THE ROLE OF PUNCTUATION IN THE RHYTHMIC AND STYLISTIC STRUCTURING OF LITERARY TEXTS
Abstract
Punctuation has traditionally been viewed as a graphic system designed to regulate syntactic relations and facilitate the interpretation of written discourse. However, in literary texts punctuation performs functions that extend beyond grammatical organization and orthographic regulation. It contributes significantly to the rhythmic arrangement of discourse, the expression of emotions, the construction of stylistic effects, and the realization of authorial intention. The present study examines the role of punctuation in the rhythmic and stylistic structuring of literary texts. Drawing upon theories of stylistics, discourse analysis, and literary linguistics, the research investigates how punctuation marks influence textual rhythm, emotional expressiveness, narrative organization, and reader perception. Through descriptive, comparative, and contextual analyses of selected English and Uzbek literary texts, the study demonstrates that punctuation functions as an important stylistic resource that shapes literary meaning and contributes to aesthetic impact. The findings reveal that punctuation serves not only as a syntactic organizer but also as an artistic device participating in the construction of literary discourse.
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