Types of Diction

In writing poems, you are involved with different types of diction, whether you know it or not.  Why become aware of the different types and use them knowingly.  In one poem try to stay fairly consistent in the type you employ.  In another poem, mix them all up.  I took the following list from Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student, 2nd Diction, Edward J. Corbett. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1971.

General and Specific

Abstract and Concrete

Formal and Informal

Latinate and Anglo-Saxon

Common Words or Jargon

Referential (denotative) or Emotive (connotative)

See a related post:  Word Values

 

 

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About lymangrant

Lyman Grant is a professor of creative writing and humanities at Austin Community College. He has work at ACC since 1978. He is the author or editor of two textbooks, two books relating to Texas literature, three volumes and a chapbook of poetry. Recently he traveled the United States for a year in a 34-foot RV 5th wheel trailer with his wife and two younger sons.