DictionAnalyzing Style

Diction

Diction is a literary term that refers to the use of a certain word to achieve a particular emotion, tone of voice, or other associative meaning. A writer’s diction determines, to a great extent, his/her style.

Why did you use

that word?---Smiley Guy

Describe diction by considering the following:

Words can be • monosyllabic (one

syllable in length) • polysyllabic (many

syllables). The higher the ratio of polysyllabic words, the more formal, or technical the language becomes.

Supercali-fragilistic-expialido-

cious !

Describe diction by considering the following:

Words can be mainly • colloquial (slang): “No way!”• informal (conversational):

“I can hardly believe what you’re saying.”

• formal (literary or scientific):“The facts do not coincide with the evidence.”

• archaic (old fashioned):“Certainly this is an equivocation of some degree.”

“Whassup?”

Describe diction by considering the following:

Words can be mainly• denotative (containing

an exact meaning): dress

• connotative (containing a suggested meaning): gown

Did you call me short?

I’m just vertically

challenged!

Describe diction by considering the following:

Words can be • concrete (specific):

“dog”• abstract (general or

conceptual): “freedom.” Abstract words are hard to picture, and require definition.

Can you touch it,

taste it, see it, hear it,

or smell it?

Describe diction by considering the following:

Words can be • euphonious (pleasant

sounding): languid, murmur

• cacophonous (harsh sounds): raucous, croak

What is a raucous, anyway?

LEADS

• Low or informal diction (dialect, slang, jargon)

• Elevated language or formal diction

• Abstract and concrete diction

• Denotation and connotation

• Sound

The acronym is useful in

remembering a method

for analyzing diction

Low or Informal Diction

The first step is to check for low or informal diction such as slang, dialect, and jargon. These expressions are often used in dialogue or directly by the speaker in stories told from the first person point of view. One strategy for deriving meaning from informal diction is to pay close attention to dialogue and to read the text aloud to hear how it sounds, attempting to determine meaning from sound and context.

L

Elevated Language or Formal Diction

The next step is to check for elevated language, indicating the use of formal diction. Because formal diction includes more elaborate, polysyllabic words, it may be more difficult to understand. Pay close attention to complex words and use a dictionary to help define words that are not understandable from the context.

E

Abstract and Concrete Diction

The next step is to examine the use of abstract and concrete diction. Writers may choose to use abstract or concrete words depending on the response they want to evoke from the reader. Although the more abstract words tend to be used impersonally to convey universal truths and emotions, writers in general tend to use specific, concrete words to describe people, places, and objects. Liberal use of abstract diction in a passage might make it more difficult to understand.

A

Abstract and Concrete Diction

Which is which?SchoolLoveEgo

EducationMusic

Raindrops

A

Denotation and Connotation

The next step in this process is to examine the meaning of the words. Writers not only choose words based on their denotative (literal - dictionary) definitions, but also for their connotative definitions (the meaning associated with words).

D

Denotation and Connotation

1. self-confident2. house3. fat4. laugh5. sad

6. single woman7. steal8. clever9. car10.thin

Name a positive, negative, and neutral synonym for each:

Denotation and Connotation

1. snooty, arrogant, conceited, cocky, vain, self-satisfied, egotistical, proud, high-and-mighty, overbearing, high-hat, supercilious

2. mansion, abode, dwelling, domicile, residence, house, home3. corpulent, plump, obese, heavy set, fleshy, fat, paunchy, burly,

over-weight, roly poly, bulky, portly, weighty, pudgy4. titter, giggle, chuckle, laugh, guffaw, roar, snicker, snigger, cackle5. depressing, gloomy, cheerless, heartbreaking, distressing,

heartrending, poignant, moving 6. spinster, old maid, bachelorette, unmarried woman, maiden,

career woman, unattached7. purloin, embezzle, filch, pilfer, burglarize, rob, hold up, snatch,

grab, help oneself to, appropriate 8. shrewd, calculating, clever, sly, adroit, knowing, astute, cunning,

skillful, smooth9. automobile, auto, vehicle, van, sedan, sports car, coupe, roadster,

speed machine, ride, clunker 10. skinny, slender, slim, bony, emaciated, skeletal, slight, lanky

Sound

Finally, check the author’s choice of words based on their sound. Are they pleasant sounding or harsh sounding?

Try to come up with some on your own!

S

Diction

One last tip…

Never, never, never, never, say:“The author uses diction.”

The author chooses words?????Don’t we all?

Always say:The author uses ______(what

kind of) diction.

Duh!

Your Assignment

Diction in 1984Sample outline f or one-paragraph analysis: IV. Defi ne diction

A. Quote that illustrates a type of diction (p. ). 1. I dentif y the type of diction used 2. Explain how the quote illustrates the type of

diction B. Quote that illustrates a type of diction (p. ).

1. I dentif y the type of diction used 2. Explain how the quote illustrates the type of

diction C. Quote that illustrates a type of diction (p. ).

1. I dentif y the type of diction used 2. Explain how the quote illustrates the type of

diction D. Closing sentence (Explain how the author’s use of diction

enhances and illustrates the author’s style and adds to the meaning of the novel)