Investigating Literature

Worksheet Description

This worksheet titled “Asyndeton in Literature” is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the literary device known as asyndeton. Asyndeton, which comes from a Greek word meaning “unconnected,” refers to the stylistic choice to omit conjunctions between parts of a sentence. The worksheet educates on how this device can be used effectively to link words or phrases while maintaining the grammatical integrity of the text. Emphasizing its historical roots, the worksheet points out that asyndeton has been a feature of both Greek and Latin literature. It distinguishes two types of asyndeton: one that occurs between words and another that takes place between phrases or sentences, offering a foundational framework for students to identify and understand the use of this literary tool.

The interactive portion of the worksheet prompts students to engage directly with a text that employs asyndeton. It asks them to not only identify an instance of asyndeton but also to consider the type of asyndeton used and its effect on the sentence or passage. By doing so, students are encouraged to think critically about the author’s choice in using asyndeton and the resultant impact on the reader’s experience of the text. This analytical approach aims to cultivate students’ literary analysis skills and their ability to discern subtle elements of authorial style.