What is diction in literature?

Diction in literature refers specifically to the word choice employed by an author or a character. It encompasses the vocabulary, tone, and level of formality used in a piece of writing, and these choices can deeply affect the work's overall meaning, mood, and style. For instance, an author might choose formal diction to convey a sense of sophistication or simplicity to create a casual, relatable tone. The nuances of diction can also reveal character traits, evoke emotions, and establish themes within a narrative.

The other aspects, such as rhythm, length of sentences, and narrative perspective, do not directly relate to diction. Rhythm pertains to the flow and meter of the text, sentence length affects pacing and complexity, and narrative perspective concerns the point of view from which the story is told. While these elements contribute to the overall impact of a literary work, they fall outside the specific definition of diction.