syntax (page 72) a study in an ap rhetorical category: sentence structure, conventions, and language
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SYNTAX (page 72)A study In an AP rhetorical category:
Sentence structure, conventions, and language
Rhetorical AnalysisThe purpose of rhetorical
analysis is to determine how an author uses language to create meaning, develop his or her purpose(s) and/or produce particular effects.
A Rhetorical Category (pg 20)
Diction (modifiers)Formal, didactic, slang, colloquial, academic,
abstract
Syntax (parallel structure, coordination,
loose/periodic…)
Figurative Language (simile, metaphor, motif, symbol)
Point of View
Organization
Details
CAUTION!Understanding the author’s
meaning/purpose is ESSENTIAL and the fundamental goal!
Who cares if you can find rhetorical “stuff” but do not know how it contributes to the meaning of the piece?
Step 5: analyzeIf you are talking about what the
text says, you are summarizing.
If you are talking about how the text makes meaning, you are analyzing.
Purpose & Effect of Devices
Why does this writer choose this particular strategy to create his or her message?
How does the writer use this strategy to make meaning?
Why does the writer use this particular strategy and this particular example?
Because the writer used this rhetorical strategy, how/why does the use influence one or more of the following:
SpeakerReaderMessageTonePurpose
Rhetorical Focus:
SYNTAX
SYNTAXPage 71
You will need several sticky notes
SYNTAXThe way words & clauses are
arranged to form sentences.The arrangement contributes to, and
enhances, meaning and effect.
The way author’s put words & phrases together.Helps author’s make their point more
effectively.
Scope & SequenceNow:
4 basic sentence types
Coordination
Subordination
Loose & Periodic Sentences
Parallel structure
Inverted syntax
Repetition
Rhetorical questions
Persuasion:
Anaphora
Antithesis
Inductive and Deductive logic and organization
RQ & Simple Sentences
Understatement
Restatement
When analyzing SYNTAX, consider first:
Position – Where the author puts something in the sentence
Isolation – Setting x off by itself (dash, quotation marks, parenthesis, etc.)
Repetition – The number of times something is repeated
Proportion – The size of the idea and how much of the piece the idea takes up
Length of sentences
Unconventional punctuation
The Basic Sentence Types
Basic Sentence TypesInterrogative SentenceQuestion
Declarative SentenceStatement
Imperative SentenceCommand
Exclamatory SentenceExclaim/excitement
Sentence Type & VarietyBinder (notes) Page 73
A Simple Sentenceindependent clause, contains a subject and a
verb (for us, a DO, too!)
expresses a complete thought
Purpose/Effect of Simple Sentences
PURPOSESConsider: How does this
sentence compare to others by which it is surrounded?
Disrupts pace and rhythm
Creates a sense of unbalance
Reflects rapid movements; reader feels tension of narrator
Emphasizes the main clause (simple sentence subject)
Answer a rhetorical question (which cannot be answered)
EFFECTS
Why does this subject or clause need to be emphasized?
Why does balance need to be broken?
Indication of power (stops momentum) – now, consider what is more powerful than the surrounding subjects
Ethos appeal – when answering a rhetorical question; how and why?
A Compound SentenceTwo independent clauses joined by a
coordinator and/or coordinating conjunction (and a comma)The first letter of each of the
coordinators spells FANBOYS for, and, nor, but, or, yet, soput a comma before the coordinating
conjunction because there are 2 independent clauses being combined
• Use coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, yet, and so.
Coordination
The dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie. The cat rubbed white hair on Marvin’s black suit.The dog ate Marvin’s favorite tie, and the cat rubbed white hair on Marvin’s black suit.
Both clauses could stand alone. When joined with
and, they get equal attention.
You can also coordinate with a semicolon.
+ ; +
main c lause.
The interviewer had seven Persian cats. She would understand Marvin’s predicament.The interviewer had seven Persian cats; she would understand Marvin’s predicament.
Main clause
Main clause + ; + main clause.
t rans i t ion + , +
The interviewer had seven Persian cats; as a result, she would understand Marvin’s predicament.
