Lexical Choice
Aims: To explore the lexical choices of poets with particular emphasis on
connotations and denotation.
Outcomes: To be familiar with the difference between connotation and
denotation and to be able to apply this knowledge to the analysis of
poetry.
Definitions
Lexis:
Connotation:
Denotation:
Activity 1
Looking at the words in the following table, try to decide what the literal
meaning of the word is and also the associated meanings and put them
in the appropriate column.
Words
SLY
YELLOW
WHITE
SUBURB
GLARE
Denotation
Connotations
Class Activity:
1. The _________ boy was successful in the debate.
Choices: strong-willed / pig-headed
2. Home is where the heart is.
3. The _________ cat jumped onto the table.
Choices: sneaky / curious / hungry / cunning
Activity 3:
Read handout ‘Black as Coal’, answer the questions and fill out the table
of connotations.
Activity 4:
Fill in the blanks for the poems in the poem booklet on page 11.