Lecture Notes on Diction and its Usage in Rhetorical Analysis

Understanding Diction

• Diction: Refers to the choice of words by an author in a text.
• Importance in essay writing:
  • Avoid general statements like "the author uses a lot of diction."
  • Identify the specific type of diction used:
    • Objective/Scientific Diction: Emphasizes reason and logic.
    • Subjective Diction: Emphasizes emotion and experience.
    • Figurative and Abstract Language: Involves literary comparisons or philosophical ideas.

Denotation vs. Connotation

• Denotation: The literal dictionary definition of a word.
• Connotation: The cultural or emotional association of a word.
  • Example: "Outrage" vs. "Anger"
    • Outrage implies recklessness, requiring more to appease than anger.
    • "Riot" vs. "Protest": Same denotation, different connotations.
  • Example: "Frugal" vs. "Cheap"
    • Both mean similar things but convey different feelings.

Importance of Connotation

• Reveals author's attitude towards the subject.
• Influences audience's response and understanding.

Manipulating Diction

• Qualifying Language: Words like could, may, might, perhaps, hope.
  • Example: "I might go watch hilarious videos online instead of studying."
• Absolute Language: Includes words like first, only, never, always, must.
  • Example: "You must never cheat on exams."
• Critical Language: Describes skepticism or doubt.
  • Example: Using "dubious" or "fantastical" to describe unbelievable stories.

Analyzing Diction

• When an author uses specific language, such as calling a city "unexceptional," it provides insight into the author's perspective and can be significant in rhetorical analysis.