Question

Discuss the diction in the following lines from "Upon Julia's Clothes."

"Whenas in silks my Julia goes,
The, then, methinks, how sweetly flows
That liquefaction of her clothes."

a) The diction in these lines is simple and direct, with words like "silks," "sweetly," and "clothes" contributing to a straightforward tone.
b) The diction in these lines is formal and elevated, using words like "methinks" and "liquefaction" to create a more sophisticated and literary tone.
c) The diction in these lines is humorous and light-hearted, with playful language like "sweetly flows" and "liquefaction" conveying a sense of whimsy.
d) The diction in these lines is critical and analytical, as the speaker dissects Julia's clothing with specific terms like "silks" and "liquefaction."

Answer 1

The diction in "Upon Julia's Clothes" is formal and elevated, with sophisticated words like "methinks" and "liquefaction" that add a literary tone to the poem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diction in the lines from "Upon Julia's Clothes" is formal and elevated. Words like "methinks" and "liquefaction" contribute to a sophisticated and literary tone.

"Methinks" is a more archaic form of "it seems to me," adding a touch of formality, while "liquefaction" is a high-register word that transforms the simple act of Julia's movement in her silk clothes into something more poetic and refined, suggesting that her clothes move fluidly and gracefully as if they were liquid.

The word "liquefaction" in particular elevates the diction beyond everyday speech, contrasting the use of simpler words like "silks" and "clothes". This combination of word choices aligns with the guidance that diction can create clarity without being mean, and that using unusual or metaphorical words can raise the style above the commonplace.