Claim Sentence: Although the debate over the flexibility of punctuation rules in an ever-changing world may seem trivial, it is in fact crucial in terms of today’s concern over decreasing literacy. Furthermore, fixed punctuation rules make for clarity and precision in one’s writing, lending ethos and expression to authors, from past and future alike.
Having
set rules of punctuation is crucial to the English language as it makes for
coherent, expressive writing and allows writers to demonstrate their
intelligence and credibility. Additionally, there is the danger that in an
ever-changing world, flexible punctuation rules may very well lead to “the downfall
of literacy” (Source A). The primary benefit of adhering to the rules of
punctuation is that it accords expression in one’s writing, much like pauses
and changes in tone of voice when speaking. Elizabeth Austen of “On Punctuation”
personifies certain punctuation marks by attributing a special characteristic
to each, such as the “voluptuous uncertainty” of the question mark and the “come-hither
wave” of the comma. These sensual ascriptions show how punctuation has the
capability to transmit subtle connotations that words cannot convey.
More
importantly, adherence to punctuation rules is vital for a piece’s coherence,
as it allows for effective separation and linkage of ideas; without this, many
literary masterpieces would be plagued with confusion. Now, critics would argue
that Emily Dickinson’s unconventional use of “the sweet interrupting dash”
(Source B) and irregular sprinkling of capitalization in her poem as well as Austen’s
complete lack of punctuation in hers do not hinder one’s ability to understand
their message; rather, they lend an artistic, personal touch. To this, Hitchings
would reply that both of these pieces are poems, avenues of “Possibility”
(Source C) where one is encouraged to be creative and where flexibility with
punctuation rules is perhaps to be expected. However, in prose, he says that set
rules make for “clear, effective, and consistent communication” (Source A). Poetry is meant to be multilayered with deep meanings open to interpretation, but
if one insists on applying its unique rules to other pieces of literature, it
would result in general confusion and even lack of credibility.
In “Notes
on Punctuation,” author Lewis Thomas seems to side with Austen and Dickinson as
he pokes fun at the rigid rules of punctuation and bends them in original,
innovative ways to create a humorous effect. Being a physician and scientist,
however, he would be expected to abide by those very rules in his medical
research and lab reports. In fact, all other professionals such as teachers,
doctors, lawyers, and engineers must conform to the rules if they want any
credibility or trust. If they ventured to experiment with punctuation in their
documents as Thomas does in Source D, they would be harming their own integrity
as it would no longer be possible to write in a formal and professional manner.
It would also leave room for dangerous misinterpretations with, in some cases, possibly
life-threatening consequences.
Furthermore, without a concrete set of rules
for punctuation, literacy rates and general understanding of the English
language would suffer. An older generation reading literature by younger people
may not understand or misinterpret it based on the punctuation usage of their
days; similarly, current readers will not be able to relate to previous literary
masterpieces as they struggle to decode the strange symbols such as the “pilcrow”
and “hedera” (Source A).
Consistency
in punctuation rules is as important as stipulated traffic rules: that even one
person does not realize that a red light means stop can be costly. Like traffic
signals, punctuation marks direct the flow of your ruminations, creating order
and preventing your thoughts from going in unintended directions. If everyone
is not aware of the rules because of the fact that they are constantly changing,
the result is an unsightly literary accident that would be difficult to reverse.
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