DICTION/SONG/SPECTACLE

By: Desiree Altmann and Michael Kim

Diction Fourth in importance Elaborates the action, the

character and the theme but it does not contributes theme“the expression of the meaning in

words”○ Proper: generally used by people○ Appropriate to plot○ Appropriate to characters○ Appropriate to end of tragedy

Diction Aristotle discusses the style of

tragedy, favoring metaphors Aristotle believed it was a mark of

genius, if one could create a good metaphor

Essence both in verse and prose

Diction To create a clean diction that is

distant from common one can use:

Lengthening Contraction Altering words

Diction Newly-coined words are words that have

never been used in local areas, but used and adopted by the poet

Word is lengthened when its own vowel is exchanged for a longer one or when a syllable is inserted

Word is contracted when some part of it is removed

Altered word is a word in which part of it its left unchanged and the other part recast

Nouns can be masculine, feminine or neutral

Diction A clear style is one that uses only

current and proper words Riddle: consists of metaphors Jargon: consists of strange or rare

words The essence of riddle is to express true facts

under impossible combinations

Diction Critics hold poets to use the correct way

of such thing If not their poetry would sound grotesque and ludicrous

Poets need moderation in lengthening, contraction and altering words

Strange words, metaphors or even any similar mode of expression can replace a common, ordinary, proper term to make it more attractive

But if such are not used well they may lead to catastrophe

Diction Metaphors are used in iambic Strange or rare words are use in heroic

poetry

Example for diction "nun de m'eon oligos te kai outidanos kai aeikes,

"Yet a small man, worthless and unseemly, "

the difference will be felt if we substitute the common words,

"nun de m'eon mikros te kai asthenikos kai aeides.

"Yet a little fellow, weak and ugly. "

Song Fifth in importance Musical element of the chorus Aristotle thinks that the chorus

should be fully integrated in the play; like an actorShould contribute to the plot

Has diction and thought

Song Thought:

Includes every effect which has to be produced○ Proof: excitation of the feelings○ Refutation: suggestion of importance or its

oppositeMust have same points of view as the

dramatic speeches when it what’s to evoke feelings

Incidents should speak for themselves without verbal exposition

Effects should be produced be the speaker

Song Diction:

Can be a command○ A prayer○ A statement○ A threat○ A question○ An answer, and so forth ○ Used to tell what to do or what not to do

Example for Song

Homer by Protagoras- “Sing, goddess, of the wrath,” he gives a command under the idea that he utters a prayer in the song.

Spectacle Last of importance and least

connected with literature“the production of spectacular effects

depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet.”

own emotional attraction and least connected with the art of poetry.

Spectacle Aristotle

says that superior poets rely more on the inner structure of the play than fear and pity

Spectacle Tragedy

Apart from representation and actors People who use spectacular means

that includes monstrous are a purpose to Tragedy

Spectacle Production of Spectacular Effects

depends on more on the art of the stage than the poet.

Fear and Pity1. Made by spectacular means2. Makes a superior poet3. incidents must happen

between friends or enemies

Spectacle Skillful handling

done with consciously and knowledge Falling within the action

1 case= to be about to act with knowledge of the persons and then not to act

2 case= doing an irreparable deed by ignorance and discover before it’s done.

Example for Spectacle

An unnecessary action done on stage. Example:

Shakespeare thought that spectacle was needed to be more entertaining like the dramatic end in Romeo and Juliet