comma splice or not [apposition]: shows what man has become, a race

[Fallingyuki]

Here is an essay I just read from a poetry journal, there is a point where the writer uses a comma but I thought this was a comma splice, just refreshing my memory.

"In three words Minhinnick metaphorically shows what man has become, a race of people who are now content with the safety and security of the same four walls of the same nameless pub."

I believe that it should be a semicolon and not a comma, just a little fun to get one over on the pro's.

 

[sdgraham]

I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to do here, but a semicolon separates two independent clauses. An independent clause requires a subject and a verb - a combination that does not exist following the comma in your sample.

I also note the misuse of the apostrophe in "pro's."

 

[Fallingyuki]

thank you for your wisdom

P.S i was a little unsure about that apostrophe in pros!

 

[entangledbank]

The whole part after the comma is a noun phrase in apposition to the noun phrase 'what man has become'. It's like 'my dog, Fido'.

 

[Fallingyuki]

I'll have to have a sit down and try to get this.