How to study Prose Fiction: Sentence Structure

Understanding Prose Fiction: Sentence Structure

Syntax or sentence structure, plays a crucial role in prose fiction. It determines the way in which a writer arranges words to make meaningful sentences.

Sentence Length

Take note of the length of sentences. A long, complex sentence can slow the pace, reflect a character’s contemplative mood or convey complicated ideas or emotions.
Short, simple sentences can speed up the narrative, create tension, or display straightforward thoughts and actions.

Sentence Types

Reading through the content identify and understand the four types of sentences: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Declarative sentences make a statement, interrogative sentences ask a question, imperative sentences give a command, and exclamatory sentences express strong emotion.
The use of various sentence types can create different effects. For example, a string of imperative sentences may establish a character as authoritative.

Punctuation

Look at how the author uses punctuation. Commas, semi-colons, and colons can affect the pace and tone of a narration. They also affect the way a reader interprets a sentence.
Notice unconventional uses of punctuation as this may suggest a particular character voice or narrative style.

Word Order

Notice the use of subject-verb-object (SVO) order. Prose fiction typically follows this order, but deviations may be deliberate and meaningful.
Deviations from the standard SVO order can emphasise certain parts of the sentence or create achieving a dramatic or poetic effect.

Use these pointers as a guide to analytically read the prose fiction, understand the impact of sentence structure, and extract the hidden meanings and themes from the narrative. This will assist you in comprehending and appreciating the piece and help you write about it more effectively.