Analyzing Word Choice in Poetry

Diction is the literary term that means

• The connections we have with words

• An author's choice of words

• The definition of words

• The common way of speaking with friends

Refers to the feelings and ideas a word evokes.

• Synonym

• Denotation

• Connotation

• Diction

Denotation is a word's ____________.

• Literal, dictionary definition

• Emotional meaning

• Diction

• Mood

What is the mood of this passage?

• Joyful

• Optimistic

• Angry

• Gloomy

How does the poet’s word choice in lines 1 and 2 contribute to the mood of the poem?

• By suggesting a sense of regret

• By creating a feeling of gloom

• By establishing a sense of reflection

• By highlighting an indifferent attitude

What does analyzing word choice in a poem help us understand?

• The poet's favorite book

• The poet's favorite movie

• The literal meaning of the words

• The overall theme and tone of the poem

What does analyzing the word choice in a poem help to understand?

• The author's educational background

• The rhythm of the poem

• The message of the poem

• The age of the poem

Read lines 5 and 21 from the poem. "One was a dream of a shady lane (line 5) The other dream ran fast and free, (line 21) " How does the word choice affect the meaning of the poem?

• by highlighting the exciting natures of both dreams

• by conveying the troubled emotional states of the main characters

• by suggesting that the main characters have little in common

• by reinforcing the different speeds of life referenced in the two dreams

What does the word blast signify in the poem?

• Storm

• explosion

• loud sound

• none of the above

Words in poetry are chosen for their...

• sound

• rhythm

• meaning

• all of the above