Connotation, denotation, and imagery
This is quite a bit to cover all in one short lesson. I will break down these three terms for you to better understand them. When you are working on the quiz at the end of the lesson, make sure that when you are doing the short answer questions that you are explaining the connotation and denotation of words used in the passages provided.
Denotation
We will start with denotation because it is the easiest place to begin. The easiest way to remember denotation is that it starts with the letter "D" and it means the dictionary definition. For example, if someone said, "Her dress looks cheap." The dictionary definition or denotation of that word means that the dress was not very expensive. The denotation or dictionary definition of the word is the most straightforward interpretation.
Connotation
Connotation is a bit more complicated. This is the meaning behind the word. It is the way that you interpret the word based on your experiences.
Imagery
Don't forget, we are also reviewing imagery in this lesson.
Look at this great breakdown from: http://literarydevices.net/imagery/ |
The important fact to remember from above is that imagery appeals to our senses. When you are describing an object or scene think about what your senses would be experiencing. For example:
A writer could say, "It is so cold outside."
OR
A writer could ask himself questions like: What does the cold feel like? Look like? Taste like? To get these ideas across, writers employ figurative devices like similes.
This could turn the plain sentence above into: "The stark cold of winter pin-pricks my skin with icy needles showing me no mercy. My lungs fill up with the crushing clean brisk breath of the snow. I choke on flakes as if they are trying to freeze me from the inside out."
Creating a scene with such imagery allows the reader a more full experience.
A writer could say, "It is so cold outside."
OR
A writer could ask himself questions like: What does the cold feel like? Look like? Taste like? To get these ideas across, writers employ figurative devices like similes.
This could turn the plain sentence above into: "The stark cold of winter pin-pricks my skin with icy needles showing me no mercy. My lungs fill up with the crushing clean brisk breath of the snow. I choke on flakes as if they are trying to freeze me from the inside out."
Creating a scene with such imagery allows the reader a more full experience.