ASSIGNMENT V

1. Comment on the length of the sentence and its stylistic relevance

It appears, the length of any language unit is a very important factor in information
exchange, for the human brain can receive and transmit information only if the latter
is punctuated by pauses.
Indeed, psychologically, no reader is prepared to perceive as a syn
tactical whole those sentences in which the punctuation mark of a full
stop comes after the 124th word
Unable to specify the upper limit of sentence length we definitely
know its lower mark to be one word. Oneword sentences possess a very
strong emphatic impact, for their only word obtains both the word
and the sentencestress. Abrupt changes from short sentences to long ones and then back
again, create a very strong effect of tension and suspense for they serve
to arrange a nervous, uneven, ragged rhythm of the utterance.
2. What do you know about one-word sentences?
Oneword sentences possess a very strong emphatic impact, for their only word
obtains both the word and the sentencestress. The word constituting a sentence also
obtains its own sentenceintonation which, too, helps to foreground the content.
3. Is there any correlation between the length and the structure of the
sentence?
There is no direct or immediate correlation between the length
and the structure of a sentence: short sentences may be structurally
complicated, while the long ones, on the contrary, may have only one
subjectpredicate pair.
4. Can syntactical ambivalence be put to stylistic use?
There are
cases, though, when syntactical ambivalence is preserved by certain
members of a sentence which fact creates semantic ambiguity for it
allows at least two different readings of the sentence. Sometimes syntactical ambivalence,
like the play on words on the lexical level, is intentional and is used to achieve a humorous
effect.
5. What punctuation marks do you know and what is their stylistic po
tential?
Punctuation is much poorer and it is used not alone, but emphasizing
and substantiating the lexical and syntactical meanings of sentence
components. Points of exclamation and of interrogation, dots, dashes
help to specify the meaning of the written sentence which in oral
speech would be conveyed by the intonation. It is not only the emphatic types of punctuation
listed above that may serve as an additional
source of information, but also more conventional commas, semico
lons and full stops. The full stop between the name and the sur
name shows there was a pause between them and the surname came
as a response to the reaction (surprise, amusement, roused interest) of
John Lewis at such an informal selfintroduction.

Ex.1
Let's analyze each sentence:

1. **Sentence 1:**
 - **Length:** The sentence is relatively long and complex, especially due to the
embedded dialogue.
- **Structure:** The sentence is well-structured, with a clear narrative and dialogue
placement.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence serves a narrative purpose, conveying the
complaint of a sick child about his mother reading from an undesirable book.
- **Punctuation:** The punctuation is used effectively to demarcate the dialogue
and maintain clarity.
- **Connotations:** The sentence conveys a sense of annoyance or frustration on
the part of the sick child, adding a touch of humor with the quoted question.

2. **Sentence 2:**
- **Length:** The sentence is long and contains multiple clauses, contributing to its
complexity.
- **Structure:** The sentence is well-structured, with a coherent flow of thoughts.
- **Communicative Type:** It serves a reflective purpose, exploring the narrator's
feelings about relationships.
- **Punctuation:** Commas are used to connect clauses, and the sentence ends with
a period, creating a sense of finality.
- **Connotations:** The sentence reveals the complexity of relationships and the
narrator's nuanced understanding of the situation, including Fonny's mother's attitude
towards the narrator.

3. **Sentence 3:**
- **Length:** The sentence is quite long and contains multiple events.
- **Structure:** The sentence is structured with a series of actions in a sequence.
- **Communicative Type:** It describes a religious or church setting, conveying
the enthusiastic reactions of the congregation.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and semicolons are used to connect and separate
events, creating a dynamic rhythm.
- **Connotations:** The sentence evokes a lively and emotional atmosphere within
a church, with elements of spiritual fervor and personal memories.

4. **Sentence 4:**
- **Length:** The sentence is concise and to the point.
- **Structure:** It is well-structured, presenting a clear statement about Roy's
behavior.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence expresses admiration or recognition of
Roy's friendliness.
- **Punctuation:** The sentence is straightforward, with a single comma for
clarification.
- **Connotations:** The sentence implies a positive and warm relationship between
the narrator and Roy, emphasizing Roy's exceptional friendliness among fellow
novelists.
Let's analyze each sentence:

5. **Sentence 5:**
- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long and contains complex phrasing.
- **Structure:** It is well-structured, presenting a clear thought and conclusion.
 - **Communicative Type:** The sentence expresses a reflective conclusion or
opinion.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and a colon are used effectively to connect and
conclude the statement.
- **Connotations:** The sentence conveys a sense of finality and suggests that,
given the fundamental fact, it is advisable to conclude the matter without further
elaboration.

