Punctuation … bah, who needs it!

Synopsis: For those who think proper punctuation is useless and unnecessary.

When called-on in English class to explain how an ellipsis ( … ) is used,

a high school student (with poor grades) confronts the teacher:

“What is the big deal about punctuation?

I can write anything without it,

and anyone can tell what I wrote.”

So, the teacher scribbled on the blackboard,

“A woman without her man is nothing,”

and asked the class to copy and punctuate it properly.

All the boys wrote,

“A woman without her man, is nothing.”

All the girls wrote,

“A woman … without her, man is nothing.”

Punctuation can be powerful, indeed!

Let's go eat granny!

Let's go eat, Granny!

🙄

Richard W. Jenkins

©2021

Author's Note

There are fourteen punctuation marks commonly used in English grammar:
the period, question mark, exclamation point, comma, semicolon,
colon, dash, hyphen, parentheses, brackets, braces,
apostrophe, quotation marks, and ellipsis.
Following their correct usage will
make your writing easier to
read 'n more appealing.

I posted this mainly for interesting responses and feedback from my fellow poetesses, writers, and poets, and for a venue to express different points of view on this, often controversial, topic.
Feel free to comment under your own or anyone's review.

And remember, constructive critique is always welcome.😊

Reviews

[lightsong]

VERY powerful example!!! it shows how everything is turned upside down with simple use of punctuation, in Arabic they are important as in English, at a young age children at schools learn them and they lose grades if they forget them, as for poetry as I know one must respect the rules of English and the professional poetry, still Poetry is about creativity and creating with no boundaries, one may use them for a purpose and might not for another one, as for me I am still confused by them when I "poet" my poetry lol

[Richard🖌]

Your reviews are always wisdom-filled and serve delicious food for thought. 🥣

This one is no different in that sense; plus, you've added your own flavoring and spice to stir and tease our grammatical appetites to a taste of perfection.

What a blessing You* are! ⁓ Richard🖌

[lightsong]

It seems it's your commenting day, Good Luck ☺️

[Richard🖌]

Ghounwah,

Teaching requires so much time, it's difficult to read, review, and comment on reviews; there's little time left for creative writing, as-well.
So, best I take advantage of the free moments I'm enjoying today to at least comment on reviews … You understand, I know. : )

[lightsong]

Of course I do. Good Luck Always ☺️

[Richard🖌]

Thanks for the "Good Luck Always" wishes. : )

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahaha ..nicely pronounced my friend! i believe that punctuation can most definitely be used to the advantage, in any creative writing ... or otherwise. myself .. i became frustrated with my vain attempts to use it "properly" and gave it up for other methods that did work for me ... the rare times i use a form to write in, punctuation is easier for me to see where to put things ... it's a choice .. one that is without sin either way one swings ... says i! ;)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
E.

[Temperance]

Punctuation definitely helps make more sense of the written word. However, I find it fun to do a piece, every now and then, without any punctuation....just because. I've seen other poets do the same thing. Most of the time, the lack of use doesn't make it difficult to read but, I tried to read some e e cummings and I had to stretch myself to follow. Not sure if it was the lack of punctuation or, the placement of words he used. Thank you for sharing this information on punctuation. Very helpful! Temp

[Aura]

Yes, I agee punctuation is important and you clearly depict this in your poems. Without punctuation, what you are trying to convey will be interpreted differently. "Lets go eat granny!" will be interpreted as if you want to have granny for dinner... you're not the big bad wolf from Little Red Riding Hood and you actually wanted to say " Lets go eat, granny!" conveying that it is time to eat and granny must eat as well.

[keith]

having read and enjoyed many of their offerings i have no doubts
e e cummings
james joyce
william faulkner
emily dickinson
had little need for punctuation

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Keith!

I thank you for reading this light homage to the importance of punctuation.
I, too, have read these popular notable artists since childhood, and my experience is contrary to yours … albeit, each with their own style and level of grammatical usage. Cummings, especially, used random colons, a complete absence of periods, and the generous use of parentheses, was one of the most prolifically lacking in proper punctuation usage.
Still, there are more examples of notable poets who did/do use punctuation (more or less) properly.

