Example: "Tom was a hard worker, at least when he was working for himself. He had no trouble finding chores that needed doing."
Analysis:
* Sentence Structure: This sentence is a complex sentence, consisting of two independent clauses: "Tom was a hard worker, at least when he was working for himself." and "He had no trouble finding chores that needed doing."
* Parallelism: The first clause uses parallel structure with the phrase "at least when he was working for himself" to emphasize the conditional nature of Tom's work ethic. This creates a rhythm and reinforces the idea that Tom's effort is dependent on his personal motivation.
* Conjunctive Adverb: The use of the conjunctive adverb "at least" acts as a transitional word, connecting the two clauses and providing a slight contrast in the tone. This conveys the author's nuanced view of Tom's character – he is hardworking, but not always in the ways expected.
* Emphasis: The placement of the phrase "at least when he was working for himself" at the end of the first clause creates emphasis. This highlights the specific condition under which Tom exhibits his work ethic, further emphasizing his self-centered nature.
How the Syntax Creates Meaning:
The syntax of this sentence helps the author, Mark Twain, create a vivid and nuanced portrayal of Tom Sawyer's personality. By utilizing parallelism, a conjunctive adverb, and strategic sentence structure, Twain emphasizes Tom's contradictory nature: he is capable of hard work, but only when it benefits him personally. This insight into Tom's character is crucial to understanding his motivations throughout the novel.