In analyzing the literary element of characterization, "Cell One" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, "The Story of the Bad Little Boy" by Mark Twain, and the song "Butterfly" by Weezer each utilize author word choices to vividly portray their characters. Adichie, through her precise diction and dialogue, reveals the rebellious and independent nature of Nnamabia, the protagonist of "Cell One." When Nnamabia is scolded for his behavior, he defiantly retorts, "I cannot be silenced" (Adichie). This choice of words connotes a determination and resilience, emphasizing his refusal to conform to societal expectations. Similarly, in Twain's story, the author's use of satirical language accentuates the mischievous and rebellious character of the bad little boy. Twain describes his protagonist, "Whenever anything went wrong with him, and nothing ever did go wrong with him, it was always somebody else's fault" (Twain). The word choice of "always" highlights the boy's consistent avoidance of responsibility, reinforcing his unrepentant nature.
Moving to the song "Butterfly" by Weezer, the band employs vivid imagery to characterize the subject of the song. The lyrics describe the butterfly with the line, "You float on by like a rare butterfly" (Weezer 1:12). The denotation of "rare" conveys the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the butterfly, while its connotation evokes a sense of beauty and delicacy. Weezer's word choice creates an image of something precious and fleeting, which reflects the fleeting nature of love and the fragility of the character's emotions.
By examining the author word choices in these works, it becomes evident that characterization is developed through the precise selection of words. Adichie, Twain, and Weezer employ specific diction and dialogue to convey the rebelliousness, mischievousness, and fleeting nature of their respective characters. These deliberate word choices enhance the reader's understanding of the characters, allowing for a more engaging and immersive reading or listening experience.