Analyzing Diction and Tone in Shakespeare

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary terms and concepts related to analyzing diction and tone in Shakespeare's works.

Chronological transitions

When annotating, pay close attention to chronological transitions (e.g., 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' 'finally'). These words help you trace the sequence of events, steps, or ideas presented in the text, revealing its structure and flow.

Diction

To effectively annotate, analyze the author's diction, or specific word choices. Consider how particular words or phrases contribute to the overall tone, message, and stylistic effect of the text, and what they suggest about the author's intent.

Connotation

When annotating, identify words with strong connotations—the implied or associated meanings that extend beyond their dictionary definition. These connections can reveal the author's attitude, emotional impact, or underlying messages.

Denotation

As you annotate, ensure you understand the denotation of words, which is their literal or dictionary definition. This foundational understanding is crucial before analyzing deeper meanings like connotation or figurative language.

Metaphor

When annotating, look for metaphors, which are figures of speech that directly compare two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.' Highlight them and explain what is being compared, and why that comparison is significant to the text's meaning.

Imagery

While annotating, highlight instances of imagery—descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch). Note what senses are invoked and what effect these vivid descriptions create in the reader's mind or contribute to the atmosphere.

Vulgar

When encountering language described as vulgar (crude, inappropriate, or lacking sophistication) in a text, annotate its specific effect. Consider why the author chose such language and how it contributes to characterization, tone, or theme.

Thick

When annotating, be alert for words like 'thick' that possess multiple context-dependent meanings (e.g., a 'thick fog' vs. a 'thick skull'). Annotate to clarify the precise meaning intended by the author, and explore how such ambiguity might contribute to the text's complexity or characterization.

Negative commentary

In your annotations, practice negative commentary by not just identifying an author's choices, but also considering the implications of why certain words were not chosen and what alternative phrasing might have suggested about the text's meaning or impact. This critical approach deepens analysis.

Great chain of being

If a text references specific historical or philosophical concepts like the 'Great Chain of Being' (a hierarchical structure of all matter and life), annotate its appearance and explain its significance within the context of the work. This demonstrates