Punctuation

Punctuation & Meaning

Few consider punctuation a tool of expression; however, think of the possibilities: 

Compose a sentence revealing anger.

Get. Your. Butt. Over here. NOW!!!!!

[Note how the use of punctuation and capitalization reveals the speaker’s rage.]

Compose a sentence revealing panic.

Have you seen, Cindy?—I checked the kitchen and parlor but didn’t see her.—Wasn’t she in the living room?—I just stepped out for a minute. Cindy!—She can’t be far, can she?

[Note the effect of the dashes. Tying the sentences together suggests racing thought—or, in this case, panic.]

Compose a sentence revealing confusion.

I think . . . well, I know . . . Hand me that book.

[The use of ellipsis in this case suggests trailing thought.]

The possibilities are endless.

The Point: Punctuation is a tool used by writers that can add meaning to a text. Be cognizant [i.e., aware] of an author’s use of punctuation. Look for unusual and/or intentional usage. Keep in mind that writers do not have to follow the standardized rules of punctuation. As long as the reader understands the writer's intent, punctuation can be used indiscriminately. Artists should be allowed to use tools in any manner that they wish. (Note: This does NOT apply to formal essays, letters, reports, etc.).

Emily Dickenson, for example, regulary broke the supposed rules of punctuation. Consider the following poem that doesn't "correctly" use the hyphen (or capitization, for that matter):

441

This is my letter to the World

That never wrote to Me--

The simple News that Nature told--

With tender Majesty

Her Message is committed

To Hands I cannot see--

For love of Her--Sweet--countrymen--

Judge tenderly--of Me

(1862)

It appears that Dickenson used the hyphen not only to indicate a sudden break in thought (the technical use) but also to add pacing and emphasis in her writing. She also used capitalization to show emphasis.

Consider, then, that a writer might choose to emphasize words or ideas through punctuation and capitalization.

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