Diction can be defined as style of speaking or writing, determined by the choice of words by a speakeror a writer. Diction, or choice of words, often separates good writing from bad writing. It depends on a number of factors. Firstly, the word has to be right and accurate. Secondly, words should be appropriate to the context in which they are used. Lastly, the choice of words should be such that the listener or reader understands easily.
Proper diction, or proper choice of words, is important to get the message across. On the other hand, the wrong choice of words can easily divert listeners or readers, which results in misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.
SOURCE: https://literarydevices.net/diction/
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Language can be used in two ways – literally and figuratively. Literal language is direct and uses the real definition and meanings of words and phrases. But when we talk figuratively, the meaning of any word/phrase will depend on the context in which they are used. A figure of speech relies on such figurative language and rhetoric.
When using figures of speech the words will diverge from their literal meanings, to give a more stylized and specialized meaning to these words. Let us take for example the phrase”fast like lightning”. This phrase merely implies great speed, it does not mean literally as fast as lightning. Example: “On hearing the school bell the kids ran out of the class as fast as lightning”.
(Source: flickr)
Types of Figures of Speech
Now there are dozens of types of figures of speech. But here we will be focusing on the five main ones we use in our daily prose.
1] Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that uses comparison. In a simile, we use two specific words “like” and “as” to compare two unlikely things, that actually have nothing in common. This is done to bring out the dramatic nature of the prose and invoke vivid images and comparisons. It is one of the most common forms of a figure of speech and is used in everything from day-to-day talk to poems.
Let us see some examples of simile. “She is as brave as a lion”. Here you will notice a girl and her bravery are being compared to a lion. this is an unusual and illogical comparison, but it brings out the vivid imagery and lyrical quality in the sentence. The literal sentence would have read “She is brave”, but using the simile makes it sound much better. Other such examples can be
quite like a mouse
as tall as a mountain
as strong as an ox
precious like an angel
2] Metaphor
A metaphor and a simile are quite similar actually. A metaphor also uses compares to things that are in no way similar. It does so to bring out the symbolism. A metaphor is a word or phrase used to show its similarity to another thing. It helps to explain an idea, but if you take a metaphor at its literal meaning it will sound absurd.
An example of a metaphor is “Alex is a chicken”. Literally, this sounds so very absurd. But this is a metaphor which suggests that Alex is a coward, or frightened. It compares or implies that Alex is a chicken to bring out the symbolism. Some other examples are ‘love is a battlefield”, “all the world’s a stage”, “that technology is a dinosaur” etc.
While a simile and metaphor seem to be very similar, there is one basic difference between the two. In a simile, the comparison happens with the help of the words “as” and “like”. A metaphor will not have either of those two words.
3] Personification
Another very interesting figure of speech is personification. In this, we personify or represent a non-human entity as human. We give an inanimate object or an intangible idea of some human qualities such as emotions, or gestures or even speech. this is done to portray the object as alive and help the listener or reader paint a vivid picture. Again, if we take the words at their literal meaning they will sound absurd.
“The wind howled as the storm grew stronger”. Here we have taken an object, the wind, and personified it as a living thing by claiming it howled. Other such examples could be, “time ran away from him”, “the boat danced in the puddle”, “the car died in the middle of the road” etc.
4] Hyperbole
Hyperbole in the Greek language translates to ‘excess’. And that is what it does, it exaggerates. We use hyperbole's to emphasize the importance or the overstate something. This exaggerates claims and statements are never meant to be taken at their literal meaning. They are used to create a strong and lasting impression
An example would be “Since he has been away from home he has gotten as thin as a toothpick“. Obviously, he has not gotten as thin as a toothpick, we only exaggerate to emphasize on how thin he has become. Some other examples are, “Those shoes cost a king’s ransom”, “For the millionth time, clean the kitchen”, “his grandfather is older than the hills”.
5] Onomatopoeia
This is a figure of speech where words or phrases indicate sounds. Often to bring about more imagery and better describe a setting, authors use words to involve all five of our senses. Onomatopoeia refers to those words that imitate the sounds of an object or person.
For example “The bees buzzed around in the garden”. Here the word ‘buzzed’ is indicating the sound coming from the bees. Some other examples are “the leaves were rustling”, “the door was squeaking”, “he closed the book with a thud” etc.
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Imagery is language used by poets, novelists and other writers to create images in the mind of the reader. Imagery includes figurative and metaphorical language to improve the reader’s experience through their senses.
