the American essayist Lewis Thomas on the semicolon: The semicolon tells you that there is still some question about the preceding full sentence; something needs to be added { . . .} The period {or full stop} tells you that that is that; if you didn't get all the meaning you wanted or expected, anyway you got all the writer intended to parcel out and now you have to move along. But with the semicolon there you get a pleasant feeling of expectancy; there is more to come; read on; it will get clearer. The Medusa and the Snail, 1979
The semicolon serves as a signal that the writer has more to say, leaving the reader with an anticipation of additional information or clarity. According to American essayist Lewis Thomas, the semicolon indicates that the previous statement is not definitive and invites further exploration, creating a spark of curiosity in the reader. It contrasts with the period, which suggests that the thought is complete, and if the reader is unsatisfied with the meaning, they must accept it as final and move on.
This distinction highlights the semicolon's unique role in writing, enhancing the reader's experience by implying continuity and encouraging them to read further. In Thomas’s view, the presence of a semicolon enriches the text by providing a sense of expectancy, suggesting that the narrative is still unfolding. When a semicolon is present, it not only connects ideas but also keeps the reader engaged, hinting that there is more depth to be uncovered in the prose.
