David Foster Wallace: All That

Speaking of Wallace, The New Yorker has published a short story of his entitled All That.

Grammar Challenge!

Class worksheet on grammar and usage from David Foster Wallace, given to students of a nonfiction workshop he taught. The discussion in the comments is worth your time, too.

I liked this bit from the Answers and Explanations page on how Wallace taught the placement of modifiers.

You have been entrusted to feed for your neighbor’s dog for a week while he (the neighbor) is out of town. The neighbor returns home; something has gone awry; you are questioned.

“I fed the dog.”

“Did you feed the parakeet?”

“I fed only the dog.”

“Did anyone else feed the dog?”

“Only I fed the dog.”

“Did you fondle/molest the dog?”

“I only fed the dog!”

(via kottke)

12.05.2009Tagged with: