The conjunction and (and so forth, and so on) ... signals a simple addition, the apposition of one term with the other, nothing more. Auerbach (chapters 2 and 3) turns this into a characteristic of "modern" style, paratax, as opposed to classical syntax. Conjoined by and, phrases or events follow each other, but their succession does not enjoy a categorial order (because; if, then; in order to; although ...). Joined to the preceding one by and, a phrase arises out of nothingness to link up with it. Paratax thus connotes the abyss of Not-Being which opens between phrases, it stresses the surprise that something begins when what is said is said. And is the conjunction that most allows the constitutive discontinuity (or oblivion) of time to threaten, while defying it through its equally constitutive continuity (or retention). ... Instead of and, and assuring the same paratactic function, there can be a comma, or nothing.

Jean-Francois Lyotard, The Differend  65-6