How do diction and syntax impact the meaning of the passage? Use this list of words to describe diction, if needed. How do diction and syntax impact the meaning of the passage? Use this list of words to describe diction, if needed.

The author uses playful, yet formal diction to show that slacking, or taking a break from busy activities, is important to success. The author encourages the reader to “embrace the joy of doing less” and uses a tone of admiration when describing the values of Montaigne, Thoreau, and Whitman.

By placing words such as retired and lazy in scare quotes, the author draws attention to the idea that what some consider lazy is actually a wise choice. The mood for the reader is peaceful, yet reflective. The author calls into question the common notion of slacking by using parallel structure for two contrasting ideas, stating, “Thoreau used time away from traditional work not to escape life but to embrace it.”

Explanation:

the: determiner

storm: noun

remains: verb

a: determiner

threat: noun

to: preposition

the: determiner

coastal: adjective

village: noun

comfort   in their suffering