What is Diction and Symbolism in Poetry?
Diction is referred as a style of writing or speaking decided by the writers or speakers. In brief, diction is the selection of words that determines the level of writing. Depends on the diction, the quality of any write up is measured. However, a good number of factors are involved while determining the diction. First of all, the chosen words should be right and well-fitted and secondly, these words should be used in a right manner. In detail, the worlds should be applied appropriately by keeping in mind the text or background. Thirdly, the chosen words should be comprehensive so that the readers can easily relate to the text and understand the message prepared to be conveyed. However, proper diction is essential to get connected with the readers without any misinterpretation. Hence, the right choice of words is indispensable not to divert the readers or listeners.
There are two prominent types of diction- formal and informal and based on the text and setting, each of them is used in speaking and writing. On the other hand, some words with colloquial diction are also seen in the regular conversations. However, diction has great significance in literature as it helps the writers to convey his feelings and simultaneously, assists the readers to make out the tone or mood narrated in the writing. Moreover, diction is mostly seen in the poetry that makes them separate from the prose.
Examples of Diction in Literature:
‘The Sun Rising’ is a noteworthy poem written by John Donne. Here, the poet used colloquialism in an appreciable manner.
“Busy old fool, unruly Sun,
Why dost thou thus,
Through windows, and through curtains, call on us?”
“A Tale of Two Cities” written by Charles Dickens is a nice novel, where the words are repeated to instill an artistic effect.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
On the other hand, symbolism is the application of symbols that refers to the ideas or thoughts, which are differently narrated in the writing. However, symbolism refers to the symbolic meaning which is quite different from the literal meaning of a word. It adds a much deeper meaning and sometimes, it is more essential to reach the readers. An action or an event carries a symbolic value. For instance, smile refers to friendship. If someone smiles at you then it means, the person conveys his affection to you.
Examples:
Black is a symbol of evil or death.
A broken mirror symbolizes separation.
Examples of Symbolism in Literature:
“Ah! Sun-flower” is a poem written by William Blake and here, symbolism is narrated in a catchy way.
“Ah Sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun;
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveler’s journey is done;”
Symbolism is also noticeably used in the ‘As you Like It’, a pastoral comedy written by William Shakespeare. It is also seen in the famous poem named “Wild Asters” written by Sara Teasdale. Moreover, it allows a writer to add a double levels of meaning in his piece of work. In short, the use of symbolism makes each literary work absorbing, intriguing as well as profound in terms of meaning.
