Syntax In English Literature
It is not expected that a person would describe something as "fantastic" while attempting to show that they are not fond of that particular thing. The same is true in literature, especially in this excerpt from an untitled nineteenth century novel. Within this excerpt, it is clear that the narrator has negative feelings toward the characters that they are describing and, instead of using more positive language, is upfront with revealing these feelings through their own style. Style here refers to the words that the narrator chooses to use, or diction, as well as the structuring of sentences, otherwise known as syntax. The narrator of this excerpt utilizes both diction and syntax in order to demonstrate that they are disgusted with the actions
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A repeating sentence structure that the narrator uses is that they first describe what exactly the characters are doing, and conclude the sentence by stating how foolish they are for doing so. For example, "Nine times out of ten they take to torturing something, or to spoiling something — and they firmly believe they are improving their minds, when the plain truth is, they are only making a mess in the house." In the beginning of the sentence, the narrator explains what that the characters believe their a benefiting their minds and they follow up by saying they truly only making a mess in the house. The same is also true in this sentence "Sometimes, again, you see them occupied for hours together in spoiling a pretty flower with pointed instruments, out of a stupid curiosity to know what the flower is made of," since the narrator calls the characters stupid for ruining a pretty flower.
Overall, it is very clear that the narrator is revolted by what the characters choose to do to nature just in order to possibly find out how it works or what it is made of. Rather than simply remaining neutral and strictly describe what the characters are doing, the narrator chooses to voice their opinion thrihgnthe jse if diction, syntax, and their own collective style. If these were not utilized the audience may have thought the narrator was in favor of these actions, when in fact the opposite is
A repeating sentence structure that the narrator uses is that they first describe what exactly the characters are doing, and conclude the sentence by stating how foolish they are for doing so. For example, "Nine times out of ten they take to torturing something, or to spoiling something — and they firmly believe they are improving their minds, when the plain truth is, they are only making a mess in the house." In the beginning of the sentence, the narrator explains what that the characters believe their a benefiting their minds and they follow up by saying they truly only making a mess in the house. The same is also true in this sentence "Sometimes, again, you see them occupied for hours together in spoiling a pretty flower with pointed instruments, out of a stupid curiosity to know what the flower is made of," since the narrator calls the characters stupid for ruining a pretty flower.
Overall, it is very clear that the narrator is revolted by what the characters choose to do to nature just in order to possibly find out how it works or what it is made of. Rather than simply remaining neutral and strictly describe what the characters are doing, the narrator chooses to voice their opinion thrihgnthe jse if diction, syntax, and their own collective style. If these were not utilized the audience may have thought the narrator was in favor of these actions, when in fact the opposite is