Diction refers to word choice and influences dialogue, but does not fully encompass it. Whether Sarah should mention dialogue in the opening paragraph or dedicate a separate paragraph to it depends on its importance to her thesis or focus on the essay. The integration or separation of dialogue in her essay should be based on its relationship with other literary elements.
In literary analysis, diction generally refers to the author's word choice and is a key element in analyzing the style of a text. While diction can impact the way dialogue is written and perceived, it does not cover the concept of dialogue fully. Dialogue not only involves the words chosen by characters but also includes the rhythm, flow, subtext, and interaction between characters, contributing significantly to character development and plot advancement.
Whether Sarah should have mentioned dialogue in the opening paragraph depends on the thesis and focus of her essay. If dialogue is a central element in analyzing the work being studied, it might be beneficial to introduce it early on. However, dialogue could also be effectively incorporated into development paragraphs if it closely interacts with other aspects being analyzed, such as character development or thematic exploration.
Creating a separate paragraph on dialogue could enhance the essay if this element warrants distinct attention beyond its relationship with diction. Conversely, incorporating dialogue into the developmental paragraphs might lead to a more integrated and cohesive analysis if dialogue and diction are tightly interlinked within the narrative being explored.