Diction & Tone An Introduction
Definitions Diction refers to the author s choice of words. Tone is the attitude or feeling that the writer s words express.
When analyzing diction, consider such questions as: Is the language concrete or abstract? Are the words monosyllabic or polysyllabic? Do the words have interesting connotations? Is the diction formal, informal or colloquial? Is there any change in the level of diction in the passage? What can the reader infer about the speaker or the speaker s attitude from the word choice?
What are some of the conclusions we can draw from these answers? Concrete Abstract Monosyllabic words Polysyllabic words Formal Colloquial Change in type of diction? Childlike Mature thinking Intellectually inferior Sophisticated Educated Low-literacy or Street-smart? Does this indicate a change in the author s attitude?
Denotation versus connotation Denotation means the literal, dictionary definition of the word lean and skinny both mean thin. Connotation means the implied, suggested or emotional meaning attached to a word would you rather be called lean or skinny?
Denotation versus connotation Corpulent, plump, obese, heavy set, stocky, fat, paunchy, burly, over-weight, bulky, portly, weighty, pudgy Which word do we use to insult someone? Which one do we use to describe someone we like? Which one do we use to describe a cute little baby?
The choice of diction contributes to the tone What seems to be the speaker s attitude in the passage? Is more than one attitude or point of view expressed? Can anything in the passage be described as ironic?
Describing diction and tone ALWAYS use an adjective when describing diction and tone. diction contributes to the tone. Example: Sophisticated diction contributes to the didactic tone. Colloquial diction contributes to the sarcastic tone.
Now let s try it
Bouncing into the room, she lit up the vicinity with a joyous glow on her face as she told us about her fiancé and their wedding plans. What are the specific words that create the tone of the sentence?
Bouncing into the room, she lit up the vicinity with a joyous glow on her face as she told us about her fiancé and their wedding plans. diction contributes to the tone. Cheerful diction contributes to the euphoric tone. Uplifting diction contributes to the joyful tone.
She huddled in the corner, clutching her tattered blanket and shaking convulsively, as she feverishly searched the room for the unknown dangers that awaited her. diction contributes to the tone. Frightening diction contributes to the suspenseful tone.
Harvard accepted her, allowing this child the opportunity to study in the same halls as the many famous scholars before her, giving her the chance to excel in her field in the best college in the United States. diction contributes to the tone. Lofty diction contributes to the academic tone.
Bursting through the door, the flustered mother hollered uncontrollably at the innocent teacher who gave her child an F. diction contributes to the tone. Aggressive diction contributes to the hostile tone.
Drawing the attention of his classmates, as well as his teacher, the student dared to experiment with his professor s intelligence by interrogating him about the Bible. diction contributes to the tone. Challenging diction contributes to the confrontational tone.
He furtively glanced behind him, for fear of his imagined pursuers, then hurriedly walked on, jumping at the slightest sound, even of a leaf crackling under his own foot. diction contributes to the tone. Anxious diction contributes to the paranoid tone.
Gently smiling, her mother tenderly tucked the covers up around the child s neck, and carefully, quietly, left the room, making sure to leave a warm ray of light shining through the opened door should the child awake. diction contributes to the tone. Comforting diction contributes to the serene tone.
The laughing wind skipped through the village, teasing the trees until they danced with anger and cajoling the grass into fighting itself, blade slapping blade, as the silly dog with golfball eyes and flopping tongue bounded across the lawn. diction contributes to the tone. Humorous diction contributes to the whimsical tone.
Remember What kind of words are there? (diction) and how do they make you feel? (tone)
See The more words you know to describe passages, the more sophisticated your descriptions will be when you analyze authors writing
And one last tip Never, never, never, never, never say: The author uses diction (You mean, the author uses words no kidding!) Instead, say: The author uses (adjective - what kind of) diction