i am writing an essay on fitzgerald's "babylon revisited" and i have to give examples of patterns of diction in the story. the teacher explained diction, but i would like a better defenition and examples please!
Here are some websites that have good information and some examples:
http://www.answers.com/diction
Be sure to keep scrolling down and read as many of these definitions, explanations, and examples as possible.
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/terms/#Diction
Another way to consider diction is this. Which would you conclude is the more formal level of language?
-- Who tossed that guy in the clink?
-- Who arrested that man?
??
Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in writing or speech. It encompasses the overall style, tone, and level of formality used by the author. In the context of literature analysis, it involves examining how a writer's choice of words contributes to the overall meaning, mood, and themes of a literary work.
To analyze the patterns of diction in "Babylon Revisited" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, you need to closely examine the specific words and phrases used by the author throughout the story. Look for repeated words, distinct language choices, and any noticeable shifts in language style.
Here are a few examples of patterns of diction in "Babylon Revisited":
1. Formal language: Fitzgerald often uses formal language to reflect the more conservative and restrained social environment of the story's setting in post-World War I Paris. For instance, he employs words like "renunciation," "forfeit," and "restitution," which create a sense of solemnity and propriety.
2. Descriptive language: Fitzgerald's diction also includes vivid and descriptive language to enhance the imagery and evoke the atmosphere of the story. He uses phrases such as "whirling snow," "witches' sabbath," and " crowds," which paint a picture in the reader's mind and evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.
3. Symbolic language: Throughout the story, Fitzgerald uses symbolic language that contributes to the overall themes and motifs. For example, the recurrent use of terms like "ghosts" and "haunted" suggests the protagonist's haunted past and the lingering consequences of his actions.
4. Conversational language: In some instances, Fitzgerald incorporates colloquial and conversational language to depict the more casual interactions among the characters. This can be seen in phrases like "I haven't had a drink in three years," which mimic realistic speech patterns and add an element of authenticity to the dialogue.
Remember to refer back to the text and provide specific examples from the story to support your analysis of the patterns of diction in "Babylon Revisited." By closely examining the language choices made by Fitzgerald, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes, characters, and overall literary style.