Study Notes on Sentence Structure, Punctuation, and Literary Theory

Understanding Sentence Structure and Creation of Compound Sentences

Sentence Fragment Identification

  • Definition: A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that cannot stand on its own as a complete thought.
  • Example Analysis:
    • "Instead he chooses to avoid the situation and let the abuse happen, which shows that Fredo being good and honest does not keep her from being beaten."
    • Fragment Identification: This contains two independent clauses but the first part is misleading and doesn’t stand alone.
    • Correction Suggestion: Change to "This shows that Fredo being good and honest does not keep her from being beaten."

Components of a Complete Sentence

  • Requirements for a complete sentence: It must possess:
    • Subject: The doer of the action or the main topic.
    • Predicate: The part of the sentence that tells us what the subject is doing, including the verb.

Punctuation Rules to Create Effective Sentences

  • Punctuation Handout: A tool to understand sentence construction and punctuation use (keep handy, it contains essential rules).
  • Importance of Comma Usage:
    • Rule: Use a comma to separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence.
    • Consequences of Misuse: Incorrect usage can lead to run-on sentences and comma splices.

Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

  • Definition: These words (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) are used to connect independent clauses.
  • Usage Rule: Always use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when joining two complete independent clauses.

Examples of Incorrect Sentence Joinings

  • Comma Splice Example:
    • Original: "Slave owners feared intellectual slaves, Douglass demonstrates he is the slave owner’s worst nightmare."
    • Correction:
    1. Add a coordinating conjunction: "Slave owners feared intellectual slaves and Douglass demonstrates he is the slave owner’s worst nightmare."
    2. Separate into two sentences: "Slave owners feared intellectual slaves. Douglass demonstrates he is the slave owner’s worst nightmare."
    3. Use a semicolon: "Slave owners feared intellectual slaves; Douglass demonstrates he is the slave owner’s worst nightmare."

Understanding Run-On Sentences

  • Definition: A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are improperly joined without proper punctuation.
  • Examples of Fixing Run-On Sentences:
    • Original: "Mr. Belmont is the head of the household but neither him or his sons ever truly stop the beatings."
    • Fixes:
    1. Add a comma before "but."
    2. Separate into two sentences: "Mr. Belmont is the head of the household. Neither he nor his sons ever truly stop the beatings."
    3. Use a semicolon: "Mr. Belmont is the head of the household; neither he nor his sons ever truly stop the beatings."

Writing Complex Sentences

  • Combining Ideas: Be cautious of how multiple clauses interact. When joining independent clauses:
    • Ensure clarity in separating the ideas with appropriate punctuation (comma, coordinating conjunction, or semicolon).

Critical Reading and Annotation Strategies

Importance of Annotating Texts

  • Purpose: To engage actively with the text, enhancing retention and comprehension.
  • Personal Annotation Strategy:
    • Basic information in blue, significant arguments in purple.
    • Note definitions and cross-reference with relevant works.

Analysis of Arguments in Literature

  • Discussion on Race in Literature:
    • Contemporary literature classes often overlook the significance of race in literary analysis, emphasizing text-only approaches.
    • Historically, literature represented racial identities, with race being integral to authorship and interpretation.

Concepts on Race and Literature

  • Gates' Argument on Race as Fiction:
    • Race is often discussed as an inherent quality but is socially constructed and serves as a lens through which literature and identity are critiqued.
  • Historical Context: Racial classifications were often discussed within pseudoscientific frameworks that lack biological validity.
  • Critical References: Trope:
    • Gates uses the term to define race as a social construct rather than a biological truth.

Literary Canon and Its Implications

  • Definition of Canon: A collection of texts considered authoritative within a particular field or culture.
  • Exclusion Due to Racial Assumptions: The literary canon traditionally excludes non-white authors based on preconceived notions of cultural heritage and assumed quality.

The Role of Literature in Identity Formation

  • Literature as Assertion of Existence: Writing serves as a means to affirm humanity and intellect in the face of societal oppression.
  • Cultural Signifying: Gates emphasizes the importance of recognizing black vernacular traditions as critical to understanding and theorizing literature authentically.

Conclusion and Future Reading

  • Preparation for Discussions: Home in on Gates' perspectives on turning away from white literary tradition toward a distinctly black literary theory.
  • Critical Reflection: Consider what this means for future readings and your personal theory of literary analysis.