Poetry






















Diction

In poetry the choice of words ("diction") is particularly important because poetic words must convey meaning gracefully and economically. Diction includes the formality of the expression: "formal" is dignified and elevated; "middle diction" maintains correct language usage, but is less elevated than "formal diction," and "informal diction" uses everyday language including slang. Diction also includes the meanings of the words, whether "denotation," the literal meaning, or "connotation," which includes associations beyond a word’s literal meaning. "Allusions" bring in cultural references from outside the work at hand. Finally, the words are ordered into meaningful patterns called "syntax."
 

Click on one of the four buttons on the top to see how a poet can change the meaning of a piece through the use of diction. To hear the poem read aloud, click the Play button.