For boundary questions, identify the subjects and main verbs before evaluating the punctuation. Set aside introductory or parenthetical phrases so they do not hide the underlying sentence structure. If complete clauses appear on both sides without a coordinating conjunction, reject an unpunctuated boundary or a comma alone and select punctuation that can properly join independent clauses.
Hints
- Hint 1
Find the clause endings
Determine whether the words through “would omit” express a complete thought.
- Hint 2
Look beyond the modifier
Temporarily set aside “considered as a group” and examine the subject and verb that follow it.
- Hint 3
Choose a strong boundary
Decide what punctuation can join two complete clauses without a coordinating conjunction, while preserving the comma after the introductory modifier.
Step-by-step
- Step 1
Identify the first independent clause
The first clause has the subject “Several scenes” and the verb “establish.” It forms a complete thought ending with “the later book edition would omit.”
- Step 2
Analyze the remaining text
“Considered as a group” is an introductory participial phrase modifying “those scenes.” After that phrase, “those scenes constitute a distinct artistic design rather than disposable drafts” forms a complete independent clause.
- Step 3
Create the correct boundary
Because the two complete clauses have no coordinating conjunction between them, a comma alone cannot join them. The semicolon in “omit; considered as a group,” creates the required boundary, and the comma after “group” sets off the introductory phrase.