Question

From Part II of the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, pick one paragraph in which the author uses semicolons. Read over your chosen paragraph and in 200 words, discuss the effect of using semicolons in order to create longer phrases.

Answer 1

Whether in this piece of work, or something else, the semicolon is used to combine phrases or sentences that are closely linked together.  This allows the writer to make a more powerful statement while still be grammatically correct.  For example:  The presidential speech was given in order to bring hope to the masses; he wants to ensure we remain positive during times of adversity.  

If I were to say (after the semicolon), "he just wanted the world to like him", that would not be using the semicolon in the correct way for the second sentence was night tied to the first.