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Diction and Imagery

Diction and Imagery. Complexities of Language. Could've but Didn't …. Literary Artists (the good ones at least) choose their words carefully… It is helpful to consider the things they could’ve done, but chose NOT to… …and then ask yourself why…

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Diction and Imagery

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  1. Diction and Imagery Complexities of Language

  2. Could've but Didn't… • Literary Artists (the good ones at least) choose their words carefully… • It is helpful to consider the things they could’ve done, but chose NOT to… • …and then ask yourself why… EXAMPLE:Quote: “Baby, baby, baby…oooohhhh” (J. Bieber) C but D: the “artist” could’ve said “darling, darling, darling”…

  3. Complexities of Language • Even the most basic elements of language are in fact very complex. • Diction (word choice) is one of these basic ingredients. • Reasons for employing different types of diction: • To communicate with denotative accuracy • To evoke emotions • To suggest connections

  4. Levels of Diction • High or Formal Diction • Neutral Diction • Informal or Low Diction

  5. High / Formal Diction • Creates an elevated tone • Free from slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions • Often features polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice

  6. High / Formal Diction “Discerning the impracticable state of the poor culprit’s mind, the elder clergyman, who had carefully prepared himself for the occasion, addressed to the multitude a discourse on sin, in all its branches, but with continual reference to the ignominious letter. So forcibly did he dwell upon this symbol, for the hour or more during which his periods were rolling over the people’s heads, that it assumed new terrors in their imagination, and seemed to derive its scarlet hue from the flames of the infernal pit.” Nathaniel Hawthorne – The Scarlet Letter

  7. Neutral Diction • Uses standard language and vocabulary • Without elaborate words • May include contractions

  8. Neutral Diction “The shark swung over and the old man saw his eye was not alive and then he swung over once again, wrapping himself in two loops of the rope. The old man knew that he was dead but the shark would not accept it. Then on his back, with his tail lashing and his jaws clicking, the shark plowed over the water as a speedboat does. The water was white where his tail beat it and three-quarters of his body was clear above the water when the rope came taut, shivered, and then snapped. The shark lay quietly for a little while on the surface and the old man watched him. Then he went down very slowly.” Ernest Hemingway – The Old Man and the Sea

  9. Low / Informal Diction • The language of everyday use • Relaxed and conversational • Includes simple and common words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.

  10. Low / Informal Diction “Three quarts of milk. That’s what was in the icebox yesterday. Three whole quarts. Now they ain’t none. Not a drop. I don’t mind folks coming in and getting what they want, but three quarts of milk! What the devil does anybody need with three quarts of milk?” Toni Morrison – The Bluest Eye

  11. Types of Diction • Slang • Colloquial Expressions • Jargon • Dialect • Concrete Diction • Abstract Diction • Denotation • Connotation

  12. Low / Informal Diction

  13. Concrete vs. Abstract Diction • Concrete Diction • Specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions • “Something soft and furry moved around her ankles” • “He was black all over, deep silky black, and his eyes, pointing down toward his nose were bluish green.” • Abstract Diction • Denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible • impenetrable / incredible / inscrutable / inconceivable / unfathomable

  14. Denotation vs. Connotation • Denotation • The exact, literal definition of a word • Independent of any emotional association or secondary meaning • Connotation • The implicit, rather than explicit meaning of a word • Suggestions, associations, and emotional overtones attached to a word HOUSE  HOME

  15. IMAGERY: concrete / abstract • We often think of imagery in writing as something you can SEE. • But in actuality, it must be considered as anything you can IMAGINE.

  16. Concrete Imagery: The 5 Senses

  17. Abstract Imagery: The intangible BEAUTY JUSTICEFAITHDOUBT GUILTCONFIDENCEPARANOIA VIOLENCENOSTALGIAFREEDOM COMPASSIONEPHEMERALITY

  18. Which type of Imagery is more effective? Concrete Abstract it was a summer night with a billion sparkling stars above,and crickets and frogs singing in the damp marshes beyond my back porch.__________________________ it was a dark night deep in winter when a three-foot blanket of snow covered everything like a heavy white comforter, and the stillness was broken only by the clanging church bells echoing off the still brick buildings and filling the street. the night was beautiful

  19. So is ABSTRACT always bad? • Lay your sleeping head, my love, Human on my faithless arm; Time and fevers burn away Individual beauty from Thoughtful children, and the grave Proves the child ephemeral: But in my arms till break of day Let the living creature lie, Mortal, guilty, but to me The entirely beautiful.

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