#4731. Identifying the use of diction

Literature, level: Senior
Posted 09/24/2013 by Kerry Jones-Golembeski (Kerry Jones-Golembeski).
Hebrew Academy of Nassau Country, Uniondale, USA
Materials Required: attached handouts, copies of The Catcher in the Rye
Activity Time: 1-2 class periods
Concepts Taught: Defining literary terms

The purpose of this activity is to apply the concept of diction to the novel The Catcher in the Rye.

Explain to students that Holden has a very interesting manner of speaking. This is called diction. Diction is the style of manner in which someone speaks.

Identify four quotes that you feel are good examples of Holden's diction and write them down below.

1.


2.


3.


4.


Now, rewrite these quotes using one the following patterns in speech. Be sure to identify which one you are using.
a hippie
the Queen of England
the way you and your friends speak
a hip-hop artist

1.

2.

3.

4.

Draw a conclusion about diction. Ask students to complete exit cards that answer the following questions: What do we learn about a character through understanding diction? How does an author use diction to create a complex character?