SENTENCES ARE "THE" THING by Susan Marlene

Sentences Are the Thing by Susan Marlene                      February 23, 2021
 
Great quotes, memorable lines, intriguing dialogue—those are the stuff that influential and entertaining books and movies etc. are made from. How to create some of your own lines that will—sail tall ships or drive negativity away or accentuate beauty in a world that seeks out ugly—is alluring. Maybe necessary, if you want to write for a career.

We are going to briefly peruse the book 25 Great Sentences And How They Got That Way by Geraldine Woods. Here is a quote from the author from page XIV “My standards for judging a sentence start with this foundation: a good sentence communicates clearly and fulfills the author’s purpose, whatever that might be. The sentence should flow naturally and rest on a sturdy structure.” 

A meagre glimpse at Part I (This book is packed with excellent examples and info! You will be wise to purchase your own copy, in my opinion!)
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Pocket sentence
Crossed sentence
 
Pocket Sentence
This is a sentence structure that may drive those with modern style (shorter sentences) a bit crazy—but there is hope. Let’s see what I mean…

• Reading the example from page 3 from Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway.
  • Though the sentence is like a paragraph long it is filled with lot’s of goodies.
    • Sentence begins and ends with a strong declaration (over + over) Between these words you have the information that the War isn’t over for Mrs. Foxcroft and link of ancestral land is broken for Lady Bexborough.

At the end of the sentence is much more effective than, This
leaves the reader wondering is it really over????

• Adding a phrase (except for someone like Mrs. Foxcroft at the Embassy last night) is stuffing the pocket in this sentence. Not a clause that is more direct and powerful and holds more meaning. Yet the pocket info adds implications allowing the reader to decide for themselves. Not just telling the facts in a boring way. Theme of morality. Engaging the reader to get involved.
• Pg 7 lists some useful qualities for pockets, such as: inserting extra info, shows off the character’s secret thoughts, feelings or emotional reactions, and interesting comparisons!
• (JUSTIFICATION STYLE) pg. 8 supplies supporting info as to why the character’s opinion is valid.
• (ARGUMENT STYLE) An opposing statement or thought is contained in the pocket. Using a pronoun with different meanings a separation is created. Pg 9 I’ll read the example with Lincoln for us to discuss.
• (COMPARISON STYLE) Exaggeration is used in the pocket example. Funny!
• (DESCRIPTION STYLE) This example lists the beginning and ending of Shilling Alley and the pocket is chock full of descriptions of what you see along Shilling Alley.
• (CORRECTION STYLE) This is a changing focus pocket. Example from life to death.

 
More examples and types of pockets are mentioned. Here I a fun activity at the end of the chapter.
 
Here are some sentences and I dare you to use the notes above to fill in the blanks. 😊

1. Mercedes Bender knew the answer ______________________was that answer true?
2. I tell you all the time _________________________________what time did you arrive?
3. Mama told me __________________________________________ I should have listened to Mama.

 
Crossed Sentence
When using the same words but switching the order to include opposing ideas, one creates a crossed sentence. These sentences add spice and glitter to your writing. Use them for your most important point that you wish to drive home. To strengthen the main idea. Kennedy’s speech is filled with paired and opposing ideas which repeat and strengthen the listener/reader with vital choices. Read the examples on page 19 -20
 
Discussion
 
Order for your words matters to the meaning—be careful! Pg 21
Crossed sentences define and compare with opposing ideas and playfulness with words.
Ex. Pg. 23  Ex. On pg. 27
 
Here is an activity for you to play with! I will read some word groups and you write a crossed sentence with one of them.
 
Activity on pg. 27 And make your template.
 
 
Movie Divergent --  It all works, everyone knows where they belong, except for me.
                             -- The future belongs to those who know where they belong.
 
An Avenger movie -- Time for me to be who I am, not who I’m supposed to be.