• Joseph Heller uses a characteristic type of diction that is high and formal when narrating, yet uses a more casual, low to medium type of diction in dialogue to emphasize the militaristic jargon and level of formality. The use of words like “infundibuliform,” “apoplectic,” and “exultantly” while also using “lumpy,” “snotnose,” and “slam-bang” suggest just this. This creates a stern, yet lighthearted tone that the reader infers is characteristic of being in the military, or rather while being stationed and prepared for battle. It is almost paradoxical; fun yet serious, humorous yet hauntingly psychological.
• Joseph Heller uses a casual, medium diction as well, referring to William Shakespeare as “Bill Shakespeare” and using folksy similes like “strong as an ox”. This illustrates a tone that is immersible in the style of the informal soldier. It denotes a somewhat playful nature among the soldiers, keeping the camaraderie alive among them. It helps display the youth, virility, and strength that the majority of these men have, three major characteristics that men in battle have.
• A serious tone is achieved when using adjectives like “diffident” and “conciliating” that describes the men greatly. This clever use of adjectives helps illustrate the various characters, whether shy or agreeable. It creates a more mature prose and tone that typically would not be achieved with excessively formal or informal diction. This helps develop each character as its own, creating a deeper, richer storyline that greatly enhances the serious tone that Heller is trying to achieve.
Heller indeed uses a certain type of diction when he writes.
ReplyDeleteAs was stated before, he uses a high diction when narrating, but reverts to simplistic language as the soldiers speak and interact with each other.
His similes contribute to the story as well as his fluctuation in tones, switching between playful and serious, in order to develop each and every individual character of the novel.