Paraprosdokian Play

Paraprosdokians play with double meanings of words. This figure of speech occurs when the latter part of a sentence surprises the first part in an unexpected way.  It causes the reader or listener to reinterpret the first part.  Often used for humorous or dramatic effect, it creates an anticlimax.

Here are a few:
        
Do not argue with an idiot.  He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
          
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
          
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
          
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
          
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
    
 

   
Try your own.

Farewell to the Prince of Tides

In Gratitude for Pat Conroy - October 25, 1945 - March 4, 2016

"No story is a straight line. The geometry of a human life is too imperfect and complex, too distorted by the laughter of time and the bewildering intricacies of fate to admit the straight line into its system of laws.” ~ Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy spent his life writing to discover his sense of self. He wove stories based on family situations and his life struggles. “It was in Beaufort in sight of a river’s sinuous turn, and the movements of its dolphin-proud tides that I began to discover myself and where my life began at fifteen,” he wrote.

According to Conroy, his father would often sign copies of his novels, "I hope you enjoy my son’s latest work of fiction." He would underline the word “fiction” five or six times. "That boy of mine sure has a vivid imagination. Ol’ lovable, likable Col. Don Conroy, USMC (Ret.), the Great Santini." 

His website provides additional information:  http://www.patconroy.com

Celebrate National Grammar Day

Do you know how to use lie and lay?

Pique your curiosity by taking a peek at the mountain's peak.

Check out more grammar tips:

http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/national-grammar-day