October 2013 – Princeton Writes

In Praise of the Semicolon

Stephanie Whetstone2020-01-14T14:41:17-05:00

In Praise of the Semicolon The semicolon (;) is a curious punctuation mark that could be described as neither fish nor fowl. To quote Harry Shaw’s Punctuate It Right, “It is a stronger mark than the comma, signifying a greater break or longer pause between sentence elements. But it is weaker than the period and other terminal marks (question mark, exclamation point) and cannot be used to end a sentence.” Indeed, as Shaw points out, even its name is misleading, since the semicolon does not play the introductory role of the colon and might more aptly be termed a “semi-period” or “double-comma.” [...]

In Praise of the SemicolonStephanie Whetstone2020-01-14T14:41:17-05:00

sepulcher (SĔP-əl-kər)

Stephanie Whetstone2013-10-28T12:00:23-04:00

Definition (Noun) A tomb or burial-place, a building, vault, or excavation, made for the interment of a human body. Now only rhetorical or historical. In Context “The dirt of the church sepulcher still clung to the cloth of her coat and to her blond hair, and she looked like an angel dragged in the dust.” Anne Rice, The Vampire Lestat, 1985.

sepulcher (SĔP-əl-kər)Stephanie Whetstone2013-10-28T12:00:23-04:00

Procrustean (Prō-KRŬS-tē-ən)

Stephanie Whetstone2013-10-21T12:00:45-04:00

Definition (Adjective) Of, relating to, or resembling the practices of Procrustes; (hence) enforcing uniformity or conformity without regard to natural variation or individuality. In Context “What socialists invariably want, however much the more squeamish among them may fudge or hedge, is the Procrustean ideal of using state power to squeeze everyone into the same mold, or to chop and stretch everyone to size on the same bed.” Peter Phillips Simpson, Vices, Virtues, and Consequences: Essays in Moral and Political Philosophy, 2001. This word was suggested by Peggy Moorhead Seas in the Office of Development.

Procrustean (Prō-KRŬS-tē-ən)Stephanie Whetstone2013-10-21T12:00:45-04:00

Princeton Writes Is Launched in Style

Stephanie Whetstone2013-10-11T12:00:00-04:00

On October 9, 2013, friends of Princeton Writes from across the University assembled in Whig Hall to formally launch this young initiative. In their remarks, Program Director John S. Weeren and Vice President for Human Resources Lianne Sullivan-Crowley acknowledged the critical role that now President Emerita Shirley M. Tilghman played in the genesis of Princeton Writes. “Shirley is ultimately responsible for our presence in this room,” said Weeren. “Not only did she embrace the vision I presented to her, she also helped inspire it, thanks to her deep commitment to outstanding writing, a commitment that kept her at her desk, corrective [...]

Princeton Writes Is Launched in StyleStephanie Whetstone2013-10-11T12:00:00-04:00

Brideshead Revisited (1945) by Evelyn Waugh

Stephanie Whetstone2013-10-01T12:00:41-04:00

Critical Assessment “Brideshead Revisited is not only Waugh’s best novel, it stands with South Wind and Point Counterpoint as one of the half dozen really great novels written this century by an English writer. It shines with almost indecent brilliance against the background of dull professional competence which marks the contemporary English novel. . . . “As sheer literary creations, however, no better rounded characters have been sculped in a decade. These people live, breathe and suffer with agonizing verisimilitude. They are seen as on Judgment Day with every weakness and strength completely revealed.” Sterling North, “Waugh Jerks School Tie of [...]

Brideshead Revisited (1945) by Evelyn WaughStephanie Whetstone2013-10-01T12:00:41-04:00