Analyzing an author’s language and word choice within a story is another interesting area for literary analysis. The words an author selects significantly influence the mood of a scene, reveal character traits, and shape the reader’s perception of a story.
By understanding things like diction, tone, style, and voice, readers can improve their comprehension and writing skills. These elements are present across all literary forms, including short stories, novels, plays, poems, and nonfiction.
Below are key aspects of language and word choice to explore. Each point provides access to free resources: a concise overview, a printable activity or worksheet, and a practice text.
Overviews and Tutorials
Author’s Style: This tutorial illustrates three writing styles: ornate, conversational, and plain. Includes practice exercises.
Style in Poetry: A look at some language choices in the poems of E.E. Cummings
Analyzing Tone Through Word Choice: Khan Academy
Word Choice and Tone In Poetry: “How Do I Love Thee?”
Author’s Voice: Edpuzzle tutorial video
Diction: Edpuzzle tutorial video
Denotation vs. Connotation: Edpuzzle tutorial video
Analyzing Dialogue: Edpuzzle tutorial video
Practice Activities
Diction and Tone in “The Raven”
Denotation and Connotation in “Fire and Ice”
Short Stories
“The Lady, or The Tiger?” Text and comprehension questions with a focus on tone.
“The Outcasts of Poker Flat“ Text and comprehension questions with a focus on word choice and diction.
Explore More: Check out Literary Analysis for Any Book with additional free resources for studying elements of literature.
