Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Denotation: The explicit, direct, or literal meaning or set of
meanings of a word expression, as distinguished from the ideas
or meanings associated with it or suggested by it; the association
or set of associations that a word usually elicits for most
speakers of a language, as distinguished from those elicited for
any individual speaker because of personal experience.
* Think of a word’s denotative meaning as its dictionary or
literal meaning. For example: The denotation of the word,
“Dog,” is “a domesticated canid, Canis familiaris, bred in
many varieties.”
Connotation: the associated, secondary, or even figurative
meaning of a word or expression in addition to its explicit or
primary meaning: A possible connotation of “home” is “a place
of warmth, comfort, and affection.”
* Think of a word’s connotative meaning as its possible
meaning that can vary according to individuals’ unique
experience of it. It can also be a symbolic meaning. For
example: One connotation of the word, “Dog,” is “Man’s
best friend.”
Notes:
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Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Instructions: Use your dictionaries to find what each word basically denotes and
write that definition in the appropriate block. When we are all finished with the
denotative meaning for each word, we will work with partners to record each
word’s possible connotative meanings—what could these words symbolize or
represent?
Word
Denotation
Connotations (at least two)
Horse
Sword
Fence
Flower
Hearth
Window
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
When students finish, they should create a short-short story using the words and their
connotative meanings. Basically, students must use these words as symbols. The stories can be
written individually for homework or in pairs or groups in class. This assignment can also be
completed using Google Docs. Students can present their stories to the class who must guess the
connotative meanings of the words. Students can also write a brief explanation of their use of
connotative language.
1). Write the story.
2). Underline each word from the list.
3). Briefly explain the symbolic meaning of each word you use.
I can use blank sheets (attached below) so that students can choose the words they find in the
readings, individually or in pairs or groups, and then they can explain how the words are
symbolically significant to the subjects and themes embedded in the text. Rather than writing a
short story with the words, students can begin some informal, foundational writing about the text
itself. Such writing can still be creative, but it should be text specific. Possible written responses
include: journal writing as a character, a short analysis of one symbol, a personal narrative about
the text with a focus on the word, A dialogue between characters discussing the symbol, an
additional scene, etc.
Remind Students that every story has:
A setting
Characters
Action
Conflict
Symbols
Point of view
Theme
Students must also creatively use the symbols to create a coherent and detailed story.
Alternate words: Owl, Rose, Oak Tree, Stallion, Star, Mountain, Field, Wall, Ring, Necklace,
Mirror, Portrait/Painting, Camera,
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Blank worksheet for other words that come from specific texts
Instructions: Use your dictionaries to find the most basic denotation for each word
and write that definition in the appropriate block. When we are all finished with the
denotative meaning for each word, we will work with partners to record each
word’s possible connotative meanings.
Word
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
(
)
Denotation
Name_________________________________
Connotations (at least two)
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Eagle
Hawk
Falcon
Horse
Pen
Tome/Book
Shield
Sword
Door
Fence
Window
Hearth
Fire
Mountain
Sky
Clouds
Tree
Bog
Ocean
Rose
Meadow
Garden
Creative Writing Assignment 1: Short Story with Symbols
*This assignment accompanies the denotation/connotation lesson. This is a summative
assessment on figurative language.
Criteria





The story must incorporate all six words from your connotation/denotation worksheet.
There is a one page minimum requirement; 3 page maximum.
You must use Times New Roman, 12pt font.
You may add images to your story, and it must have a cover.
A brief, two paragraph introduction must explain the meaning/theme of your story and
describe your use of symbols—explain their meaning in the story. Your introduction
should not be a list of meanings, but an explanation of the meaning of your story. What
did you set out to achieve when writing the story? How do the symbols give it meaning?
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Instructions: Use your dictionaries to find what each word basically denotes and
write that definition in the appropriate block. When we are all finished with the
denotative meaning for each word, we will work with partners to record each
word’s possible connotative meanings—what could these words symbolize or
represent?
Word
Denotation
Connotations (at least two)
Owl
Sword
Mirror
Garden
Oak Tree
Ring
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Instructions: Use your dictionaries to find what each word basically denotes and
write that definition in the appropriate block. When we are all finished with the
denotative meaning for each word, we will work with partners to record each
word’s possible connotative meanings—what could these words symbolize or
represent?
Word
Denotation
Symbolic Connotations
(at least two)
Writing Quill
Shield
Fire
Rose
Moon
Ring
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Creative Writing Assignment 1: Short Story with Symbols
Now that you’ve completed the denotation/connotation worksheet, you will write a work of
creative fiction: a short story. You must incorporate all of the words from your worksheet into
the story. Moreover, you must use the words symbolically; they must represent a higher
meaning, say something about your characters’ existence and personalities. Essentially, your use
of symbols should convey meaning; the symbols should merely be placed in to story needlessly
or frivolously.
Criteria




The story must incorporate all six words from your connotation/denotation worksheet.
There is a 1 page minimum requirement; 3 page maximum.
You must use Times New Roman, 12pt font.
You may add images to your story, and it must have a cover. However, you may not use
images embedded within the text of the story to fill the space requirements listed above. I
am looking for 1-3 pages of writing, not pictures.
 A brief, two paragraph introduction must explain the meaning/theme of your story and
describe your use of symbols—explain their meaning in the story. Your introduction
should not be a list of meanings, but an explanation of the meaning of your story. What
did you set out to achieve when writing the story? How do the symbols give it meaning?
*Elements of a story. It is important to remember that every story has:
1). A setting: where does your story take place? What dies
the setting look like? What mood does it convey?
2). Characters: develop them; treat them as though they are
real people with real emotions. What do they look like? How
do they behave?
3). Action: something has to happen.
4). Conflict helps to drive action. Conflict provides obstacles
(physical, emotional, circumstantial, etc.) characters must
over come. They learn lessons through encountering the
conflict.
5). Symbols: concrete items that express abstract concepts.
6). Point of view: from whose view is the story told? Whose
perspective?
7). Theme: what can we learn about life from reading your story? Why should we read it?
Other focal points:
*You must also use the creative writing rubric to plan and write your story. Be sure you know
what is expected of you before beginning.
* Plan your story; don’t just start writing unless you’re brainstorming. Make a list of characters,
events, descriptions, etc. Moreover, try to plan how you intend to use your symbols.
* Before submitting your story to me, you should proofread it carefully, making any changes
necessary to make the story sound great. You should also read it aloud to someone.
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Instructions: Use your dictionaries to find what each word basically denotes and
write that definition in the appropriate block. When we are all finished with the
denotative meaning for each word, we will work with partners to record each
word’s possible connotative meanings—what could these words symbolize or
represent?
Word
Denotation
Symbolic Connotations
(at least two)
Ocean
Oak Tree
Necklace
Rose
Door
Hearth
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________
Denotation/Connotation
Regalbuto
Instructions: Use your dictionaries to find what each word basically denotes and
write that definition in the appropriate block. When we are all finished with the
denotative meaning for each word, we will work with partners to record each
word’s possible connotative meanings—what could these words symbolize or
represent?
Word
Denotation
Symbolic Connotations
(at least two)
Cat
Cobweb
Cave
Rose
Star
Rocking
Chair
Name_________________________________
Per. _______
Date_____________