Effect of Punctuation on Complexity of Blindness by Saramago

Abstract

Jose Saramago is believed to possess unique form of writing style which is both defined as complicated and easy to read at the same time. Certain elements have their share in such effect; however, central emphasize of present study is on punctuation and particular use of different punctuations in Blindness. The original book is in Portuguese but English translation by Giovanni Pontiero is the main focus of present study. Theories for the present study is a combination of Nunberg (1990) and Briscoe (1995). Employing descriptive analytical method, punctuations are grouped into 7 categories followed by explanation and examples from the text. The results revealed that particular use of punctuation in the text is unique and extraordinary, and it has a significant impact on both complexity of the text and style of the writer.