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Explore the emotional and cultural associations words evoke beyond their dictionary definitions. Learn how authors manipulate connotations to influence reader emotions and character perceptions.
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Connotation The Feeling of a Word
Definition of Connotation • “con” = together “nota” = words “tion” = state or act • “The emotional feeling or cultural association a word evokes in addition to its dictionary definition.”
Negative to Positive Example of words with negative connotation: skinny chick pushy cowardly nag out of date Example of words with positive connotation: lean woman assertive prudent remind time tested
Bum vs. Homeless 1) ________ vs. Inexpensive 2) Childish vs. ________ 3) Conceited vs. ________ Cowardly vs. Prudent Crippled vs. Disabled 4) ________ vs. Challenging Fired vs. Terminated 5) __________ vs. Elderly Can you change the connotation?
Some words have neurtral connotation Positive ~ Neutral ~ Negative Self‐confident Proud Arrogant Dignified Reserved Snobby Modest Shy Mousy Venerable Elderly Old Thrifty Conservative Miserly Slender Thin Skinny
Authorial Intent • Authors use connotation to manipulate reader emotions or demonstrate a character's bias. • Ex: In Of Mice and Men, Crooks is described as a “nigger” and a “cripple” and Curley’s Wife is called a “tart.” How can we tell if it is the author or character who holds the bias?
Now you try! • Your teacher will give you a card with a word from Fahrenheit 451. • On the back, write the dictionary definition, the context from the book, and the connotation. • Then post your word to the class wall!
Now you try! • With your natural partner, define the words from “The Undercover Parent” and check how they are used in the article. • Decide if the connotation is positive, negative, or neutral. How does the author want us to feel about this thing? • Finally, rank the words 1-11, from the most positive (#1) to the most negative (#11). Be ready to share your answers with the class.
