Are the "Notes on Punctuation" by Lewis Thomas actually about punctuation? We were asked to "close read" it and I'm sure the author had other messages to get out other than punctuation. I looked Lewis Thomas up on google and found that he was quite into biology. Can anyone read those notes and give me his/her thoughts? I'm not trying to get anyone to do my homework, just see other's thoughts as I am quite curious about things like this.

Lewis Thomas wrote on many subjects. I believe that he intended this to be a humorous essay, as opposed to most very dry and boring explanations of punctuation.

Other teachers may want to comment on this essay --

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jlawler/punctuation.html

http://www.todayinsci.com/T/Thomas_Lewis/ThomasLewis-Quotations.htm

Oh, that first article is marvelous. You can tell in the first paragraph that it's intended to be humorous -- all those unclosed parenthetical statements -- until the end of the paragraph when he closes them all with multiple closing parenthesis marks!! The rest of that essay follows suit. How much fun is that?!

And the quotations ... Love 'em!

=)

I love his substitutions for punctuation marks.. they are a hoot! That essay is just plain fun. Some essays are only for that purpose... to take something totally without humor and play with it.

Where should quotation marks be place in the sentence below?

Study your spelling, said Dad.

,said,"Dad". Tanya you're an idiot,said,"the other student".

To determine whether "Notes on Punctuation" by Lewis Thomas is solely about punctuation or if there are other underlying messages, it's necessary to conduct a close reading of the text. Close reading involves analyzing and reflecting on the content, style, and context of the writing to gain a deeper understanding.

Based on the information you found about Lewis Thomas's interest in biology, it's possible that his notes on punctuation may go beyond simply discussing punctuation marks. To get a better understanding of the text, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by reading "Notes on Punctuation" attentively, focusing on the punctuation-related sections. Take note of any ideas, themes, or insights that stand out to you.

2. Consider the broader context of Lewis Thomas's writing. This includes his background in biology and any other works he has authored. How might his background influence or color his perspective on punctuation, if at all?

3. Look for connections between punctuation and other subjects in the text. See if Thomas draws parallels between punctuation and biology, or if he uses punctuation as a metaphor to convey other ideas or insights. Pay attention to any patterns or recurring themes in the text.

4. Analyze the style and language used by Thomas. Note any literary techniques, rhetorical devices, or shifts in tone that may indicate deeper meanings or intentions beyond a simple discussion of punctuation.

5. Reflect on your understanding of the text and form your own interpretation. Consider how the ideas about punctuation presented by Thomas in "Notes on Punctuation" connect to his background, interests, or any larger messages he may be conveying.

Remember, close reading is not only about finding a definitive answer but also about engaging with the text and forming your own interpretation. By going through these steps and reflecting on the text, you can gain a richer understanding of Lewis Thomas's "Notes on Punctuation" and potentially uncover any additional messages or insights beyond the realm of punctuation.