What is Connotation?
An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
Words with (Extra) Feeling: Understanding Connotation in Creative Writing
In creative writing, the words you choose matter. Not just for their literal meaning, but for the feeling or idea they evoke. That's where connotation comes in. It refers to the extra associations and emotions that a word carries beyond its dictionary definition. This added layer of meaning can deepen the impact of your writing and help you convey a more nuanced message to your audience.
For example, consider the difference between describing a character as 'thrifty' versus 'cheap.' Both words technically mean that someone is careful with money, but 'cheap' has negative connotations of stinginess and greed. Using 'thrifty' instead can portray the same characteristic in a more positive light.
Understanding the connotation of your words can also help you play with irony and create additional layers of meaning in your writing. For example, using the word 'family' in a horror story could create a stark contrast between the warm, loving connotations of the word and the chilling events of the plot.
Overall, being mindful of connotation is just one way to elevate your writing and add depth and meaning to your prose.
Connotation is a powerful tool in the writer's arsenal, allowing them to imbue their words with additional meaning and emotions. Here are two examples of authors skillfully utilizing connotation to create unforgettable imagery:
Context:
In this dystopian novel, the protagonist, Winston Smith, is a member of a society governed by a totalitarian regime known simply as the Party. The Party's leader, Big Brother, is worshiped like a deity, and his image is plastered all over the city on posters reading 'Big Brother is watching you.'
Example:
Orwell uses the word 'watching' to convey a sense of fear and oppression beyond its literal meaning. It implies that the Party is constantly monitoring and scrutinizing its citizens' every move, and that no one is truly safe from their prying eyes.
Context:
This classic novel is set in the 1920s and explores the decadence and excess of the era's wealthy elite.
Example:
Fitzgerald often uses the color yellow to represent wealth and extravagance. For example, in describing the exterior of Gatsby's mansion, he writes, 'But I saw that the block of the sidewalk that had been reserved for the chauffeur, and his car, was crowded with the rich darkgoldenrod of the parked cars.' The use of the specific shade 'dark goldenrod' adds to the opulent image Fitzgerald is trying to create, emphasizing the wealth and luxury of Gatsby's lifestyle.