Still balanced.
Diagramming Compound Sentences
Purpose/Effect of Coordinated Sentences
PURPOSESGive equal attention to
2 items or subjects
Creates balance and unity
One idea is not emphasized over another
Provides increased momentum in the text (no choppy sentences)
Can also slow down the pace
EFFECTS
Consider why are x and y made equal?
What does the rhythmic pattern (momentum) parallel, mirror, create or support?
Compound
A Complex Sentenceindependent clause joined by
one or more dependent clausesalways has a subordinator such
as because, since, after, although, or when
or a relative pronoun such as that, who, or which
Subordinate Conjunctions after although as because before even though if, even if in order that once provided that
since so [that implied], so
that than that though unless when, whenever where, wherever,
whereas whether while
• Subordination gives less attention to one idea so that the other has emphasis.
• Use subordinate conjunctions, such as because, even though, and when.
Subordination
Marvin tried to clean his suit. He was late to the interview.Since Marvin tried to clean his suit, he was late to the interview.
I’m sorry.
Use a comma if you subordinate the first of the two clauses.
Subordinate clause + ,
+
main clause.
Cat hair clung to Marvin’s pant legs. He still got the job.Even though cat hair clung to Marvin’s pant legs, he still got the job.
The first clause is
less important.
The second clause has more
emphasis because its thought is complete.
Use no punctuation if you subordinate the second of the two clauses.
Marvin smiled at his success. Cat hair wafted in his wake.Marvin smiled at his success as cat hair wafted in his wake.
Main clause + Ø
+
subordinate clause.
Now the first clause is the
most important.
The second clause has less
emphasis because its thought is
incomplete.
Sample Item
A. Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil since he had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
B. Since Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
C. Even though Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
A. Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil since he had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
B. Since Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
C. Even though Jeremiah forgot to bring a pencil, he had to beg Amanda to borrow one of hers.
Is the subordination effective at A,
B, or C?
Is the subordination effective at A,
B, or C?
Subordinating the first
clause with since, as
option B does, is correct.
Subordinating the first
clause with since, as
option B does, is correct.
Purpose/Effect of Complex SentencesPURPOSES
Emphasizes one idea and subordinates another idea The clause following the
subordinator will be less important
Used in argument
Tone academic or pretentious, sarcastic
Can show train of thought or existential thinking
Show high emotion or lack of emotion
EFFECTS
Increase ethos appeal Showing awareness of
the opposition
Discuss why subject being emphasized appeals to audience
How emphasis supports the claim of text
Subordination
Subordinating conjunction
subject verb
A Quick RecapCoordination & Subordination
Coordination versus Subordination
writer places concepts or people or objects on an equal level and joins them with conjunctions
The writer states the more important idea in an independent clause (a group of words with a subject and a verb that express a
complete idea) and the less important idea in a dependent clause
Diagramming with Conjunctions
Independent PracticePage 74 – 76 and 79
Review: Rhetorical Effects of Sentence Length
Pacing change (speed up/slow down)
Emphasize a main clause
Emphasize the details connected to a main clause
Create sense of balance
Show equal relationship b/w ideas
Show unequal relationship b/w ideas
Create a sense of unbalance/chaos
Of Plymouth PlantationCoordination and Subordination in Early American Writing
But that which was most sad and lamentable was, that in two or three months’ time half of their company died, especially in January and February, being in the depth of winter, and wanting houses and other comforts; being infected with the scurvy and other diseases which this long voyage and their inaccomadate position had brought upon them. So as their died sometimes two or three a day in the foresaid time, that of 100 and odd persons, scarcely fifty remained. And of these, in the time of most distress, there was but six or seven sound persons who to their great commendations, be it spoken, spared no pains night nor day, but with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat, made their beds, washed their loathsome clothes, clothed and unclothed them.
1.Consider the
context of
“Plymouth”
2.This paragraph
begins with a ___
conjunction…
why?
3. Purpose? Effect?
Analysis Chart: (page 77)Syntactical Element
Textual Example
Purpose of Device(effect?)
