Understanding very difficult prose

Question

Hi People,I quote the following:"Replicating the post-Mendel application of Lamarck's apparently superseded scientific theory by non-empirical social scientists, Vernon Lee's fervent and intellectually original use of scientific paradigms across different fields in order to further a specific literary and creative heuristic offers an exemplary narrative trace, replete with hybridized methodologies and the rhetorical deployment of scientific language in non-scientific discourses."Now, I hate that kind of prose. It is difficult to follow and there are no concrete terms used to understand abstract concepts. But my question is this: What is you process in understanding this? Also, are there any webpages that explain a process in getting to grips with understanding this? Are there book specifically on understanding difficult prose? Maybe my English level isn't advanced enough and the above passages is fairly straightforward. I don't know?Are there any others out there that struggles to get to grips with this? Personally I get very frustrated when I can't fully understand prose like this.Thank you for reading and any answers (sorry if it's in the wrong section)Lee.

GPY · Accepted Answer

LeeMills771Now, I hate that kind of prose.

Me too.

What is your main difficulty in understanding it? Is it the sentence structure or the meaning of the words?

LeeMills771 · Answer

Hi GPY,

I can get the meaning of the words. That isn't a big problem, although there are several words I've never heard in that passage. The main problem is the structure. My brain doesn't allow me to 'decipher' what the author is saying. I'm left confused and frustrated.

Have they invented super-intelligence pills yet?

Lee

AlpheccaStars · Answer

This is an illustration of turgid incomprehensible text which, unfortunately, is far too common in academic writing.
This passage is quoted in "Stylish Academic Writing" by Helen Sword, chapter 5.
http://www.cs.unca.edu/~bruce/Spring13/180/chapter5.pdf

Clive · Answer

"Replicating the post-Mendel application of Lamarck's apparently superseded scientific theory by non-empirical social scientists, Vernon Lee's fervent and intellectually original use of scientific paradigms across different fields in order to further a specific literary and creative heuristic offers an exemplary narrative trace, replete with hybridized methodologies and the rhetorical deployment of scientific language in non-scientific discourses."

I usually get irritated by writing like this. It makes me feel that the author is deliberately trying to write in a difficult way. To my mind, a good writer tries to express his thoughts clearly and as directly as possible.
I would begin by looking for and trying to understand the main idea, ie the main clause. I see this as
Vernon Lee's fervent and intellectually original use of scientific paradigms across different fields offers an exemplary narrative trace.
Right away, I don't know what a 'narrative trace' means.
Anyway, I'd continue by considering the various subordinate clauses and phrases, one by one.This is a process of building up the meaning by gradually adding layers to the main idea.
Maybe, during this process, the meaning of a 'narrative trace' will become clearer. Maybe. Maybe not.

Clive

GPY · Answer

LeeMills771 I'm left confused and frustrated.

Most readers would be.

Understanding very difficult prose

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions