Passage 139 · 1880
"Ben-Hur"
Main effectThrough abrupt trumpet signal, passive instantaneous clearing, collective singular subject, genitive of frenzied emotion, compound earth/air subject seeming to tremble, Wallace creates syntax of epic spectacle—grammar that amplifies chariot race to cosmic event through personification and hyperbolic participation of nature.
Device index
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Tropes
Human qualities to non-human.
Exaggeration.
Schemes
Single verb governing different objects.
Syntax
"The trumpets sounded"—simple subject-verb. Syntax creates abrupt, dramatic start.
"and instantly"—conjunction with temporal adverb. Syntax shows immediate effect.
"the arena was cleared"—passive construction. Syntax emphasizes result over agent.
"for the race"—purpose phrase. Syntax establishes goal of clearing.
"The people shouted"—collective subject with active verb. Syntax treats crowd as singular entity.
"in a frenzy of gladness"—nested prepositional phrases with abstract nouns. Syntax qualifies emotion as extreme.
"the earth and the air"—two subjects representing totality. Syntax makes response universal.
"seemed to tremble"—linking verb with infinitive. Syntax qualifies observation as impression.
"with the transport"—prepositional phrase showing cause. Syntax attributes trembling to ecstasy.
Close reading
1Close Reading
Intransitive Action
"The trumpets sounded"—simple subject-verb. Syntax creates abrupt, dramatic start.
Coordinating Consequence
"and instantly"—conjunction with temporal adverb. Syntax shows immediate effect.
Passive Clearing
"the arena was cleared"—passive construction. Syntax emphasizes result over agent.
Prepositional Purpose
"for the race"—purpose phrase. Syntax establishes goal of clearing.
Simple Past Reaction
"The people shouted"—collective subject with active verb. Syntax treats crowd as singular entity.
Genitive Emotion
"in a frenzy of gladness"—nested prepositional phrases with abstract nouns. Syntax qualifies emotion as extreme.
Compound Subject
"the earth and the air"—two subjects representing totality. Syntax makes response universal.
Verb of Seeming
"seemed to tremble"—linking verb with infinitive. Syntax qualifies observation as impression.
Prepositional Cause
"with the transport"—prepositional phrase showing cause. Syntax attributes trembling to ecstasy.
Stylistic Effect
Through abrupt trumpet signal, passive instantaneous clearing, collective singular subject, genitive of frenzied emotion, compound earth/air subject seeming to tremble, Wallace creates syntax of epic spectacle—grammar that amplifies chariot race to cosmic event through personification and hyperbolic participation of nature.