|
Exercise #267: Craft
Posted 6/6/08
Today’s exercise was suggested (and mostly written) by Susan Frank.
Semantics deals with the relationship of words and meanings. Words can have more than one meaning; denotative and connotative. Denotative language involves the literal, the dictionary definition of a word. Connotative language includes all the emotional components we have to words. Some words are positive; some negative; and some neutral.
We can describe the man who rushes into a burning building to save a cat as brave, foolhardy or risk-taking. A person can have no legal address or be homeless or be a vagrant. I am slender, Tina is thin, and Sue is skinny.
Write two paragraphs describing the same scene, situation, or person. In one paragraph, aim to use denotative language primarily. In the other, use connotative language so the reader will have a definite emotional reaction/impression, either positive or negative.
For an extra challenge, include a third paragraph for the opposite emotional response.
Critiquers, can you decide which paragraph employs which language? Which words were most effective?
Word limit: 300 per paragraph, three paragraphs (denotative, connotative positive, connotative negative) maximum
Please use the subject line
SUB: Exercise #267/yourname
|
