Ian Armstrong Stroeve English 3H, Period 1 3 November 2013 “Deviation from nature is deviation from happiness” (Samuel Johnson). According to nature, what happens to man is ‘natural’, whereas society restricts man of his innate being. Man is born pure and through society he becomes corrupt. In this short passage from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain’s use of syntax and...Read more 1632
The syntax is the set of rules that determine the different possibilities of associations between the constituent terms of the sentences.
In general, one can say that syntax is the set of rules that determine the different possibilities of association between the words of the language for the formation of verbal utterances.
In order for verbal communication or interaction to take place in an efficient and organized way among speakers, languages have not only a lexicon composed of thousands of words, but also some rules that determine how words can be combined to form a logical relationship of utterances. These rules are what defines the syntax of languages.
As we write, we seek linguistic strategies that would best express our thinking. Among these strategies are the choice of the textual genre, choice of textual type, choice of language type (whether the language will be literary or not literary) and also we make a careful choice of vocabulary, privileging stylistic elements or just the linguistic elements necessary for the construction of a more objective and dynamic text.
The syntax figures or construction figures are a classification of the figures of language, elements that make a text, especially those that adopt the literary language, more expressive and linguistically rich. While thought figures subvert the real meaning of words, syntax figures promote syntactic deviations and irregular concordances that imprint unusual features on linguistic construction.
There are different ways of using syntax in the texts. Let us have a look at the main syntax figures:
- Ellipsis: it is the omission of a term that can easily be implied by analyzing the context of the sentence since that term was previously enunciated or suggested in the sentence.
- Pleonasm: it consists in the repetition of an already expressed term or even of an idea. Its main function, when in literary language, is to confer clarity or emphasis.
- Anticipation or prolepsis: consists of the use of a term that is outside the place grammatically agreed. Within a narrative, the prolepsis can arise to anticipate a fact of history that, chronologically, will only happen later.
- Polysyndeton: a use of two syntax figures with opposite functions. Here, the repetition of the coordinating conjunctions occurs and is being shown in an asymmetric way.
- Antithesis: it consists of the opposition between one or more ideas, and because of this it becomes a figure of syntax easily identifiable in a text.
- Hyperbole: consists in exaggerating an idea with the intention of emphasizing it.
- Euphemism: it is the extreme opposite of hyperbole. When using euphemism, ideas are softened to make them more pleasant
Examples in Literature
Syntax as the way of arranging words and phrases is widely used in classic and modern literature. The classical examples of syntax can be found in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, “Boxy an Star” by Daren King, “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway, “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare and many more pieces.
Hamlet: syntax and Tone The twelve lines between the Queen and Hamlet demonstrate a unique use of syntax and a specific tone. Beginning with the Queen’s first words in line 9 and ending with Hamlet’s in line 12, Hamlet’s responses mimic his mother’s in word choice and order, while offering opposite, but certainly insulting, meanings. For example, the Queen states “Hamlet, thou hast thy father...Read more 540
Language and speech ? puns, jokes, allusions and word choices ? define a character. Henry Drummond’s disciplined syntax and provocative diction depict his capricious disposition. Colonel Drummond’s word choice and level of language help him achieve his goal of proving Bertram Cates’s innocence by scathingly mocking religion. Drummond is introduced as an intransigent...Read more 482
Surprised by Joy is about Wordsmith’s acceptance of his grief. The poem progresses from a lack of clear metrical structure to a rhythm with clarity. This change embodies Wordsmith’s progression from cognitive dissonance to resolute cohesion of his emotions and thoughts. The poets internal battle with opposing emotions of Joy and grief are entrenched The personification of the wind...Read more 403
Abigail Snyder Essay I have had a desire to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. If I could be a teacher I feel as if I could make a great impact in the world. All of my teachers have been great influences on me and it would be so rewarding to have the opportunity to do the same for others. Teachers are a major part of everyone’s foundation as a successful person. If it wasn’t for...Read more 399
Every person who has been to a store has seen a child whining, screaming, or yelling over an item they so desperately want, while the embarrassed parent is forced to walk around d with a screaming child, or simply yield to the child’s wishes. In “Kid Customers” by Eric Closer, he re veal’s some of the tactics that advertisers may use to draw in a child. Closer employs...Read more 314
Outline Introduction Definition of Formalism – As a School of Literary Criticism – As a Theory How the Movement Came to Be The Leaders of Formalism Formalism vs. Marxism Characteristics of Formalism – Primary Areas of Study – Form and Unity – Diction – Incongruities and Inconsistencies Essential Questions for a Formalist Reading Introduction All literary...Read more 252
Following the Enlightenment period, feeling and emotion replaced reason as society realized that reason does not necessarily lead to truth. This response to the philosophical and political realm became what is known as the Romantic Era. There was a shift from the motto “I think, therefore I am,” to “I feel, therefore I am. ” Romantic literature tended to emphasize emotionalism as genres such...Read more 215
Budick, Sanford, and Wolfgang Iser, eds. 1996. Stanford: Stanford University Press. $45.00 hc. $17.95 sc. xiv + 348 pp. This gathering of essays by scholar-critics from Israel, Germany, and the United States represents the third and concluding volume of colloquium transactions to have issued from The Institutions of Interpretation, a collective research project based at The Hebrew...Read more 193
Ever wonder how the English language came to be? Did people just start speaking the same language one day? Of course not, the language was passed through history formed by little changes here and there. There are many similarities that are carried throughout the history of the English language. However, many differences are also evident as well. For example, “The Lord’s Prayer” developed over...Read more 165
Authors use forms of syntax, diction, imagery, tone, and argument to illustrate the point and feel that they want to get across to the reader. In this narrative, Edgar Allen Poe uses elements in his narrative to argue that although what he has experienced might not be so horrible in another’s eyes, it has destroyed him. He uses syntax and diction to describe the rest of his narrative...Read more 155
There are various aspects which are true to every language. These include: phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. The phonology of a language includes a set of phonemes: the different sounds, and the rules governing the combination of these sounds which can be found within the language. The semantics involved in a language deals with the meanings of the sentences, words, and grammatical...Read more 135