What does the diction in the excerpt from Hemingway’s A …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the excerpt from Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. The major was a little man with upturned mustaches. He had been in the war in Libya and wore two wound-stripes. He said that if the thing went well he would see that I was decorated. I said I hoped it would go well but that he was too kind. I asked him if there was a big dugout where the drivers could stay and he sent a soldier to show me. I went with him and found the dugout, which was very good. The drivers were pleased with it and I left them there. In the excerpt, what does the diction, or words used to express an idea, show about the narrator?

Short Answer

The author’s word choice, or diction, plays a crucial role in establishing the narrative’s tone and the characterization of the narrator. By selecting specific terms that reflect traits like discipline, the author influences readers’ perceptions and emotional responses, ultimately enhancing the story’s impact.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Importance of Diction

Diction refers to the author’s choice of words, which significantly influences the narrative’s tone and mood. A well-selected vocabulary can color the reader’s perception and enhance the overall message of the text. Through careful word selection, an author can evoke specific feelings and reactions from their audience.

Step 2: Implications of Word Choices

In the provided excerpt, the selected words illustrate the traits of the narrator, specifically highlighting his discipline. Terms like “hoped,” “asked,” and “found the dugout” convey a sense of organization and structure in the narrator’s behavior. Additionally, descriptors of other characters, such as “the major was a little man, he was too kind,” reflect the narrator’s perception, emphasizing his orderly mindset.

Step 3: Creating Impact Through Language

The combination of diction and detailed descriptions not only shapes the narrator’s character but also impacts how the audience responds to the story. By showcasing the narrator’s disciplined nature through language, readers gain an insight into his personality and the overall theme of the narrative. Thus, language becomes a powerful tool in crafting a compelling story.

Related Concepts

Diction

The author’s choice of words that influences the tone and mood of a narrative

Narrator

The character or voice that tells the story and conveys their perspective and traits through language

Audience Response

The emotional and intellectual reactions of readers to the narrative, influenced by the author’s language and diction.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. The major was a little man with upturned mustaches. He had been in the war in Libya and wore two wound-stripes. He said that if the thing went well he would see that I was decorated. I said I hoped it would go well but that he was too kind. I asked him if there was a big dugout where the drivers could stay and he sent a soldier to show me. I went with him and found the dugout, which was very good. The drivers were pleased with it and I left them there. In the excerpt, what does the diction, or words used to express an idea, show about the narrator?

Related Articles

Scroll to Top