Change of Mind: Expression Through Punctuation

I've never really given punctuation in writing a second thought. I merely used it to have the sentence flow correctly in the reader's mind and to have it be grammatically correct. I learned to separate thoughts with periods, commas, colons, semi-colons, and dashes. But, this wide array of symbols all used to place a pauses into writing seemed excessive. Of course there are specific grammatical rules when a comma should be used versus a semicolon, but I found the rules rather unnecessary. Why should there be so many different ways to express a pause? In response to my annoyance, I just stuck to using the symbols I knew I could use correctly and safely (mainly commas and semicolons).

An in-class discussion on Brönte's use of colons, semicolons, commas, and dashes all in one paragraph made me curious as to why she used such a variety (specifically on page 305). Punctuation wasn't exactly my main focus in reading Jane Eyre, but taking a closer look as to why Brönte carefully selected her punctuation intrigued me. The different pauses of each punctuation create a complex rhythm of thought and understanding of characters' minds (mainly Jane). Jane usually uses long and flowing sentences when describing events in her life. When she suddenly separates thoughts, the different punctuation puts emphasis onto specific items in lists or realizations in trains of thought. Pauses create emphasis and different punctuation adds variety and direction to important words and phrases. 

When realizing how all of the different punctuation symbols can be used to my advantage to shade and deepen the hues of my writing such as Brönte does seemingly unconsciously, I will make an effort to fully understand how to use different punctuation correctly. Fear of incorrect grammar hindering the flow of my writing (or even at the expense of a grade) was holding me back from using all types of punctuation. If I understand how to use all of it, I will use a wide variety to enhance my writing. Varied punctuation adds another depth to ways writing can express feeling. I realize now that this is done by word choice, word order, sentence length, and now punctuation among others. The complexity of expression in writing becomes one degree easier with the help of having varied punctuation on hand.