Which of these best characterizes the difference between meter and diction in poetry?
A.Meter is the rhythmical cadence and diction is the use of language.
B.Meter is the pattern of end sounds and diction is the pattern of beginning sounds.
C.Meter appeals to the senses and diction appeals to the emotions.
D.Meter refers to syllables in a line of poetry and diction refers to syllables in each word.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meter_(poetry)
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diction
Let us know which you decide is correct.
The best option that characterizes the difference between meter and diction in poetry is A. Meter is the rhythmical cadence and diction is the use of language.
To understand why, let's break down the options:
Option A: Meter is the rhythmical cadence and diction is the use of language.
Meter in poetry refers to the rhythmic pattern created by stressed and unstressed syllables within a line of poetry. It focuses on the overall rhythmic structure and patterns of sound. Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in poetry. It focuses on the specific language and vocabulary used by the poet to convey meaning and evoke emotions.
Option B: Meter is the pattern of end sounds and diction is the pattern of beginning sounds.
This option is not accurate. Meter does not specifically refer to the pattern of end sounds in poetry, but rather the rhythmic pattern created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables. Diction does not specifically refer to the pattern of beginning sounds, but rather the overall choice and use of words and phrases.
Option C: Meter appeals to the senses and diction appeals to the emotions.
This option is incorrect. While both meter and diction can contribute to the overall sensory and emotional impact of poetry, it is not a clear distinction between the two. Meter primarily focuses on the rhythmic structure, while diction primarily focuses on the language and vocabulary used.
Option D: Meter refers to syllables in a line of poetry and diction refers to syllables in each word.
This option is also incorrect. Meter does involve counting syllables, but it is more about the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables within a line of poetry. Diction, on the other hand, is not specifically about syllables but rather the overall choice and use of words and phrases.
In conclusion, the best characterization of the difference between meter and diction in poetry is option A: Meter is the rhythmical cadence and diction is the use of language.