What does "connotation" refer to in literature?

In literature, "connotation" refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal, dictionary definition. While every word has a denotation, which is its specific meaning, connotations include the feelings, thoughts, or ideas that people associate with the word based on their experiences and cultural context.

For example, the word "home" denotes a physical dwelling but carries connotations of warmth, safety, and belonging. Authors often choose words with particular connotations to evoke specific feelings or to create an atmosphere in their writing, making connotation an essential tool in literary analysis and interpretation. This understanding of connotation helps readers grasp the deeper nuances in texts and enhances their overall comprehension of the material.