AP Lit Analyzing Voice

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In literary analysis, what is diction?

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Diction refers to word choice. It can be described as abstract or concrete and formal or informal.

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To what does connotation refer?

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Connotation refers to the association people have with words beyond the dictionary definition. For example, the word "dove" refers to a specific bird, though many people consider it a symbol of peace.

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To what does denotation refer?

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Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word.

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To what does style refer?

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Style refers to the way in which a text is written. An analysis of an author's style includes looking at all the devices the writer uses to express meaning. The message, the material, the medium--all are part of an author's style.

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To what does voice refer?

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Voice is a rather vague, metaphorical term used to refer to the distinctive features of a particular writer or text. An author's voice is present in a text, even if the author is not the narrator.

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To what does vulgate refer?

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The vulgate refers to the lowest level of diction. This is the unschooled language of the common people.

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What are the levels of diction?

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The level of diction refer to the formality of word choice. The most elevated language is formal diction, followed by general, colloquial, and vulgate.

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What is abstract diction?

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Abstract diction is the use of language in general terms, such as "the little dog," versus "the 5 pound dachshund."

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What is imagery?

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These are two types of imagery: literal and figurative. Literal imagery is descriptive, appealing to the senses and relating to concrete information. Figurative imagery is the use of figures of speech to describe abstract ideas, attempting to make the abstract more concrete. Successful imagery depends on the author's use of diction and the selection of details.

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What is general diction?

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General diction refers to the speech of educated native speakers. General diction is more formal than colloquial English but not as elevated as formal English.