Writing About Diction
Close Analysis of Figurative and Descriptive Language
Pick a paragraph from the section of the story that you are assigned. Think about the subject and main ideas that the author wants to convey in the paragraph. How does the paragraph tie in with the author’s overall purpose? In the case of the excerpt from Babbitt, you know that Sinclair Lewis is using satire, and you have thought about some of the things about his society that he is criticizing through his main character and his family. Now look at specific ways in which Lewis uses language in the paragraph you selected to help accomplish his purpose.
Reread the first paragraph of the excerpt from Babbitt. Think about the choices in language and the effect they have on the main ideas and satire Lewis develops in the chapter as a whole.
Words or phrases |
Technique |
Effect |
Zenith |
Precise word choice |
“zenith” means “peak or highest point”; community views itself as peak of American civilization; worships commercialism and materialism |
towers “aspire” above the mist |
Verb choice |
Towers usually “rise”; “aspire” suggests something awe-inspiring ; usually a human quality |
Aspire, mist, austere, towers, steel, cement, limestone, sturdy, cliffs, silver, rods |
Alliteration of “s” sound – over ½ words |
Stresses the quiet awe with the hushed, whispering sound |
“sturdy as cliffs” but “delicate as silver rods” |
Contrasting similes |
Comparison of unlike things; conveys sense these are more than ordinary office buildings |
Commentary:
The first paragraph implies the wonder and awe that Babbitt finds in the symbols of business, commercialism, and technology. It sets up the idea that Babbitt worships the skyscrapers and all the material objects that represent the business world which gives him his identity. Later, however, readers discover Lewis believes that despite all the materialistic status symbols of contemporary society, people like Babbitt are basically discontent with their lives.
You and your partner or group will be assigned a section of the story. Find examples of the following techniques (or others) and explain what feelings or impressions they convey:
Similes Exaggeration Onomatopoeia Connotation of words
Metaphors Understatement Colorful, precise word choice
Personification Alliteration Repetition
Words or phrases |
Technique |
Effect |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Write a short commentary on the back that connects the language of the paragraph to the main ideas of Lewis.