eldest son, Joel

[Haihao]

Hi,

Which is better or grammatically correct, with or without "the"?

The Smiths' home in suburban Riverwood, Maryland, "was a zoo," says eldest son, Joel, who droopped out of university and drove a truck.

φ eldest son does not sound unnatural but what if the eldest son, Joel?

Thank you!

haihao

[Mister Micawber]

Both OK. Without 'the' is primarily journalistic English.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Haihao]

Thank you, MM. BTW, could I see it ≒ eldest son Joel who...: without the commas and thus sounds like a title such as general Joel?

[Mister Micawber]

Yes, it works kind of like a title.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Haihao]

A yes from you is always enjoyable, MM, and a no beneficial.