Writing Tip: How to use Connotation and Denotation to Wring every Meaning (literal and figurative) from your Writing
As authors, we should know the power of words and how to use
them. But sometimes, we haven't had the training, or we haven't read the works
by authors who role-model literary writing through appropriately wielding
literary techniques. Some influencers of writing cast a negative spin on
literary skills, perhaps because they have not achieved them, do not understand
the use of devices, or do not appreciate the deeper meaning literary writing
can express. Whatever the reason, know that there are a multitude of writing
techniques you can use to improve your reader's experience. Don't deny the
power or ignore the influence you can have when drawing on literary devices.
Here's one to try: Connotation and Denotation.
Connotation and Denotation are two principal methods of
describing the meanings of words. Connotation refers to the wide array of
positive and negative associations that most words naturally carry with them,
whereas denotation is the precise, literal definition of a word that might be
found in a dictionary. (California State U)
Confusing? Let's break it down. Take the example of using
the term "level" instead of "age" when talking about how
many years you've lived. Switching to "level" adds a new literal
meaning, but it also adds associations that your reader or listener will draw
upon. These associations will be positive, much more positive than the word
"age" or the term "years old". Let's look at two ways to
consider how long I've lived.
Last year, I turned 50. I am 50 years old. I am at midlife.
I've lived half a century. It only gets worse from here.
OR
I'm at level 50.
See how the word "level" speaks with a positive
connotation, appeals to a younger audience, and alludes to experience, wisdom,
skill at life, and an upward trajectory.
Whereas "I'm 50 years old" sounds like a decline.
Add to it the popular saying – “it’s all downhill from here" and my
reputation swirls into negativity through denotation - literally nowhere to go
but down. And connotation? - life is over, the peak has been passed. Let's look
at some other examples you will recognize. Which of the following statements is
neutral, which is positive, and which is negative?
The young man was thin. The young man was slim. The young man
was skinny.
A writer who knows the effect they are going for, must know
which descriptor matches up to positive and negative associations. Otherwise,
confusion will abound. A writer with a command of literary devices can take a
statement even further than negative or positive.
The young man was a tall, cool glass of water, perfect for
quenching my thirst in the blistering heat of my divorce.
Consider the power of connotation and denotation the next
time you're writing. You have your words - their meaning, but you also wield
the power of alluding more subtle associations that will evoke emotions, draw
on deeper connections, and add so much more to your story.
And don't buy into the negative reputation literary writing
gets slathered with. Learning writing techniques will only improve your craft, because
learning the devices includes learning when and how to use them to achieve the
affect you want. Just because some people are bad drivers doesn't mean we
should all take our hands off the wheel.
Authors to read if you want to explore literary writing: Anne
Rice, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and many more.
For myself, I can offer an excerpt from my novel, “Master of
Madhouse” to show connotation in action:
The room I had been
assigned to was at the very top of the turret, and the only room which allowed
access to the widow’s walk.
It was not a large space as
far as mansions went, but it was larger than any room I had ever had. The maid squatted before rough stones forming a wall-length fireplace directly across from a huge four-poster bed.
As I marveled at the height of the bed posts, she added sticks to an open fire grate, and blew noisily on the coals until glowing points of red appeared in the ash like so many rat eyes peering at us.
I took a second look at
her spine bumping up under her thread-bare shift. I had always been thin, but the maid was so skinny, and she worked so quickly, I couldn’t tell the difference
between the sticks and her arms. The flames caught, and she piled on a larger
piece of wood. The light from the fire cast through her rag of a dress to outline her bony legs and pelvis making her look like a macabre skeletal shadow-puppet.
I frowned as I recalled how well-fed the cook and the groundsman appeared to be. I didn't like her, but I couldn't help but wonder why she was in rags and clearly undernourished.
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