Why we gots ta analyze?

Welcome to Style Analysis 101

Introducing Syntax

Syn – what????

Syntax: The arrangement of words in a sentence.

Syntax

• The arrangement and grammatical relation of words, phrases, and clauses in sentences; the ordering of words into phrases, clauses and sentences.– Syntax is an important element of an

author’s style• Example: Ernest Hemingway’s syntax may

be said to be fairly simple, with few complex sentences and few modifying elements.

Syntax: the arrangement of words and how we put them together for a specific meaning.

Words

Sentences

Syntax

• From the Greek words uυν meaning "together" and taxis meaning "sequence, order, arrangement".

• Syntax refers to word order and sentence structure.

Why is syntax important?

• We speak in sentences not in words. To understand the structure of a language it is necessary to study the structure of sentences.– Gretchen vagyok = Gretchen I am

– I am Gretchen

• If we learn to analyze the structure of sentences, we will also learn to analyze their meaning.

Why is syntax important?

• The structure of a sentence gives it meaning. • The following sentences use similar words,

– The car was pushed by the football player.

– The football player pushed the car.

• but the way they are structured changes their meaning.– Uses passive voice, making the car the focus

– Uses active voice, making the football player the focus.

Example

• For educational purposes, students may utilize compatible personal electronic devices.

• Students may utilize compatible personal electronic devices for educational purposes.

Why is syntax important?

• How else will you ever be able to meet a superhero?

How do I find this syntax stuff?

• When reading a passage, keep the following questions in mind:– Are the sentences mostly long or mostly short?

Are most of the sentences meandering, or are they terse? What kinds of punctuation do we see? How does this punctuation establish relationships among ideas within the sentences? Is there cataloging of information?

• Then, when you notice some patterns, move to the next step: ask yourself why. What is the purpose of this particular syntax?

Example: Syntax analysis

• Despite being told multiple times that studying was more important than video games, I constantly abandon my studies in order to play Call of Duty. Video games are just more fun.

The syntactical shift here from a long, drawn out sentence to a short, terse sentence places emphasis on the second sentence.

Example: Syntax analysis

• Where be these enemies? Capulet! Montegue!

See, what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love. And I for winking at your discords too Have lost a brace of kinsmen: all are punish’d.

• The sentences in this passage are short, terse, and concise. The prince has carefully thought out what to say and says it in the most impacting method possible. His meaning is clear and undeniable. By saying it in this way, he gives himself an air of authority.

Example: Syntax analysis

• But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?

• This line shows how a slight shift in the syntactic order, shifting the word "breaks" to the end of the phrase rather than directly following the subject of "light," is used to make the line better fit the meter. "But soft! what light breaks through yonder window" would have a decidedly different rhythm.

Example: Syntax analysis• 1st Witch: Thrice the brinded cat hath mew’d.

2nd Witch: Thrice and once the hedge-pic whined. 3rd Witch: Harpier cries; ‘tis time, ‘tis time. 1st Witch: Round about the cauldron go; In the poinson’d entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone Days and nights has thirty-one Swelter’d venom sleeping got, Boil thou first i’ the charmed pot. All: Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and caultron bubble.

• The syntax in this passage differs from the rest of the play since it breaks from the iambic pentameter and rhymes. This is rarely done by Shakespeare and only done for certain purposes. It is seen that Shakespeare through this wants to emphasize what the witches are saying.

A simple summary of syntax

how alliterative!

• Sentence structure

• Intentional

• Contributes to the style of an author:

• Hemingway’s syntax is abrupt.

• Austen’s syntax is lyrical.

• Enhances meaning for readers

• It’s your friend, not your enemy