Final answer:
Understanding the use of phrases and clauses helps in analyzing an author's writing style. Distinguishing between prepositional phrases, as well as independent and dependent clauses is crucial. Identifying the main parts of speech and their roles within these structures aids in interpreting the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Phrases and Clauses in Literature
Discussing an author's use of phrases and clauses is essential for analyzing their writing style. Prepositional phrases are groups of words that begin with a preposition, like 'aboard' or 'through', and act as adverbials. They provide additional information about time, location, or manner. An example would be 'in the beginning', which describes when something occurs. Identifying nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs within these phrases helps us understand the role they play in the sentence.
Clauses, on the other hand, contain both a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand on its own as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot. We distinguish between participle phrases, which begin with a verb in participle form and act as adjectives, and gerund phrases, which begin with a verb ending in '-ing' and function as nouns. Infinitives, which are verbs preceded by 'to', can form infinitive phrases with additional words that together function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
While analyzing sentences, one should identify the subject and the verb, keeping in mind that prepositional phrases are not the subject but may separate the subject from the verb. For instance, in the sentence 'The play comes highly recommended', 'play' is the subject and 'comes' is the verb, not confused by the presence of the prepositional phrase 'with such true witticisms and parables'.
Other literary features like pronouns, active vs. passive voice, and verb tenses also contribute to a deeper understanding of an author's craft. Through subject/verb agreement, careful word choice, and syntax, the author's use of language becomes clearer, enabling a richer interpretation of the text.