The ManicaPost
In the Classroom with Morris Mtisi
LAST week I zeroed in on the power of Dialogue (direct speech) in Composition Writing (the story-type composition). In that instalment I was focusing on composing a captivating text; a thrilling account anchored on effectiveness of drama in story-writing.
Dialogue, actual words characters in a story speak, brings the account to life. It is a skill that can be overlooked in narrative composition writing. I hope teachers and students alike, benefitted from that contribution.
This week I want to zero in on Darting Sentences.
What are darting sentences?
While we may be aware a lot about the different types of sentences, we must also be concerned about the rhythm of our written work; our narrative compositions; our stories. Many students, authors alike, reporters and reputable journalists, think that long winding and meandering sentences give a sense of continuous flow. Well, true to some extent. But such sentences can become monotonous, boring. I am saying here this week, try short sentences for emphasis. This is what darting sentences do. They are short and emphatic.
The darting sentence creates a tense atmosphere. Before we go too far, look at the following illustrations:
Example 1.
I ran. Ran for dear life! Sometimes I stumbled over tree stumps and rock. Stones surgically cut my feet. I bled profusely. Dry foliage, twigs and branches snapped under the feet and weight of the night devil pursuing me behind me. A savage eerie hyena-like laugh reigned the air. I was in trouble. Real trouble!
“God in Heaven help me!” I screamed. No one heard me.
Instead of using large stretches of long sentences joined by ‘and’ and ‘because’ and other conjunctions, do you see the darting sentence; short sentence, conjuring up fear and tension in bringing about a sense and state of horror? Remember that in the same way even the short paragraph achieves the same precise emphasis than the long-long paragraph.
Example 2
The state lawyer threw volleys of pointed questions grilling Pistorius hot with both unkind and wild connotations all plainly worded to paint a beastly and savage brute of him. Pistorius sweated profusely. He covered his face and evidently trembled convulsively. He threw up. He sweated more and cried endlessly. What a court drama! Darting sentences are not used all over the story. A skilful writer will dart only when it is appropriate, the purpose being as I said before to build a tense atmosphere. The darting sentence helps the writer to emphasize, to build fear, horror or some such atmosphere of dramatic tension. Nothing does it better than the darting sentences. Long overstretched sentences may achieve the sense of continuity and flow but weakening the punch contained in narration.
When you have grasped the darting skill, it will compel you to resort to it along your story-telling. The general flow of your story will naturally demand the darting sentences where they are appropriate. With time and mastery this skill will be spontaneous.
Students are advised to scan through several novels to identify the use of darting sentences. Many authors use it beautifully and effectively. There is no reason students cannot grasp this skill and use it effectively. It works miracles. (You see! A darting sentence at work!)
Examiners or markers of English Compositions are looking for ‘control’ in Composition writing. The ideas in these series of Craftsmanship will enable you to write effectively and skilfully. Do not miss any of them.
