First, what's diction?
Diction is simply the choice of words a writer or speaker uses. It's like the building blocks of language.
How is diction used in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"?
The novel is known for its:
* Intense and poetic language: Think about the title itself! The language is deliberate and often exaggerated to mirror the emotional state of Oskar, the protagonist.
* Childlike voice: Oskar, a young boy, often uses simple language or mixes up words, which is both endearing and heartbreaking. This reflects his innocence and how he grapples with grief.
* Figurative language: Metaphors, similes, and other literary devices help create vivid imagery and a sense of wonder, even amidst the sadness.
Informal Setting
Imagine you're having a chat with a friend about the book. Here's how you might use diction informally:
* Instead of saying "The novel's language is intense," you might say: "The words in that book, man, they just hit you hard, you know?"
* Instead of saying "Oskar's voice is childlike," you might say: "It's like Oskar's talking like a kid, but it's kind of messed up because he's dealing with all this stuff."
* Instead of saying "The book uses figurative language," you might say: "It's not just straight-up words, there's all this fancy stuff with metaphors and stuff that makes it really powerful."
Key takeaway:
The diction in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" is important because it shapes the story's tone and emotional impact. Even when talking casually, you can use informal language to express those same ideas.