An always interesting topic.
The best to you, Sir! ⁓ Richard🖌

[keith]

i thank you for allowing a civilized conversation
that said, quantity does not serve as validation or ruling a 'proper' form of writing
our language, all languages are not owned by anyone nor does anyone have patent or copywrite.
times change and so the dictated rules of society

you have every right to your opinion, your rules, your writings
i also have the same courtesies and there is no justifiable need or reasoning to criticize me or my writings. i have not come to force my philosophies on you ... i ask the same of you

as one that participated in and organized many spoken word events in the early to mid 70s
some poetry needs be complimented while others should remain on the pages as it were
my uncle was a jazz musician and poet
he was by definition a member of the beat generation ... beatniks (maynard g krebs)
he was active in performance and poetry readings
needless to say he was a major influence
the highlight being an introduction to the writings of ginsberg kerouac cassidy and many lesser but not inferior by any means
this is where my foundations arise

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Keith,
I really enjoy chatting about poetry, taking-in so many varied outlooks, opinions, and discernments often opens a whole new world … certainly, it is exciting, to say the least, when a poet as well-spoken as you are takes the time and opportunity to open-up and share so freely.
I find your commentary to be genuinely interesting and lively in a congenially enjoyable and enlightening manner … you've a good storytelling voice.
For me: I've studied and written poetry most all my life, taught it for over 40-years, and have yet to once express to a student that poetry has limits as to personal preference, format, or style when outside the auspices of classical formats … but, even within the creative confines of set order, it must allow for freedom of natural personal expression.
What I do aspire to (as a teacher) is that students open their minds to learning every form and aspect of poetry that appeals to them, whether it is Freestyle, Poetic Prose, rhymed or unrhymed, metered or unmetered, to not limit their experiences, their poetic education and appreciation to one or two formats, styles, or genre, and above all else, express whatever they feel, think, imagine, or desire, etc; as genuinely true as is possible at their level, ever aspiring to reach higher, broader, and deeper in their efforts and goals.
It is my contention that poetry must be composed in some aspect of poetic voice … something that defines it as poetry, lest it be but common prose.
My education is in English Literature … therefore, I'm more liable than not to teach proper grammar along with form.
There is no form of poetry I've read that I cannot appreciate on some level. I did not say no poem, but "no form."
I can readily see and appreciate where your roots for poetry were planted early on, and sound, proud roots they are, indeed.
It seems I seldom have much time of late, but I will soon find enough to drop by your pages for a taste of your fare.

Keith, thanks again for sharing,
Richard

[keith]

i am an artist, sculptor, woodsmith, furniture design & maker, potter ... i am complicatedly simple
ihave sample photos in, what a coincidence, photo file. my writings, my artworks run hand in hand.
art is my life my life is art ... i lived in my studios for many years ... now at 70 i have a house rather than a commercial bldg, a garage soon to become my workshop and the front three rooms of my house dedicated to studio space. i think you will be surprised

[Relic]

Years ago, I wrote one or two stories about writing. I basically advised - write the way you want to write with or without punctuation.

These days, I'm more of the mind that punctuation and form are important. I'm also regretting some of the things I wrote in the past and the way I wrote them.

I'm taking a short hiatus from posting until I can at least get a little more self-educated about punctuation and form. I think, in my case, it might help.

[Richard🖌]

My good friend, Tim,

It would help us, one and all. : )
You might breeze through my:
BREAKING GRAMMAR/PUNCTUATION RULES IN POETRY WRITING https://www.writerscafe.org/courses/WHAT-MAKES-POETRY-POETRY%3F/8501/LESSON-IV.-On-Grammar/8721/

[Relic]

I believe I may have commented on one of those in the past. However, I'll certainly take a look.

[lessa (kenzie)]

Punctuation; what the hadee's is that??? LOL
I usually write with it, sometimes I don't. But feelings don't come across as good
if you don't. I understand what you are getting at though....
I enjoyed this write and your author's note.

[Richard🖌]

As, Kenzie Dear,

I also delightfully enjoyed you and your very fun and intelligent review.

Thank you ever-so warmly, Lady-Poet! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Kim S.]

You know what? this is so true.
There is an extent of good grammar and bad grammar; as well punctuation marks.
Well said and pointed out Richard.
Now did you notice what I did wrong in my review? Wink : )

[Richard🖌]

You know what? This is so true.
There is an extent of good grammar and bad grammar; as well, punctuation marks.
Well said and pointed out, Richard.
Now, did you notice what I did wrong in my review? Wink : )

I sorted it for you, beckie, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing the grammar game together. ; )

Hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Kim S.]

hope you accept my friend request, I could use some help off and on.

[Richard🖌]

Anytime you need help, beckie, just tap me on the shoulder. : )

[Lale]

I'm amazed I love this....
oops! my bad. I'm amazed; I love this.

[Richard🖌]

I'm amazed you love this, too.

Ohhh, I see! Good correction.👍
Thanks, Lale, for sharing and loving.

My best of all to thee! ⁓ Richard🖌