1. American Literature
Important Terms

2. value
Value: An intangible concept, attitude, behavior, or belief that is meaningful or valuable
Values provide an internal reference for what is right and wrong
Personal values and cultural values usually intersect and overlap
Examples:
Family
Love of country
Justice

3. Loaded language
Loaded language: language that tries to influence the reader by appealing to their emotions rather than their logic or reason (emotive language)
Examples:
Mighty – the literal meaning is powerful or forceful, but it is often used to describe a good or benevolent type of power
pro-life
tax relief
beast/animal
Purpose: creates bias
Bias: A personal and (sometimes) unreasoned judgment

4. Denotation Vs. connotation
Denotation: the explicit or direct meaning of a word or set of words; the literal meaning or “dictionary definition”
Example: Snake (n) – a long, limbless reptile; can be harmless or venomous
Connotation: an emotional association that words or phrases carry; can be positive or negative
Example: Snake (n) – a person who is unreliable, sneaky, or evil
*** This type of loaded language relies on the author’s chosen words’ connotation to convey its intended message. ***

5. Denotation Vs. connotation
What is the denotation of discriminate?
To note or observe a difference
What is the connotation of discriminate?
To treat an individual differently because of that difference
Examples:
Do you still cheat on your math tests?
10 steps to a wealthier 2012!
10 minutes to flat abs!

6. paradox
Paradox: an opinion or statement contrary to popular or widely accepted opinion; leads to a contradiction; usually expresses a possible truth
Examples:
Everything I say is a lie.
There is a method to my madness.
This statement is false.
“We are alert, curious, hopeful, and we take more drugs designed to make us unaware than any other people.”
– Steinbeck
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. – First Commandment from Animal Farm