Effect of DeviceConnection to UT
Coordination/Coordinated Sent. Structure
Example 1 (prior to shift, first part of shift/contrast)
Coordination/Coordinated Sent. Structure
Example 2 (after shift, 2nd part of shift/contrast)
Sentence LogicLoose and Periodic Sentence Structures
To Come: Inductive and Deductive Logic & Organization
General Purpose/Effects of “Longer” Sentences
Increased number of words necessary to provide definitions and contextLegal and political subjectsJargon (diction)Depends on modification for accuracyEthos appealNarrowing of audience or increasing audienceTone: pretentious, stream of consciousness
Fiction/narrative: increase description of subjectEffect: consider why this subject is emphasized or
described in a particular wayIncrease suspense
Loose SentenceType of sentence in which the main
idea (independent clause) comes at the beginning of the sentence
The main idea (clause) is followed by successive addition of details via a coordinate or subordinate phrase/clause
Examples of the Loose Sentence:
Basic statement: Bells rang.
Loose sentence: Bells rang, filling the air with their clangor, startling pigeons into flight from every belfry, bringing people into the streets to hear the news.
Basic statement: The teacher considered him a good student.
Loose sentence: The teacher considered him a good student, steady if not inspired, willing if not eager, responsive to instruction and conscientious about his work.
The Periodic SentenceThe sentence is not complete
until the final phrase/clause.“suspended syntax”
Usually has an emphatic climax
The main clause/subject is placed at the very end of the sentence.
Examples of the Periodic Sentence:
In this sentence, additional details are placed before the basic statement. Delay, of course, is the secret weapon of the periodic sentence.
Basic statement: John gave his mother flowers.
Periodic sentence: John, the tough one, the sullen kid who scoffed at any show of sentiment, gave his mother flowers.
Basic statement: The cat scratched Sally.
Periodic sentence: Suddenly, for no apparent reason, the loveable cat scratched Sally.
Basic statement: Love is blind.
Periodic sentence: Love, as everyone knows except those who happen to be afflicted with it, is blind.
Purpose/Effect of Loose & Periodic
SentencesLoose Sentences
Structure is easier, simpler, more natural & direct
Emphasis on the subject of the main clause
Periodic Sentences
More complex, emphatic, formal or literary
Emphasis can be on details or main clause at the end of the sentence
Builds suspense
Parallel Structure
What is Parallel Structure?Grammatical/structural similarity
between sentences or parts of a sentence.
Balanced arrangement of words, phrases, sentences, and/or paragraphs
Simple Parallel StructureSimple Parallel: She looked tired,
frustrated, and disgusted.The three underlined words are arranged in a
series of coordinated elements. These elements all have the same form and the
same grammatical function (adjectives which in the sentence serve as complements).
Because of this similarity of form and function, they are said to be parallel.Purpose: to show that the girl is equally showing all 3
qualities. Why is this stronger than demonstrating one quality?)
Complex Parallel Structure“Robert E. Lee was a foe without
hate, a friend without treachery, a soldier without cruelty…” (Canton)
This sentence goes beyond simple combining and achieves rhythm and cadence through the deliberate repetition of parallel elements. Extend: what is the effect of creating
cadence?
Purpose/Effect of Parallel Structure
Purpose
Creates balance or unity
Creates a rhythm
equally developed importance and similarity within/among phrased context
Effects
Balance between what subjects? Consider connect to subject, message, purpose/UT
Rhythm – connect to medium; paralleling the subject?
Next morning when the first light came into the sky and the sparrows stirred in the trees, when the cows rattled their chains and the rooster crowed and the early automobiles went whispering along the road, Wilbur awoke and looked for Charlotte.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.” (King)
Parallel Structure“The manor—
designed for beauty and grace, built for durability and strength, and located for privacy and safety – was the ideal home for those three children.”
Purpose?Cadence and rhythmBalance and unity
(of?)
Effect:Tone of harmonyDo the
characteristics reflect children of the house?
#3 – holiness?