6. **Sentence 6:**
- **Length:** The sentence is quite long and intricately constructed.
- **Structure:** It is well-structured, detailing the thoughts and experiences of
Mucho, the used car salesman.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence serves a descriptive purpose, portraying
Mucho's observations and feelings.
- **Punctuation:** Commas, colons, and dashes are used to connect ideas and
create a flowing narrative.
- **Connotations:** The sentence paints a vivid picture of Mucho's experiences
with used cars, emphasizing the variety of people and stories associated with them. It
conveys a mix of empathy and discomfort in Mucho's role.

7. **Sentence 7:**
- **Length:** The sentence is moderate in length.
- **Structure:** It is straightforward, describing soldiers wandering after an event.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence depicts a scene of aftermath or chaos.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and conjunctions are used to connect actions, creating
a sense of continuous movement.
- **Connotations:** The sentence conveys a sense of disarray and aimlessness
among soldiers after a battle, using vivid descriptions of their appearance and
movements.

8. **Sentence 8:**
- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long.
- **Structure:** It is well-structured, providing a clear image of miners in a town.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence describes a scene, showcasing the
presence of miners in a casual setting.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and a dash are used effectively to connect and
emphasize details.
- **Connotations:** The sentence creates a vivid image of miners in a relaxed state,
emphasizing their physical presence and attire on Main Street.

9. **Sentence 9:**
- **Length:** The sentence is long and complex.
- **Structure:** It is intricately constructed, expressing a philosophical thought.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence serves a contemplative purpose,
exploring the narrator's identity and connection to the world.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and colons are used to connect and elaborate on ideas.
- **Connotations:** The sentence delves into philosophical reflections on identity,
emphasizing the interconnectedness of the narrator with the past and the present.
Let's analyze each sentence:
10. **Sentence 10:**
- **Length:** The sentence is short and impactful.
- **Structure:** It is straightforward, repeating the word "people" for emphasis.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence expresses a preference for human
connection over inanimate surroundings.
- **Punctuation:** Periods are used effectively for emphasis.
- **Connotations:** The repetition of "people" suggests a strong affinity for human
interaction, emphasizing the speaker's preference for living entities over lifeless
environments.

11. **Sentence 11:**

- **Length:** The dialogue is concise with two short sentences.
- **Structure:** It is a dialogue exchange, presenting a question and a response.
- **Communicative Type:** The dialogue conveys information about the
whereabouts of someone.
- **Punctuation:** Quotation marks and ellipses are used to indicate dialogue and
pauses.
- **Connotations:** The dialogue reveals a matter-of-fact conversation about the
person's fate, incorporating a mix of resignation and speculation.

12. **Sentence 12:**

- **Length:** The sentences are short, contributing to a rapid exchange of
emotions.
- **Structure:** It is a series of brief statements capturing different reactions.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentences depict a scene of surprise and moral
judgment.
- **Punctuation:** Exclamation marks and periods are used to convey different
emotional responses.
- **Connotations:** The sentences capture a sequence of reactions to an unexpected
sight, reflecting a range of emotions from surprise to moral disgust.

13. **Sentence 13:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long and complex.
- **Structure:** It is a rhetorical question exploring the endurance of a woman's
tongue.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence poses a philosophical question about the
power of a woman's speech.
- **Punctuation:** Question marks are used to signal a rhetorical inquiry.
- **Connotations:** The sentence delves into the rhetorical exploration of the
challenges posed by a woman's speech, suggesting its enduring and pervasive nature.

14. **Sentence 14:**

- **Length:** The sentence is of moderate length.
- **Structure:** It is a dialogue expressing skepticism.
- **Communicative Type:** The dialogue challenges the contradiction between
Christian values and violent actions.
- **Punctuation:** Quotation marks are used to indicate dialogue, and exclamation
marks emphasize the disbelief.
- **Connotations:** The dialogue critiques the perceived hypocrisy of invoking
Christianity while engaging in violent behavior.
15. **Sentence 15:**
- **Length:** The sentence is concise.
- **Structure:** It is a rhetorical question expressing a sense of futility.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence reflects on the lack of power despite
occupying a position of authority.
- **Punctuation:** Question marks are used for rhetorical effect.
- **Connotations:** The sentence conveys a sense of frustration or resignation
about the limitations of authority and the inability to influence decisions.

16. **Sentence 16:**

- **Length:** The sentence is short and straightforward.
- **Structure:** It is a declarative statement drawing a connection between politics
and war.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence expresses a perspective on the
relationship between politics and war.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and a colon are used to connect ideas.
- **Connotations:** The sentence suggests a perspective on the transformation of
political conflicts into violent confrontations during wars.

