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What is Poetic Diction?

Generally, Poetic Diction means the selection of words in a poem or a prose piece. It denotes the type of language a particular writer chooses for a particular piece of writing. Therefore, poetic diction includes words, phrases, figures of speech, and syntax.

Since different writers have different purposes for writing, their selection of words differs from one another. For this reason, there are several types of poetic diction. It may be formal or informal, literal or figurative, simple or grand, lucid or sonorous, and the like.

However, William Wordsworth used ‘poetic diction’ to mean the ‘gaudy’ language of the Neo-classical writers. To him, the language which was artificial, figurative, elevated, and beyond the reach of common people is ‘poetic diction’.

Poetic Diction

Poetic diction refers to the choice of words, phrases, and expressions used in poetry. It is different from ordinary language because it often includes elevated vocabulary, figurative speech, and rhythmic qualities. It helps create beauty, emotion, and deeper meaning in poetry.

Features of Poetic Diction

  1. Elevated Language – It uses grand, refined, or noble words instead of common speech.
  2. Figurative Language – It includes metaphors, similes, personification, and other figures of speech.
  3. Archaic Words – Some poets use old or uncommon words to make their poetry sound special.
  4. Musical Quality – It has rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, and other sound effects.
  5. Concise Expression – It expresses deep ideas in fewer words.
  6. Symbolism – It often uses symbols to represent abstract ideas.

Famous Writers Who Used Poetic Diction

  1. John Milton – Used grand and serious words in Paradise Lost.
  2. Alexander Pope – Used formal, structured, and witty language in The Rape of the Lock.
  3. William Wordsworth – Opposed artificial diction and promoted simple, natural language in poetry.
  4. Percy Bysshe Shelley – Used rich, imaginative words in Ode to the West Wind.
  5. John Keats – Used sensuous and musical language in Ode to a Nightingale.

Famous Writings and Their Poetic Diction

1. Paradise Lost by John Milton

Milton’s Paradise Lost (1667) is an epic poem about the fall of Adam and Eve. His poetic diction is formal, grand, and majestic. He uses Latinized words, long sentences, and rich imagery.

  • Example: “Of Man’s first disobedience, and the fruit / Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste / Brought death into the world, and all our woe.”
  • Analysis: The words “disobedience,” “forbidden,” and “mortal taste” make the poem sound serious and noble.

2. The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope

Pope’s The Rape of the Lock (1712) is a mock-epic poem that uses elegant but exaggerated language to describe a trivial event. His diction is refined, witty, and playful.

  • Example: “What dire offence from am’rous causes springs, / What mighty contests rise from trivial things!”
  • Analysis: Words like “dire offence” and “mighty contests” make a small event (cutting a lock of hair) sound as serious as a war.

3. Preface to Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth

Wordsworth rejected artificial poetic diction and used simple, everyday language. In Lyrical Ballads (1798), he explained that poetry should be written in “the real language of men.”

  • Example (from Lines Written in Early Spring): “To her fair works did Nature link / The human soul that through me ran.”
  • Analysis: The words are natural and easy, but still poetic and deep.

4. Ode to the West Wind by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind (1819) has powerful, vivid, and dramatic poetic diction. He describes the wind as a mighty force of nature and change.

  • Example: “O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being, / Thou, from whose unseen presence the leaves dead / Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter fleeing.”
  • Analysis: Words like “breath,” “unseen presence,” and “ghosts” create a strong and mystical effect.

5. Ode to a Nightingale by John Keats

Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale (1819) has rich, musical, and sensuous diction. He uses imagery of nature, beauty, and dreams.

  • Example: “Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird! / No hungry generations tramp thee down.”
  • Analysis: Words like “immortal” and “hungry generations” make the nightingale seem eternal and above human suffering.

Poetic diction changes over time. Early poets like Milton and Pope used grand and artificial words. Later poets like Wordsworth and Shelley used natural but powerful language. Each poet chose words to suit their style, theme, and emotions.