II. Examples of Imagery
Example 1
Imagery using visuals:
The night was black as ever, but bright stars lit up the sky in beautiful and varied constellations which were sprinkled across the astronomical landscape.
In this example, the experience of the night sky is described in depth with color (black as ever, bright), shape (varied constellations), and pattern (sprinkled).
Example 2
Imagery using sounds:
Silence was broken by the peal of piano keys as Shannon began practicing her concerto.
Here, auditory imagery breaks silence with the beautiful sound of piano keys.
Example 3
Imagery using scent:
She smelled the scent of sweet hibiscus wafting through the air, its tropical smell a reminder that she was on vacation in a beautiful place.
The scent of hibiscus helps describe a scene which is relaxing, warm, and welcoming.
Example 4
Imagery using taste:
The candy melted in her mouth and swirls of bittersweet chocolate and slightly sweet but salty caramel blended together on her tongue.
Thanks to an in-depth description of the candy’s various flavors, the reader can almost experience the deliciousness directly.
Example 5
Imagery using touch:
After the long run, he collapsed in the grass with tired and burning muscles. The grass tickled his skin and sweat cooled on his brow.
In this example, imagery is used to describe the feeling of strained muscles, grass’s tickle, and sweat cooling on skin.
III. Types of Imagery
Here are the five most common types of imagery used in creative writing:
a. Visual Imagery
Visual imagery describes what we see: comic book images, paintings, or images directly experienced through the narrator’s eyes. Visual imagery may include:
Color, such as: burnt red, bright orange, dull yellow, verdant green, and Robin’s egg blue.
Shapes, such as: square, circular, tubular, rectangular, and conical.
Size, such as: miniscule, tiny, small, medium-sized, large, and gigantic.
Pattern, such as: polka-dotted, striped, zig-zagged, jagged, and straight.
b. Auditory Imagery
Auditory imagery describes what we hear, from music to noise to pure silence. Auditory imagery may include:
Enjoyable sounds, such as: beautiful music, birdsong, and the voices of a chorus.
Noises, such as: the bang of a gun, the sound of a broom moving across the floor, and the sound of broken glass shattering on the hard floor.
The lack of noise, describing a peaceful calm or eerie silence.
c. Olfactory Imagery
Olfactory imagery describes what we smell. Olfactory imagery may include:
Fragrances, such as perfumes, enticing food and drink, and blooming flowers.
Odors, such as rotting trash, body odors, or a stinky wet dog.
d. Gustatory Imagery
Gustatory imagery describes what we taste. Gustatory imagery can include:
Sweetness, such as candies, cookies, and desserts.
Sourness, bitterness, and tartness, such as lemons and limes.
Saltiness, such as pretzels, French fries, and pepperonis.
Spiciness, such as salsas and curries.
Savoriness, such as a steak dinner or thick soup.
e. Tactile Imagery
Lastly, tactile imagery describes what we feel or touch. Tactile imagery includes:
Temperature, such as bitter cold, humidity, mildness, and stifling heat.
Texture, such as rough, ragged, seamless, and smooth.
Touch, such as hand-holding, one’s in the grass, or the feeling of starched fabric on one’s skin.
Movement, such as burning muscles from exertion, swimming in cold water, or kicking a soccer ball.
SOURCE: https://literaryterms.net/imagery/
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You might have heard it called different things. Traditionally referred to as literature, creative writing is an art of sorts - the art of making things up. It's writing done in a way that is not academic or technical but still attracts an audience. Though the definition is rather loose, creative writing can for the most part be considered any writing that is original and self-expressive. A news article, for example, cannot be considered creative writing because its main goal is to present facts and not to express the feelings of the writer. While a news article can be entertaining, its main purpose is to present the facts.
The purpose of creative writing is to both entertain and share human experience, like love or loss. Writers attempt to get at a truth about humanity through poetics and storytelling. If you'd like to try your hand at creative writing, just keep in mind that whether you are trying to express a feeling or a thought, the first step is to use your imagination.
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If i were an object i'll be a blood So that if i bleed they will know that i Was hurt,tired,exhausted and in pain Its so tiring to cry and bleed intil it Dry,alone and no one knows If i were a blood i will not be Alone for everyone will need ne If i were a blood i'll be taking care of. If i were a blood everyone will know that i am here because of my smell, Everyone will notice me. As well all know,blood is life And life is precious for one i want To feel that i am precious and everyone is afraid to lost and waste me.
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