Selected Political Writings of John Thelwall Vol 4 by Robert Lamb Corinna Wagner

Author:Robert Lamb, Corinna Wagner [Robert Lamb, Corinna Wagner]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, General
ISBN: 9781000748604
Google: 9GLdDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2020-04-15T03:50:29+00:00

INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSE

ON THE

Nature and Objects of Elocutionary Science; and the Studies and Accomplishments connected with the Faculty of Oral Expression

THE object of the present Course of Lectures, is the improvement of the oral Language of Englishmen, – as contradistinguished from mere graphic composition; and the cultivation of every external grace and accomplishment, with which the delivery of that language should be accompanied; whether in Reading, in Recitation, or in Spontaneous utterance.

In the prosecution of this object, it is by no means my intention to confine myself to the limits of former example, or to tread in the beaten paths of my predecessors. I shall not satisfy myself with a mere compilation from the works of Rhetoricians and Grammarians; or with detailing the ill-digested and incongruous rules of Art, which, it is hazarding little to assert – have more frequently been repeated than understood. I shall, at least, endeavour to go somewhat deeper into my subject; and (although it is my intention to give a popular form, and a popular colouring, to every portion of the enquiry) shall attempt to establish my doctrines upon the settled principles of Science, and demonstrate the essential elements of Elocution as a branch of Natural Philosophy.

In such an undertaking, – however popularly treated, (and, indeed, in the outset of every scientific enquiry) some definitions are indispensable: for, in the laxity of general conversation, many terms become indifferently and indistinctly used; which, in the precision of scientific discussion, must be carefully separated and placed in contradistinction: – the very admission of synonymies being perfectly inconsistent with the progress and comprehension of Scientific Truth.

Nor is this the only point of view, in which the importance of scientific definitions may properly be considered. The knowledge of words leads to the knowledge of things; and every accurate Definition, necessarily conveys to the mind some important truths of the science to which it refers.

The Definitions to which it is necessary, in the first instance, to call the attention of the student, are those only that mark the boundaries, of signification assignable to three essential terms of discrimination, in the modifications of the faculty of discourse, – Eloquence – Oratory– and Elocution: terms which Etymological refinement might, perhaps reduce to one radical meaning, but which the necessities of science have converted into definite representatives of distinct, though relative, ideas.

ELOQUENCE may be defined – The Art of expressing our thoughts and feelings, with precision force and elegance; and of heightening the impressions of Reason, by the colourings of imagination.

It is applicable, therefore, to the whole faculty of verbal discourse; whether oral, or written: It addresses itself, by the pen, to the eye; as well as, by the living Organs, to the ear. Thus – we speak (with admitted accuracy) of an eloquent Book, as freely as of an eloquent Oration; of the eloquent BUFFON (alluding to his celebrated work upon Natural History;) and of the eloquent writings, as well as the eloquent speeches of EDMUND BURKE. The Apostrope to the Queen of France, is as genuine a piece of eloquence, as if it had been spoken in the House of Commons.

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