Connotation and Denotation in Literature

As far as literary usage is concerned, the term “denotation” means the primary meaning or reference of a word; while “connotation” of a word means a range of secondary or associated meanings that the word implies. For example; “home” denotes the house in which one lives while it connotes intimacy and privacy.

In a broader sense, the connotation of a word consists of a variety of meanings or meanings and what the actual connotation of the word is depends on the context in which the word is used. As far as poetry is concerned, words share contexts with both denotative and connotative meanings. And it is up to the reader how to evaluate the words. In this regard, George Herbert’s poem “virtue” must take into account:

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,

The bride of earth and sky…

The word “nuptial” has both connotative and denotative meanings. The denotation of the word means that a union between human beings. The word means “earth” and works as a metaphor to facilitate the union of earth and sky. On the other hand, the connotation of the word “nuptial” is sacred or ceremonial. Also, the meaning of the word is similar to “marriage”.

The second example I want to offer is a part of John Keats’s book. “Ode to a Nightingale” where the connotative meaning of the word changes depending on the way it is written:

Enchanted magic cases, which open in the foam.

Of dangerous seas, in fairy abandoned land,

You’ll notice that the use of “faery” instead of “fairy” evokes Spenser’s connotation of antiquity and wonderful world. “The Fairy Queen”.

Here are some of the examples to see how connotation and denotation overlap! Meanings can only be distinguished according to the content in which the words are used. When it comes to the language of literature, you will see the presence of both and it is up to the reader to appreciate the artwork by considering the appropriate connotative or denotative meanings.

In short, denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word, or the dictionary definition. Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the associations that are attached to a particular word or the emotional suggestions associated with that word. The connotative meanings of a particular word exist alongside the denotative meanings. So both share distinct characteristics when it comes to the meaning of a word.