article deliberately uses long sentences, convoluted syntax, and a slightly “upmarket” vocabulary to enhance the general sense of it being a “long-established, traditional, authoritative” publication (which The Atlantic is, I understand).
True, the style demands slightly more attention from the target readership – but in return those readers get a little fillip from knowing they’re members of a somewhat exclusive “gentleman’s club”.
Obviously the flip side is that a few potential readers will be put off because they find the style to be just too much hard work. But as a rule, such people won’t be the target readership anyway (because they’re probably not part of the cultural / literary elite, so to speak).
In short, it’s a little bit like an exclusive club with very high prices, or restaurant where the menu is entirely written in French (which keeps the riff-raff out without deterring the target customer base). Of course, exactly the same device can be used at the opposite end of the scale (exaggerated use of “street slang” can be used to reflect internal unity while keeping “mainstream society” at bay).
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : user3587180 , Answer Author : FumbleFingers
