on, the homely illustration, the
plain, honest phrasing. All these and other qualities bring one into
an intimate relationship with his subject. A man of vast technical
learning, he is still so interested in the relation of his facts to the
problems of men that he is always able to infuse life into the driest
of subjects, in other words, to HUMANIZE his knowledge; and in the
estimation of Matthew Arnold, this is the true work of the scholar, the
highest mission of style.
III -- SUGGESTED STUDIES IN SUBJECT-MATTER, STRUCTURE, AND STYLE
Although fully realizing that the questions here given are only such as
are generally used everywhere by instructors in English, the editor has,
nevertheless, included them with the hope that some one may find them
helpful.
The studies given include a few general questions and suggestions on
subject-matter, structure, and style. The questions on structure are
based on an analysis of the whole composition and of the paragraph;
those on style are based on a study of sentences and words. Such
a division of material may seem unwarranted; for, it may be urged,
firmness of structure depends, to a certain extent, upon sentence-form
and words; and clearness of style, to a large extent, upon the form of
the paragraph and whole composition. The two, certainly, cannot be in
justice separated; and especially is it true, more deeply true than the
average student can be brought to believe, that structure, "MIND, in
style" as Pater phrases it, primarily determines not only clearness, but
also such qualities of style as reserve, refinement, and simple Doric
beauty. Since, however, structure is more obviously associated with
the larger groups, and style with the smaller, the questions have been
arranged according to this division.
I. Suggestions for the Study of Subject-Matter.
1. To whom does Huxley address the essay?
2. Can you see any adaptation of his material to his audience?
3. How would A Piece of Chalk be differently presented if given before a
science club?
4. Does Huxley make his subject interesting? If so, how does he
accomplish this?
5. Is the personality of Huxley suggested by the essays? See Life and
Letters, vol. ii, p. 293.
II. Suggestions for the Study of Structure.
A. Analysis of the whole composition.
1. State in one complete sentence the theme of the essay.
2. Analyze the essay for the logical development of the thought.
a. Questions on th
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