1. March 28 – The Great Gatsby
Agenda:
Quiz – Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Vocabulary
Quick-write
Rhetorical Analysis: Syntax
Syntax practice: Chapter 6
Homework:
Syntax Practice
Take out:
Notebook
Pen/Pencil
Agenda
The Great Gatsby
Goals:
Understand and explore the use of syntax in writing

2. Chapter 7 - Vocabulary Lapse: (N.) Portentous: (Adj.)
Insistent: (Adj.)
Irreverent: (Adj.)
Tentative: (Adj.)
Vicarious: (Adj.)
Abrupt: (Adj.)
Rancor: (N.)
Tumult: (N.)
Formidable: (Adj.)

3. Quick-write Which passage is more positive?
Though Mike’s jokes are crude, they are original.
Though Mike’s jokes are original, they are crude.
Explain your reasoning.

4. Definition and Main Ideas
Syntax is not a “stand-alone” analysis. We use analysis of syntax to SUPPORT our analysis of other aspects of style. The word syntax refers to the way words and phrases are arranged to form sentences and paragraphs. We also use the words sentence structure and phrasing to describe this same concept.

5. Syntax main ideas continued…
When we analyze syntax, we identify sentence structures and analyze how the relationship between the syntax and the content reflects the author’s purpose. The first step to analyzing syntax is identifying it in a reading. To do this, we must understand some basic concepts related to syntax and sentence structure.

6. Important Terms related to Syntax…
Sentence Type Sentence Length Repetition Parallel Structure/Parallelism Juxtaposition Rhetorical Question Rhythm/Narrative Pace Specific Kinds of Punctuation

7. Sentence Types
Cumulative Sentence: Begins with independent clause and finishes with a series of modifiers (phrases or clauses) EX: I opened my eyes sluggishly, worried that I had again overslept, and thinking about the test I would have to take that day. Think: what is emphasized in this sentence? **Cumulative sentences show a reflective quality, and place emphasis on the main idea in a sentence.***

8. Sentence Types
Periodic Sentence: Begins with a series of subordinate modifying phrases and clauses, then ending with a forceful independent clause. Ex: If I had only taken his keys, or had I even tried, he might not have made that terrible mistake to drive drunk, and my best friend would still be alive. Think: what is the effect of this sentence? **periodic sentences create a build-up, crescendo, or suspense effect***

9. Sentence Types
Absolute Language: language with no “middle ground”; Absolute language conveys a confidence. Ex: I am always on time. (words like always, never, perfect, etc., can indicate absolute language) Declarative Sentence: A sentence that makes a statement. Related to absolute language. Also conveys confidence. Ex: There is nothing to fear but fear itself.

10. Sentence Types
Conditional Sentence: an “If-Then” sentence: a sentence which focuses on a question of truth or fact, introduced by “if” or its equivalent. Conveys a logical thought process and appeals to our sense of logic and reason. Ex: If you study hard, then you will do well in class Imperative Sentence: a sentence giving a direct command, where the subject is implied. Seen as a strong command or call to action. Ex: Do this assignment!

11. Other syntax-related terms defined
Polysyndeton-the use of many conjunctions to separate clauses and phrases; it can be used to slow the narrative pace of writing, and may also create a crescendo or build up of thought or emotion. Asyndeton-the practice of leaving out the usual conjunctions between coordinate sentence elements; often used to speed up the narrative pace, or suggest an emotional haste Repetition-repeating words or whole phrases; used to add emphasis

12. More terms…
Parallel Structure/Parallelism-A set of similarly structured words, phrases, or clauses that appears in a sentence or paragraph. It shows equal importance of ideas, and is a tool used to add emphasis to an idea or concept. Ex: Give me liberty or give me death! Juxtaposition-placing two ideas, words, or pictures side by side so that their closeness creates a new, sometimes ironic, meaning. Ex: “The wretchedness of slavery and the blessedness of freedom were perpetually before me.” Rhetorical Question-a question posed by the writer not to seek an answer but to instead affirm or deny a point simply by asking a (somewhat obvious or leading) question about it. Ex: Do you want to fail? (obviously the answer is no…)

13. Narrative Pace
While not a “term” per se, we often discuss how syntax impacts narrative pace in our commentary. Def: The pace of the writing is how quickly is moves from one event or action to another. It can aid in creating mood, tone, and highlighting purpose. Narrative pace could be speeded up through the use of short, even fragmented sentences structures, in order to convey a sense of urgency. On the other hand, a slower narrative pace could indicate a thoughtfulness or reflective quality.

14. Important Punctuation
Elipsis (…): An elipsis can show an omission, or can be used in fiction to indicate that an idea is trailing off or left unfinished. This could indicate a lack of confidence or could just be an attempt at brevity. M-dash (--): This long dash is a sort of glorified comma and can be used to show a long pause, or to set off additional explanatory information in a sentence.

15. More important punctuation
Colon(:): Indicates an explanation or example is coming. Use of a colon can signal that the author is reflecting or adding detail to a larger point. Semi-colon(;): This is used like a period in that is joins two independent clauses together, but the two complete thoughts are very closely related. Use of a semi-colon can show a thoughtfulness and also slow narrative pace.

16. Syntax Practice – Chapter 6