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.