Style is the particular manner in which a writer or speaker expresses his thoughts by words. From what is the word style derived? From the Latin word stylus, a pointed steel instrument which the Romans used in writing upon their waxen tablets. Do the styles of most writers differ much from each other? They do; for no two writers are likely to express the same idea in precisely the same manner. What are the principal kinds of style? The simple, the florid, the nervous, the concise, the diffuse. What is meant by simple style ?* Simple style is that in which the thoughts are expressed in a natural manner, without any attempt at effect. What is meant by florid style? Florid style is that in which there is a great deal of ornament. What is meant by nervous style? Nervous style is that in which forcible sentences are employed, and which makes a strong impression on the reader or hearer. What is meant by concise style? Concise style is that in which the thoughts are expressed in very few words. *Examples of the different kinds of style will be found in the exercise at the end of this lesson. What is meant by diffuse style? Diffuse style is that of a writer or speaker who enlarges on his thoughts, and uses many words to express them. To what should the style of an author always be suited? To the subject he is treating. There are certain properties which the style of every good writer must possess; what are these? Purity, propriety, precision, clearness, strength, and harmony. EXERCISE. Copy and punctuate the following extracts, which are examples of the different kinds of style: Simple Style. "Sweet was the sound when oft at evening's close There as I passed with careless steps and slow The mingled notes came softened from below The swain responsive as the milk-maid sung The sober herd that lowed to meet their young The noisy geese that gabbled o'er the pool The playful children just let loose from school The watch-dog's voice that bayed the whispering wind And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind These all in sweet confusion sought the shade And filled each pause the nightingale had made" Florid Style. "His charmed numbers flow on like the free current of a melodious stream whose associations are with the sunbeams and the shadows the leafy boughs the song of the forest birds the dew upon the flowery bank and all things sweet and genial and delightful whose influence is around us in our happiest moments and whose essence is the wealth that lies hoarded in the treasury of nature" Nervous Style. "Vengeance calls you quick be ready Concise Style. "He touched his harp and nations heard entranced Rapid exhaustless deep his numbers flowed He seemed an old acquaintance free to jest Diffuse Style. "The fame of his discovery had resounded throughout the nation and as the route of Columbus lay through several of the finest and most populous provinces of Spain his journey appeared like the progress of a sovereign Wherever he passed the surrounding country poured forth its inhabitants who lined the roads and thronged the villages In the large towns the streets windows and balconies were filled with eager spectators who rent the air with acclamations His journey was continually impeded by the multitude pressing to gain a sight of him and of the Indians who were regarded with as much admiration as if they had been natives of another planet It was impossible to satisfy the craving curiosity which assailed himself and his attendants at every stage with innumerable questions popular rumor as usual had exaggerated the truth and had filled the newly found country with all kinds of wonders" LESSON LIII. Com PURITY. WHAT is the first essential property of a good style? In what does purity consist? Purity of style consists in the use of such words and modes of expression as are warranted by good authority. What is meant by "good authority?" The usage of the best writers and speakers. How many rules must be observed, to insure purity of style? I. Do not use foreign words or modes of construction, when there are pure English ones that are just as expressive. II. Do not use obsolete words, or such as have fallen into disuse. III. Avoid words that are not authorized by good writers. Mention some of the foreign words that are often introduced by writers who violate the first rule relating to purity, and the corresponding English words that should be used instead of them. Hauteur, haughtiness. Delicatesse, delicacy. Politesse, politeness. A propos, appropriate. Emeute, disturbance. Bagatelle, trifle. N'importe, no matter. Nous verrons, we shall see. Mention some obsolete words, and what it is proper to use instead of them at the present day. Let, hinder. Behest, command. Quoth, said. Irks, wearies. Wot, know. Wist, knew. Sith, since. Erst, formerly. EXERCISE. Correct the following sentences, so that they contain no violation of the rules of purity: EXAMPLE. I cannot believe it, but nous verrons. Corrected. I cannot believe it, but we shall see. 1. His manners were not marked by politesse, but by an offensive hauteur. 2. I have been disappointed, but n'importe. 3. Fearing that they might become involved in the émeute, they remained in the house. 4. My friend made some remarks quite à propos to the occasion. 5. The fleeting joys of this world are but bagatelles. 6. I can go where likes me best. 7. Thy voice we hear, and thy behests obey. 8. "Come," quoth he, "lay aside thine armor." |