Introduction to Word Order

• Understand that in Latin literature, the order of words can often be flexible, unlike in English.
• Recognise that authors often manipulate this word order for dramatic effect, emphasis, or to fit the metre in poetry.

Syntax and Style

• Appreciate the syntactical latitude of Latin, where words can be rearranged yet still maintain correct grammar due to inflections.
• Acknowledge the role of inflections - endings added to words, indicating tense, number, case, and gender - in contributing to the flexibility of word order.

Word Order for Dramatic Effect

• Recognise how Latin authors adjust word order to create suspense or surprise, by delaying key words or information to the end of a sentence.
• Appreciate how placing key actions or objects at the beginning or end of a sentence can highlight them, adding dramatic impact.

Emphasis and Word Placement

• Understand how positioning can give words greater emphasis. Words at the start or end of a sentence often carry more weight.
• Note how negative words can be placed away from the words they negate for intensified irony or surprise.

Word Order in Poetry

• Recognise the role of word order in poetry where it's manipulated to fit the metre or create pleasing or dramatic sound effects.
• Remember that poetic word order can involve unusual arrangements for alliteration, chiasmus (cross-over structure), or interlocking word order.

Consideration in Translations

• Be aware that when translating, it's important to keep the original emphasis where possible, even if this means deviating from typical English word order.
• Remember that understanding Latin word order can aid in interpreting character emotions, authorial intention, and thematic exploration.
• Always be alert to unusual word orders as they often signify important dramatic or thematic moments in the text.