17. **Sentence 17:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long and complex.
- **Structure:** It is a series of questions expressing a dialogue with a deceased
father.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentences convey a contemplative and questioning
tone.
- **Punctuation:** Question marks are used to signal questions and create a
reflective atmosphere.
- **Connotations:** The sentences evoke a sense of existential questioning, with
the speaker addressing a deceased father and reflecting on the circumstances
surrounding their death.

18. **Sentence 18:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long.
- **Structure:** It is a rhetorical question emphasizing simplicity and common
sense.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence poses a straightforward question about
self-improvement.
- **Punctuation:** Question marks and ellipses are used for rhetorical effect.
- **Connotations:** The sentence conveys a tone of straightforward inquiry, urging
consideration of practical and sensible approaches to self-improvement.

19. **Sentence 19:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long.
- **Structure:** It is a descriptive passage portraying the actions of Jonathan
Livingstone Seagull.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence describes a moment of intense
concentration and action.
- **Punctuation:** Ellipses and dashes are used to convey a sense of anticipation
and interruption.
 - **Connotations:** The sentence captures a moment of focused effort and
determination, depicting the seagull's intense concentration and eventual fall.

20. **Sentence 20:**

- **Length:** The sentence is short and direct.
- **Structure:** It is a dialogue, conveying a command.
- **Communicative Type:** The dialogue indicates a direct request for someone to
leave.
- **Punctuation:** Quotation marks are used to indicate dialogue, and an
exclamation mark adds emphasis.
- **Connotations:** The sentence conveys a sense of urgency or frustration in the
command for someone named Jake to leave.

21. **Sentence 21:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long.
- **Structure:** It is a descriptive passage detailing the actions of individuals in a
setting.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence sets a scene, describing the activities of
different people.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and dashes are used to create a flowing description.
- **Connotations:** The sentence paints a visual picture of a scene, describing the
actions of a boy, a girl, and an elderly man in a town setting.

22. **Sentence 22:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long.
- **Structure:** It is a headline-style sentence conveying information.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence provides information about a medical
convention.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and parentheses are used to convey additional
information.
- **Connotations:** The sentence suggests that the convention is full of medical
news and information that doctors may be using on patients, with a touch of irony
indicated by the "(sob!)".

23. **Sentence 23:**

- **Length:** The sentence is short and repetitive.
- **Structure:** It is a repetitive description of neon lights.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence describes the continuous flashing of
neon lights.
- **Punctuation:** Periods and the word "Continuously" are used for emphasis.
- **Connotations:** The repetitive nature of the sentence creates a vivid image of
the continuous flashing of neon lights in the heart of the city.

24. **Sentence 24:**

- **Length:** The sentence is moderately long.
- **Structure:** It is a series of statements conveying a detective's excitement about
a murder case.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentences express excitement and anticipation.
- **Punctuation:** Periods and exclamation marks are used for
 emphasis.
- **Connotations:** The sentences convey a sense of thrill and anticipation as
Inspector Bagdworthy is in charge of a murder case, with elements of promotion and
sensationalism.

25. **Sentence 25:**

- **Length:** The sentence is short and concise.
- **Structure:** It is a declarative statement defining the opposite of faith.
- **Communicative Type:** The sentence defines the opposite of faith.
- **Punctuation:** Commas and colons are used for clarification.
- **Connotations:** The sentence suggests doubt as the opposite of faith,
emphasizing its open and uncertain nature compared to the finality of disbelief.

EX.2
Certainly! Let's analyze the examples to understand the functions of various types of
repetition, parallelism, and chiasmus:

1. **Repetition:**
- *Function:* The repetition of the phrase "and I'm alone" emphasizes the pervasive
loneliness experienced by the speaker in different situations.
- *Parallelism:* The parallel structure of the repeated phrases creates a rhythmic
and impactful expression of solitude.

2. **Parallelism and Antithesis:**

- *Function:* The parallel structure in "he advocated... he praised" highlights
Babbitt's commitment to certain principles, while the antithesis in "though he did not
practice... though he did not obey" adds contrast, revealing his inconsistency.
- *Chiasmus:* The chiasmus in the structure emphasizes the contrast between
advocating and praising on one hand, and not practicing and not obeying on the other.

3. **Parallelism and Chiasmus:**

- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes Biandois's commitment to chivalry,
while the chiasmus in "to slight a lady would be to be deficient in chivalry towards
the sex" adds a mirrored balance to the sentence.
- *Chiasmus:* The chiasmus contributes to a symmetrical and balanced expression
of the idea.

