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Diction

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  • The old course /
  • Part 4 (2020 exams)/
  • Key concepts/
  • Diction

Diction is a rather difficult concept to define, but one you need to be able to discuss in textual analysis. Diction is the writer's choice of vocabulary, use of verb tense and style of narration. It could also be said that the tone of a text is established through use of diction. Perhaps the best way to come to understand diction is by discussing the importance of each word in a poem or passage of literature. 

The activity below invites you to explore Arthur Yap's use of diction in a poem call 'statement'. It is a ranking exercise. These usually generate group discussion, because decisions must be made. You will rank the words in the poem according to their importance. It is called a bull's eye discussion, for reasons you will learn below. It is important to understand that exercises like these are memorable, because they rely on visual representation and engage group member in discussion. Futhermore, this exercise helps us explore a work in detail, the first learning outcome for Part 4. 

Bull's eye discussion on diction

In a small group, have a discussion on 'statement', a poem by Arthur Yap. Rank the words of the poem according to their importance in a bull’s eye diagram like the one you see below. In the bull’s eye, or center, place the most important word from the passage you are studying. In the secondary ring, place three words that are second most important. In the outer ring place six words that you feel are third most important. In total you should have 10 words. Try to reach a consensus within your group. For each word, state why you have chosen to rank it where you have.

 Bull's eye discussion on diction 

A diction-rich poem

statement
Arthur Yap
2000

of course your work comes first.
after that you may go for a walk,
visit friends but, all the same,
it is always correct to ask
before you do anything else.

so if you say: please may i jump
off the ledge? and go on to add
this work is really killing,
you will be told: start jumping.
no one is in any way
narrow-minded anymore these days.
it is that everyone likes to know
these things way beforehand.
but if you state: i’m going now,
jumping off the ledge
most probably they will say nothing,
thinking should it legally, morally,
departmentally be yes/no/perhaps,
or if it’s not too late:
why don’t you come along? we shall bring
this matter up to a higher level

Towards assessment

Individual oral commentary - This kind of ranking activity helps you quickly assess which words in a poem are of importance. This skill is useful if you are faced with a poem on your individual oral commentary. Often times, the most meaning may hinge on a simple word such as 'but' or 'and'. Discussion poetry with others will help you discover these subtleties.