diction use
Post on 21-Nov-2014
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Diction
Word choice, or general character of the language used by the author.
Words have three levels, and are selected based on their efficiency in
these three areas:
1. Appearance
2. Sound
3. Meaning
Objective vs. Subjective
Objective: Impersonal and unemotional languageExample: “The lawn started at the beach and ran
toward the front door for a quarter of a mile” (The Great Gatsby, page 6).
vs.
Subjective: Personal and emotional languageExample: There was a slow, pleasant movement in
the air, scarcely a wind, promising a cool, lovely day. (The Great Gatsby, page 152)
Vulgarity
This is a type of non standard diction.
Vulgarity is language that is deficient in taste and refinement.
Example: “Goddamn FBI don't respect nothin’” (Sonny, in The Godfather).
Informal/Standard Diction
This type of diction is language that is correct but conversational. It is used in
casual situations, but still states accurate facts.
Example: “We’ve heard names. That’s Johnny. Those two-
they’re twins, Sam ‘n Eric” (Lord of the Flies, page 21).
Formal/Literate Diction
This type of diction is the language that is appropriate in more formal occasions.
Example: “You are all kindness, Madame; but I believe we must abide by our original plan” (Pride and Prejudice, page 143).
Works Cited
• Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Minneapolis: Dover Publications, Incorporated, 1995. 143.
• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 2004. 6.
• The Godfather. Dir. Francis F. Coppola. Perf. Al Pacino, James Caan, and Marlon Brando. 1972.
• Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. New York: Perigee Trade, 2001. 21.
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