I have to analyze the use of diction and syntax in three authors specific works, but I'm unsure of how to anazlyze/explain these, exactly. I know that diction is the author's word choice and syntax is sentence structure, but I don't know how to pinpoint one's diction and syntax. For syntax could I just put something like "Old-English" with an example from the text? For diction I'm totally lost.

Thank you for the help

Try comparing/contrasting these two: “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway and “Barn Burning” by William Faulkner.

http://www.mrbauld.com/hemclean.html

and

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Diction ~ Think about these things: short, simple words? or complex, multi-syllable words? Why did the authors make those choices?

Syntax ~ Think about similar things: mostly simple (one clause) sentences? mostly compound or complex (2-3 clauses) sentences? Why did the authors make those choices?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntax

Let us know what you come up with.

Analyzing the use of diction and syntax in literary works is a key aspect of literary analysis. Let's break it down into two parts: diction and syntax.

1. Diction:
Diction refers to the author's word choice. When analyzing an author's diction, you should focus on identifying specific words that the author uses and understanding why they are significant. To pinpoint an author's diction, you can follow these steps:

a. Read the text: Start by reading the text carefully, paying attention to the words the author uses. Look for any words that stand out or seem particularly important or meaningful within the context of the work.

b. Consider connotations: Consider the connotations of the words chosen by the author. Do they have positive or negative associations? Are they formal or informal? Analyze how these choices contribute to the overall meaning or atmosphere of the work.

c. Identify patterns and motifs: Pay attention to recurring words or phrases throughout the text. Do certain words or terms appear frequently? Do they have any symbolic or thematic significance? Analyzing patterns in diction can offer insight into the author's intentions or underlying messages.

d. Connect with the theme or tone: Consider how the author's word choice relates to the larger themes or tone of the work. Does the diction support the author's intended message or create a specific atmosphere? For example, an author may use formal language to convey a sense of seriousness or use vivid imagery to create a more powerful effect.

2. Syntax:
Syntax refers to the arrangement, structure, and order of words within a sentence or passage. Analyzing an author's syntax allows you to understand how they construct their sentences and how that impacts the reading experience.

a. Sentence structure: Identify the author's sentence structure. Do they use complex, compound, or simple sentences? Do they employ sentence fragments or run-on sentences? Analyze how different sentence structures contribute to the overall flow and pace of the work.

b. Punctuation and sentence length: Pay attention to how the author uses punctuation marks, such as commas, hyphens, or dashes. Also, observe the length of sentences. Do they tend to be long and complex, or short and straightforward? Consider how punctuation and sentence length affect the rhythm, clarity, and emphasis of the writing.

c. Effects on meaning: Analyze how the author's syntax impacts the meaning of the text. Does a specific sentence structure help convey a certain emotion or tone? Does it highlight a particular idea or create suspense? For example, short, abrupt sentences might create tension, while long, flowing sentences might evoke a sense of calm or reflection.

When analyzing an author's diction and syntax, it's important to provide specific examples from the text to support your observations. Instead of simply stating "Old-English" for syntax, focus on describing the unique characteristics of the sentence structure or language that align with Old-English style.

Remember, your interpretation and analysis of diction and syntax may differ depending on the specific work and author. By paying close attention to the author's word choice and sentence structure, as well as considering the broader context of the work, you can offer a comprehensive analysis of diction and syntax in your literary analysis.