Analyzing diction

The Axes: The term “diction” covers a lot of ground, but here is a somewhat simplified way to approach. Consider analyzing the diction according to where it falls on any of the two main axes: (1) levels of formality, and (2) Connotation

(1) Levels of formality

Diction can usually be described as one of three different “levels” of style:

High or Formal: Dignified, elevated, and often impersonal. Elaborate, or sophisticated vocabulary. In some cases, “high style” can refer to grammar, or syntax, that has been manipulated for an artistic effect—that is, the grammar calls attention to itself. Polysyllabic.

Middle or Neutral: Follows rules of grammar and uses common, unexceptional vocabulary. Think Strunk and White. Grammar and vocabulary is meant to be transparent, easily understood.

Low or Informal: Plain language of everyday use, including slang, jargon, vulgarity, and dialect. Monosyllabic.

(2) Connotation

In addition to falling somewhere on the above axis, an author’s prose will fall somewhere on a scale between the two poles of denotation, a word’s dictionary meaning, or connotation, the more metaphorical or poetic usage of words.


How to talk about levels of formality

One thing that is really impressive is having a large bank of words that you know that you can use to characterize the different kinds of diction. You can use this stuff when fashioning terribly impressive thesis statements—even when you don’t have any idea what you’re talking about! That is what the following notes are for. Many of these words can be used to describe syntax as well as diction.


High, Formal Style
Cultured
Learned
Pretentious
Archaic
Scholarly
Pedantic
Ornate
Elegant
Flowery

Middle, Neutral Style

Unadorned
Plain
Detached
Simple

Low, Informal Style

Abrupt
Terse
Laconic
Homespun
Colloquial
Vulgar
Slang
Jargon


How to talk about Connotation

Language can also fall somewhere on the following scale. Few works of literature are purely denotative, of course, but they are connotative to varying degrees. Speak of a passage as being “highly connotative” or Learn to use these words to discuss connotation.

Denotative language
Literal
Exact
Journalistic
Straightforward



Connotative language
Poetic
Lyrical
Figurative
Symbolic
Metaphoric
Obscure
Sensuous
Grotesque
Picturesque



Additional aspects of word choice.

Abstraction

In addition, an author’s language will fall somewhere on a scale between the poles of abstract and concrete language. That is, do they write about stuff you can hold in your hands, or stuff you can only hold in your heads?

The Music

Do the words sound nice? If so, you can talk about the euphony of the passage.. If it sounds harsh, talk about that and the relationship to meaning.

Figures of Speech

You know all these, right? Personification, Metaphor, Paradox, Alliteration, etc.