Periodic sentence
By Wikipedia,
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_sentence
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A periodic sentence (also called a period)
is a sentence that is not grammatically complete until its
end. Periodicity is accomplished by the use of parallel
phrases
or clauses
at the opening or by the use of dependent clauses preceding
the independent
clause; that is, the kernel of thought contained in
the subject/verb
group appears at the end of a succession of modifiers. It
is the opposite of a nuclear sentence.
It is this type of sentence, taught in oratory classes,
from which derives the American use of the word "period"
to mean the punctuation mark that the Britons call a full
stop.[citation
needed]
Rhetorical and literary usage
The periodic sentence is effective when it is used to arouse
interest and curiosity, to hold an idea in suspense before
its final revelation.
- “Out of the bosom of the Air,
- Out of the cloud-folds of her garment shaken,
- Over the woodlands brown and bare,
- Over the harvest-fields forsaken,
- Silent and soft, and slow,
- Descends the snow.”
This, the first stanza of Longfellow’s
“Snowflakes,” is a periodic sentence. It begins with a succession
of parallel adverbial phrases (“Out of the bosom”, “Out
of the cloud-folds,” “Over the woodlands,” “Over the harvest-fields”),
each followed by parallel modification (“of the air,” “of
her garments shaken,” “brown and bare,” “forsaken,”). However,
the thought is not grammatically complete until the subject/verb
group “Descends the snow” finalizes the statement.
Periodic sentences are common in Greek
and Latin
writers such as Cicero,
who is generally considered to be the Western world's master
in this rhetorical device. English
writers whose works are famous for their well-crafted periodic
sentences include:
In Russian, Tolstoy
excels at the periodic sentence. In this example from War
and Peace, translated by Louise and Alymer Maude,
Tolstoy creates a sentence that has periods on the word
why:
Only Countess Helene, considering the society of such
people as the Bergs beneath her, could be cruel enough to
refuse such an invitation. Berg explained so clearly why
he wanted to collect at his house a small but select company,
and why this would give him pleasure, and why though he
grudged spending money on cards or anything harmful, he
was prepared to run into some expense for the sake of good
society—that Pierre could not refuse, and promised to come.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_sentence
Published - December 2008
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