Lecture Stylistics as a science. Problems of stylistic research. Plan

4. Stylistic syntax
Syntactical categories have long been the object of stylistic research. There are different syntactical means and different classifications. The classifications discussed earlier in this book demonstrate different categorization of expressive means connected with syntax. However there are a few general principles on which most of the syntactical expressive means are built.
The major principles- at work on the sentence level are
I. The omission or absence of one or more parts of the sentence.
II. Reiteration (repetition) of some parts.
III. The inverted word order.
IV; The interaction of adjacent sentences.
I. The omission of the obligatory parts of a sentence results in ellipsis f various types. An elliptical sentence is a sentence with one or more the parts left out. As a rule the omitted part can be reconstructed the context. In this case ellipsis brings into relief typical features ' colloquial English casual talk.
The laconic compressed character of elliptical sentences lends flavour of liveliness to colloquial English. In fiction elliptical sentences have a manifold stylistic function. First of all they help ate a sense of immediacy and local colour. Besides they may add the character's make up, they lead to a better understanding of mood of a personage.
Wish I was young enough to wear that kind of thing. Older I get the lore I like colour. We're both pretty long in the tooth, eh? (Waugh)
Often elliptical sentences are used in represented speech because syntactically it resembles direct speech. The use of elliptical sentences in fiction is not limited to conversation. They are sometimes used in the author's narration and in the exposition.
I remember now, that Sita's braid did not hurt. It was only soft and heavy, smelling of Castile soap, but still I yelled as though something terrible was happening. Stop! Get off! Let go! Because I couldn't stand haw strong she was. (Erdrich)
A variety of ellipsis in English are one-member nominal sentences. They have no separate subject and predicate but one main part instead. One-member sentences call attention to the subject named, to its existence and even more to its interrelations with other objects. Nominal sentences are often used in descriptive narration and in exposition. The economy of the construction gives a dynamic rhythm to the passage. One-member sentences are also common in stage remarks and represented speech.
Matchbooks. Coaster trays. Hotel towels and washcloths. He was sending her the samples of whatever he was selling at the time. Fuller brushes. Radio antennas. Cans of hair spray or special wonder-working floor cleaners. (Erdrich)