[…] Parts 20+21: …read more […]

His explication of language here reminded me of learning about the difference between denotation and connotation - and learning that connotation was where the real pleasure was to be found in playing with words. This section also brought to mind some favorite quotes about writing and words: "A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people." - Thomas Mann "Unless you are educated in metaphor, you are not safe to be let loose in the world." - Robert Frost and, as my journalism professor, Bill Downs, a former Marine, used to growl at students: "Words are sharp weapons. They should always point away from the writer." Good advice indeed - not always easy to follow!