Of Plymouth Plantation: Style
Marker“…they had now no friends to welcome them nor inns to entertain or refresh their weather-beaten bodies; no houses or much less towns to repair, to seek for succor.”
Purpose?
Effect?
Analyzing SyntaxGraphic Organizer
Syntactical Element
Textual Example
Purpose of Device(effect?)
Effect of DeviceConnection to UT
Syntactical Element
Example 1 (prior to shift, first part of shift/contrast)
Syntactical Element
Example 2 (after shift, 2nd part of shift/contrast)
Juxtaposition
A Definition of Juxtapositionplacing close together or
side by side, especially for comparison or contrast
Consider this Scenario:Let's take a situation from any generic film. A very poor woman
gives birth to twins and dies immediately after. The sons get separated at birth. While one son finds himself adopted into a wealthy factory owner's house, the other is a street child who turns into a petty thief. The film story traces their journey through life. At a crucial moment, the son who is a petty thief corners the other son in a dark alley and mugs him.
Thus a juxtaposition is drawn here which shows the contrast that both sons, born of the same mother and identical to look at, are yet so much different in their motives, lifestyles and characters. Thus the literary device of juxtaposition is used to draw a contrast
between the two, but it is still connected somewhere and it is possible to place them side by side to draw a contrast.
Juxtaposition Examples"Sliding Doors" trailer
There are varied examples that one can go on to explain the concept of juxtaposition like Christina Aguilera's video 'Beautiful' which shows an anorexic girl or Louis Armstrong's song 'What a Wonderful World' which has images of violence and war running throughout the length of the video.
Basic Literary Examples for Juxtaposition
This was the culture from which I sprang. This was the terror from which I fled. (Black
Boy)
He slouched gracefully.
Inverted Syntax
Definition: inverted word order
Emphasize the subject
Emphasize the predicate
Conform to literary conventions Style marker for
Puritan style (plain style)
Why would the speaker want subject x or subject y emphasized?
Why would the speaker want predicate x or predicate y emphasized?
Consider how the emphasize supports the author’s message or UT.
How does this subject resonate with an intended audience?
The Rhetorical Question…and their rhetorical effects
Interrogative Sentence
Asks a question that expects or requires an answer from the audience
Rhetorical Question
Makes a questioning statement that does not expect an answerPut this in
commentary!
Purpose/Effect of Rhetorical Questions
Purpose
Question intended to make a point – consider subject of the question
Reflection
Contemplation
Existential thinking
Confusion
Effects
How does subject identify the intended audience?
How does the common tones connect to subject?
Rhetorical Questions & Persuasion
When followed with a simple sentence, speaker creates ethos appealThe nature of a RQ is that it cannot be
answeredBut the speaker is able to answer this
questionTone – knowledgeable and credible,
fearless leader
Repetition
RepetitionDefinition
the simple repeating of a word, within a sentence or a poetical line, with no particular placement of the words
Purpose/Effect
Emphasis of ideas
Building of momentum
Refocusing of reader to subsequent important ideas
Adds conviction to what is being said; is really effective in speeches
desperation
Passive versus Active Voice
Passive Voice
The subject does not act
The subject is acted upon
Always uses an is verb & a past participle
Active Voice
A sentence is in the active voice when the subject does the acting instead of being the recipient of the acting
Basic ExamplesPassive
The portfolio piece was prepared by the student.
There was also found two of their [the Indians’] houses covered with mats, and sundry of their implements in then, but the people were run away and could not be seen.
Active
The student prepared the portfolio piece.
How would you rewrite the second example using active voice?
Purpose/Effect of Active & Passive VoicePassive Voice
Often used in bureaucratic or political prose – why? Gentler, more diplomatic
approach, cowardly?
Emphasizes what was found, not who did the finding
Can be pedantic and wordy sounding – confusing to audience? (speech)
Hides who was responsible for the action
Strengthens the degree of objectivity
Active Voice
Natural diction
The subject is front and center, as is what its doing
Often uses stronger verbs because emphasis is on verbs
Clearly defined actor and action
More forceful, greater clarity
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