Diction and the Dark Romantics
What exactly is “diction” again?
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Diction refers to the _______________________ that is used by the author.
The choices that an author makes in diction enhances the _____________ and _____________ of a piece of
literature, as well as the author’s overall ______________________.
Diction Vocabulary
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When writing, an author may use words for a variety of purposes.
He may use words that are
o General of ___________________
o _________________ (specific) or _________________ (General or conceptual)
 Examples of concrete words: ____________________
 Examples of abstract words: ____________________
o Colloquial (_______________), informal (_____________________), formal or old-fashioned
Denotation and Connotation
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Words have both a _________________________ meaning (literal, dictionary definition) and a
___________________________ meaning (a suggested meaning, often emotional)
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For example, what is the denotative meaning of the word dress?
__________________________________________________________________
What does the connotative meaning of the word gown suggest?
__________________________________________________________________
Euphonious and Cacophonous
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Words can be described as having a ____________________ (pleasant) sound. Many times words with long
vowel sounds are considered euphonious.
o Examples: ________________, _________________
Words can also have a ___________________ (harsh) sound. Words with strong consonants are considered
cacophonous
o Examples: __________________, _____________________
Monosyllabic and Polysyllabic
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Words are either ____________________ (one syllable) or _______________________ (multiple syllables).
The more polysyllabic words in a piece, the more ________________________ the content.
o As we begin reading Poe’s word, think about whether or not he uses more monosyllabic or polysyllabic
words…
ANALYZE!
Let’s think about the phrase ALARM CLOCK…
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Is this word more euphonious or cacophonous? ______________________
monosyllabic or polysyllabic? _________________________
What is the denotative meaning of the word? ___________________________________________
What is the connotative meaning of the word? ___________________________________________
DO NOT LOSE THESE NOTES! YOU WILL REFER TO THEM THROUGHOUT OUR STUDY OF EDGAR ALLAN POE!