Objective Analyze how authors use syntax and diction to create certain effects Essential Question How does syntax and diction contribute to an authors voice and tone Objective and Essential Question ID: 431731
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Syntax and DictionSlide2
Objective: Analyze how authors use syntax and diction to create certain effects.
Essential Question: How does syntax and diction contribute to an author’s voice and tone?
Objective and Essential QuestionSlide3
Syntax analysis is the analysis of sentence construction.
You are looking at the grammatical structure of the sentences.
Syntax AnalysisSlide4
Does the sentence length fit the subject matter?
Is there a variety of sentence lengths?Are the sentences:Telegraphic: shorter than five words
Short: five to ten words
Medium: 15 to 20 words
Long: 21 words or more
Syntax: Sentence LengthSlide5
Is there good variety in sentence beginnings?
Does a pattern emerge?Example: “My Name” : Several sentences started with the same word.
Syntax: Sentence BeginningsSlide6
Are words set out in a special way for a purpose or effect?
Example: The character Yoda starts his sentences with the verb. “Judge me by my size do you?”
What is the effect of starting with the verb?
Syntax: Word OrderSlide7
Cumulative Sentences
Periodic SentencesNatural Order Sentences: Subject/PredicateParallel Structure: Similar Structure
Example: In the winter, I usually like skiing and skating.
Syntax: Arrangement of IdeasSlide8
Four Basic Structures:
Simple SentenceCompound SentenceComplex Sentence
Compound-complex Sentence
Four Basic sentence Types:
Declarative: Makes a statement.
Imperative: Gives a command.
Interrogative: Asks a question.
Exclamatory: Makes an exclamation.
Syntax: Sentence ClassificationSlide9
High or Formal: Dignified, elevated, and perhaps impersonal. Elaborate, or sophisticated vocabulary.
Middle or Neutral:
Follows rules of grammar and uses common, unexceptional vocabulary.
Low or Informal:
Plain language of everyday use, including slang, jargon, vulgarity, and dialect.
Diction: Levels of FormalitySlide10
Denotative or Literal Language
: Exact Journalistic Straightforward Connotative or Figurative Language
: Poetic Lyrical Symbolic Metaphoric Obscure Sensuous Grotesque Picturesque
Diction: Literal and FigurativeSlide11
Sit back for a moment and ask yourself what purpose the word choice appears to be fulfilling.
For example, you can always say that it sets a tone—just make sure you have some words ready to describe that tone.
Also consider whether the word choice is having an effect on character, symbol/theme, setting, etc.
Diction: PurposeSlide12
Onomatopoeia:
words that imitate sounds.Assonance: words that share the same vowel sounds.
Rhyme:
words that share the same sounds.
Consonance:
words that share the same consonant sounds.
Anaphora:
repetition of words at the beginnings of sentences.
Alliteration:
the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables (Example: stem and stern)
Diction: Figures of SpeechSlide13
Effects: After we identify the diction and syntax, we must explain the effect and reason why the author used it.Slide14
Literary Term
Effects
Long,
run-on sentences
Add details, confusion
Alliteration
Pacing, Memorization
Anaphora
Memorization,
Important Facts
Telegraphic Sentences
Fear, urgency
Periodic
Sentences
Suspense
Fragments:
“There.”
To
gain the reader’s interest, to connect with the reader
Effects: This is only a few examples of effects.Slide15
Analysis Questions
When you analyze a piece of writing for diction and syntax, you must look at the word choice and the arrangement of the words. Ask your self the following questions.
“Why did the author use __________?”
“What is the effect of using ____________?”Slide16
Write your questions for your notes.
Write a summary for your notes.Remember the EQ and objective.
Cornell Notes