What is diction in literary analysis?

• A. The setting and time period.
• B. The narrative voice.
• C. The author's word choice.
• D. The plot structure.

Answer: (C)

Diction is the author's word choice and how that choice shapes meaning, tone, and mood. Words carry literal meaning and the feelings they evoke, so the specific vocabulary and phrasing signal things like formality, social context, and character voice. By picking precise or colorful words, the writer communicates attitude, helps paint a scene, and guides how readers interpret events. That’s why this option is the best: it targets the language the author uses. The other elements describe different parts of a story—the setting and time period tell where and when it happens; the narrative voice is whose perspective tells the story; and the plot structure concerns how events are arranged.