4. **Repetition and Parallelism:**

- *Function:* The repetition of "dark brown" contributes to a vivid and consistent
description, while the parallel structure in "hat, gloves, muffler, and coat" maintains a
structured presentation.
- *Parallelism:* The parallel structure adds a sense of order and coherence to the
description.

5. **Repetition:**
- *Function:* The repetition of "good-bye" emphasizes the speaker's farewell to
various aspects of their life.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "good-bye" creates a rhythmic and structured
expression of parting.
6. **Chiasmus:**
- *Function:* The chiasmus in "It is very romantic to be in love. But there is
nothing romantic about a definite proposal" creates a balanced and mirrored structure,
contrasting the romantic nature of love with the practicality of a proposal.

7. **Repetition:**
- *Function:* The repetition of "give him the boot" emphasizes the speaker's
frustration and desire for action.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated structure creates a rhythmic and forceful expression of
the speaker's emotions.

8. **Repetition:**
- *Function:* The repetition of "Sure" emphasizes the character's certainty about her
father's innocence.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "Sure" contributes to a structured and emphatic
expression of the character's confidence.

9. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the speaker's realization about being
a person first before considering racial identity.
- *Chiasmus:* The idea that "One can be a person first. A man first and then a black
man or a white man" is presented in a chiasmus, creating a balanced and mirrored
structure.

10. **Repetition and Parallelism:**

- *Function:* The repetition of "knocking" emphasizes the urgency and impatience
of the sound, while the parallel structure in "knocking, angry and impatient knocking"
maintains a structured presentation.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated structure adds emphasis and order to the description.

11. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure in "Obviously—this is a streptococcal
infection. Obviously." emphasizes the speaker's certainty and assertion.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "Obviously" contributes to a structured and
emphatic expression of the speaker's conclusion.

12. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the speaker's strong desire for
peace.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "peace" contributes to a rhythmic and
structured expression of the speaker's longing.

13. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the variety of actions and scenes
involving people.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "People" contributes to a rhythmic and
structured expression of the different observations.

14. **Repetition:**
 - *Function:* The repetition of "There was" emphasizes the presence of something
between them.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated structure adds a rhythmic and structured expression
of the situation.

15. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the speaker's reasons for running
away from the battle.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "Failure meant poverty, poverty meant
squalor, squalor led" contributes to a structured and rhythmic expression of the
consequences.

16. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the transformation from failure to
poverty, poverty to squalor, and so on.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of similar structures adds coherence and order to
the description.

17. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the types of music played, creating
a rhythmic and structured expression.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "music" contributes to a coherent and rhythmic
presentation.

18. **Parallelism:**
- *Function:* The parallel structure emphasizes the progression from living to
loving to caring to sharing.
- *Parallelism:* The repeated use of "Living is the art of loving. Loving is the art of
caring. Caring is the art of sharing. Sharing is the art of living" creates a rhythmic and
structured expression.

These examples showcase how repetition, parallelism, and chiasmus contribute to the
rhythm, emphasis, and structure of sentences, adding depth and nuance to the
conveyed meaning.

20. I came back, shrinking from my father’s money, shrinking from

my father’s memory: mistrustful of being forced on a mercenary
wife, mistrustful of my father’s intention in thrusting that mar93
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riage on me, mistrustful that I was already growing avaricious,
mistrustful that I was slackening in gratitude to the dear noble
honest friends who had made the only sunlight in my childish
life. (D.)
21. If you know anything that is not known to others, if you have any
suspicion, if you have any clue at all, and any reason for keeping
it in your own breast, think of me, and conquer that reason and
let it be known! (D.)
22. I notice that father’s is a large hand, but never a heavy one when
it touches me, and that father’s is a rough voice but never an an
gry one when it speaks to me. (D.)
23. From the offers of marriage that fell to her Dona Clara, deliber
ately, chose the one that required her removal to Spain. So to
Spain she went. (O.W.)
24. There lives at least one being who can never change—one being
who would be content to devote his whole existence to your hap
piness —who lives but in your eyes—who breathes but in your
smile—who bears the heavy burden of life itself only for you. (D.)
25. It is she, in association with whom, saving that she has been for
years a main fibre of the roof of his dignity and pride, he has nev
er had a selfish thought. It is she, whom he has loved, admired,
honoured and set up for the world to respect. It is she, who, at
the core of all the constrained formalities and conventionalities
of his life, has been a stock of living tenderness and love. (D.)