Connotation vs. Denotation

While you need to think deeply about the texts we read in this class, you also need to be critical and grounded in your thinking. You must be able to support your ideas with relevant evidence. Part of doing this is understanding the difference between denotation and connotation and reading accurately for connotation.

childish vs. childlike

inexperienced innocent naïve

inexpensive cheap

The Jury Room Norman Rockwell

The Girl with the Black Eye Norman Rockwell

Choose one of the following slides. Briefly note the denotation—what is without question visible in the picture. Briefly note what you think the connotation is—the mood, the conflict, the balance of power, etc. Write one paragraph in the voice of one of the people in the scene explaining that character’s experience of this scene.

Room in New York Edward Hopper

Conference at Night Edward Hopper

Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth, 1948