1 English 2 Honors DIDLS

2 D: Diction I: Imagery D: Details L: Language S: Structure/Syntax

3 Diction Use diction, the connotation of word choice, to find tone Writer’s purpose, to entertain, convince, amuse, inform, plead, etc., partly determines diction Diction differs on occasion. Like clothing, a more formal occasion demands a more formal language. Writer’s purpose, to entertain, convince, amuse, inform, plead, etc., partly determines diction Diction differs on occasion. Like clothing, a more formal occasion demands a more formal language. 3

4 Diction/Language Levels of Diction = Language Diction = word choice Language = entire body of words used in a text Words can be monosyllabic (one syllable in length) or polysyllabic (more than one syllable in length. The higher the ratio of polysyllabic words, the more difficult the content. 4

5 Diction/Language High Formal –Polysyllabic and elegant word choice “In the latter part of the last century, there lived a man of science, an eminent proficient in every branch of natural philosophy, who not long before our story opens had made experience of a spiritual affinity more attractive than any chemical one.” Hawthorne “The Birthmark” Neutral –No elaborate words “In the fall the war was always there, but we did not go to it anymore. It was cold in the fall in Milan and the dark came very early.” Hemingway “In Another Country” 5

6 Diction/Language Informal/Low –Everyday language, common, simple “I know about Masenier because I was there. I seen him die. We didn’t tell anybody the truth because it seemed so shameful, the way he died. It was too awful to describe to other people. But I was there, even though I didn’t want to be, and I seen it all.” Gap Creek, Morgan 6

7 Types of Diction Formal vs. Informal Writing Formal No contractions No first or second person pronouns UNLESS writing a personal essay (not a literary analysis or research paper) Common terms Informal Contractions okay First and second person okay Slang/ jargon

8 Formal/Informal Language Read the following statements and decide whether they are written with formal or informal language and explain why: –When I look at the situation in emergency wards, with many staff leaving, it’s hard not to worry about how many doctors will be available to treat patients in the future. ANSWER: INFORMAL 8

9 Formal/Informal Language It appears that in a number of instances jobs were assigned on the basis of gender. Given the current anti- discrimination laws, this raises serious concerns. –ANSWER: FORMAL 9

10 Formal/Informal Language It is so obvious that people were given jobs just because they were male or female. I do not think that is an acceptable approach and is even against the law. –ANSWER: INFORMAL 10

11 Concrete/ Abstract Concrete: specific Abstract: general or conceptual For Example Concrete: heart Abstract: love 11

12 Euphonious/Cacophonous Euphonious: pleasant sounding –languid, luxurious, exude, serendipity, surreptitious Cacophonous: harsh sounding –crackle, crunchy, 12

13 Denotation/Connotation Denotation: dictionary definition –politician: a leader engaged in civil administration Connotation: containing a suggested meaning –politician: 13

14 Denotation/Connotation Look at the following statements and choose the word that has the most pleasant connotative meaning. As soon as my mother gets her paycheck she heads out to shop. We can count on her to bring back ____ purchases for all of us! –impulsive –spontaneous –hasty 14

15 Denotation/Connotation Not everyone has the capacity to be as _______ the ins and outs of cyberspace as I am. –captivated by –obsessed with –addicted to My mother wrote a note about my absence saying I was too ______ to come to school. –sick –ailing –diseased 15

16 Denotation/Connotation Look at the following list of words and rank them from least negative sounding to most negative sounding. Notice, all the words have the same denotative meaning. poor, destitute, fortuneless, needy, poverty-stricken, low, impoverished dishonest, deceitful, shifty, knavish, 16

17 Denotation/Connotation Look at the following slogans. Rewrite them so that they have the same denotative meanings but no longer have the same connotations. After each change, note the difference in connotation on your paper. What is the difference in the strength and overall effect of the statement? 17

18 Denotation/Connotation AVIS: “We try harder” NIKE: “Just do it” BURGER KING: “Have it your way.” AT&T: “Reach out and touch someone.” VOLKSWAGON: “Drivers wanted” VISA: “It’s everywhere you want to be.” KFC: “Finger lickin’ good.” BMW: “The ultimate driving machine.” L OREAL: “Because I’m worth it.” ARMY: “Be all you can be.” WHEATIES: “Breakfast of champions” CAMPBELLS SOUP: “M’m! M’m! Good!” 18

19 Denotation/Connotation Time to apply this concept to literature! SO FUN!!!! Using everything you have learned so far, analyze the following passage from Venison by Karen Chase. Pay special attention to the connotation of the words used. 19

20 Denotation/Connotation Paul set the bags down, told how they had split the deer apart, the ease of peeling it simpler than skinning a fruit, how the buck lay on the worktable, how they sawed an anklebone off, the smell not rank. The sun slipped into night. 20