Aspects of literary style: choice of words
Aspects of literary style: choice of words
Introduction to Choice of Words
- Understand the importance of an author’s choice of words, also known as diction, in conveying meaning, creating atmosphere, and revealing character traits in Latin literature.
- Recognise that specific words carry connotations – additional meanings associated with them that can evoke emotional responses.
Conveying Meanings
- Appreciate how specific word choices enable Latin authors to convey complex ideas and themes effectively.
- Learn how synonyms with subtle differences in meaning can greatly alter the tone or nuance of a sentence or passage.
Atmosphere and Mood
- Note how an author’s diction can establish a particular atmosphere or mood. Words associated with light and beauty, for example, might create a cheerful mood, while words linked to darkness and distress can establish a sombre or ominous atmosphere.
- Understand how word choices relating to the senses can create vivid imagery, enhancing the reader’s experience and emotional engagement.
Characterisation
- Explore how diction plays a key role in characterisation. An author’s word choices, when describing a character or representing their speech and thoughts, can provide insights into their personality, motivations, emotions, and relationships.
- Remember that the choice of words can even reveal the social status, education level, and moral values of a character.
Literary Devices
- Recognise how authors utilise literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole to enrich their diction.
- Understand how repeated words or phrases (repetition) can emphasise a point, symbolise a theme, or echo the rhythm of speech or action.
Implication in Translation
- Be mindful that the impact of an author’s diction can be affected in translation. Strive to maintain the original connotations and nuances while ensuring the translation is coherent and fluent in English.
- Always bear in mind that understanding the choice of words can assist in interpreting character development, narrative progression, and thematic implication in Latin texts.