Anarchic Writing

You Have All These Rules, And You Think They'll Save You.

I Only Have One Rule.

Then That's the Rule You'll Have to Break.

     It is pretty clear that good grammar is incredibly important. We've all been taught about the Oxford comma, passive/active voice, proper semi-colon use, etc. Grammar aids comprehension, and makes a writers words come out clean and clear. Improper grammar, even when spoken, can infuriate even the kindest heart. Look at any web forum or online discussion and the moment someone uses the wrong "there," five people are poised to jump down there throats. Did you catch that? Now your mad at me. Catch that one? Pretty mad, right? You shouldn't like it. You understand I meant "their," and "you're," so you're not really confused. These errors should be corrected, since they may compound into bad habits. Everyone's heard the "Let's eat Grandpa!" and "Let's eat, Grandpa!" example. Now, not all situations are quite so serious, but any hinderance to a papers comprehension may affect the readers understanding.

     Lets take a U-Turn here. Proper grammar and mechanics are undeniably important to research papers, schoolwork, and any formal piece in general. But, don't limit yourself. My favorite author, Cormac McCarthy (The Road, Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men) does not use quotation marks or apostrophes. His dialogue is blank and flows with the description, the only indiaction that someone is talking is a tab and a "he said." It makes everything more dark and silent, a tone throughout most of his novels. By not following this simple rule, McCarthy enhanced the experience of reading his novels, and helped me understand his writing. McCarthy knows he is breaking a rule, and he knows just what rules they are, which is partly why is allowed to.

     Another famous rule-breaker is E. E. Cummings, often stylized e.e. cummings. Poetry itself could be described as a bit more lawless than its prose counterpart, but there is still a typical structure, and grammar is often followed. Often in the same poem, Cummings would switch between "properness" and lack thereof, capitalizing properly, and leaving everything lowercase.

     Writing should often be described as art, and if all painters were Baroque artists, the artistry behind painting would suffer. Follow the rules, at school and in conversation. But don't be afraid to be a little rebellious. Introduce a little anarchy.