punctuation

Whether it be our universe or our writing, there’s always something to govern our decisions. Zodiac signs rule the stars, and punctuation marks rule our writing — so why not combine the two?

Punctuation marks are pretty objective in their purpose within the world of written (and spoken) language. But in an age dominated by the internet, memes and the universal need for speed, these marks have evolved into characters of their own.

These little symbols might seem small, but they carry with them centuries of history and some pretty big personalities. Which punctuation marks hold a special place in your heart?

What follows is a telling (no, retelling) / Of error forced by ego (built by spelling, / Grammar, diction, and nice punctuation) / Of premature relief and exaltation / Of man — of boy — of child — of wond'rous pain / An Intern who made edits all in vain.

Of course, I don’t tell him that copy editing just feels intrinsically satisfying. I don’t tell him that it allows me some miniscule amount of order and linear progression as I come to terms with the notion that I, as a freshman, can only pretend to have plans for my own future.

When I turned 13, my sister decided it was time to introduce me to the wonder that is E.E. Cummings through a collection of his most famous poems. Before I knew it, I started falling in love with his writing, one misplaced parenthesis at a time. But, as most loves tend to do, this newfound passion led me to question something I had believed in for most of my life: the all-encompassing importance of correct punctuation.

You’re at a party with your friends, and you’re tearing it up on the dance floor. All of a sudden, you lose your get-home-safe buddy. You …