EXAMPLES "A Scotch mist becomes a shower; and a shower, a storm; and a storm, a tempest; and a tempest, thunder and lightning; and thunder and lightning, heavenquake and earthquake.' virtue became silent, heartsick, pined away, and died." "Then Allusion is that use of language whereby in a word or words we recall some interesting incident or condition by resemblance or contrast. EXAMPLES"Give them the Amazon in South America and we'll give them the Mississippi in the United States.” After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Hancock remarked to his fellow signers that they must all hang together. "Yes," said Franklin "or we shall all hang separately. The allusion in this case turns to a pun, which is a play upon words. EXAMPLE-"And the Doctor told the Sexton And the Sexton tolled the bell." "Can storied urn or animated bust Back to its mansions call the fleeting breath? Or Flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?" Euphemism (u-fe-miz-em) is a word or sentence so chosen and expressed as to make a disagreeable fact sound more pleasantly than if told in plain language. EXAMPLES-"Deceased " for "dead;" "stopping payment," instead of becoming bankrupt;" "falling asleep," instead of 'dying: " "you labor under a mistake," for "you lie;" "he does not keep very correct accounts," instead of "he cheats when he can;" "she cer tainly displays as little vanity in her personal appearance as any young lady I ever saw;" for "she is an intolerable slattern.' "I see Anacreon laugh and sing; Apostrophe like the exclamation is the sudden turning away, in the fullness of emotion, to ad A continued allusion and resemblance in dress some other person or object. In this we style becomes a parody. EXAMPLE PARODY ""Tis the last rose of summer, left blooming alone; -""Tis the last golden dollar, left shining alone; All its brilliant companions are squandered and gone; That there must be peril 'mong so many sparks: Exclamation is a figure of speech used to express more strongly the emotions of the speaker. EXAMPLES "Oh! the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!" "How poor, how rich, how abject, how august A beam ethereal, sullied and absorbed! Though sullied and dishonored, still divine! Interrogation is a rhetorical figure by which the speaker puts opinions in the form of questions for the purpose of expressing thought more positively and vehemently without expectation of the questions being answered. EXAMPLES" He that planned the ear shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall be not see?" "O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?" "But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? 串 ** Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?" address the absent or dead as if present or alive, and the inanimate as if living. This figure of speech usually indicates a high degree of excitement. EXAMPLES "O gentle sleep, Nature's soft nurse, how have I frighted thee, Thus King David, on hearing of the death of Absalom, exclaims, "O, my son Absalom, my son, my son!" Ossian's Address to the Moon, is one of the most beautiful illustrations of the apostrophe. "Daughter of heaven, fair art thou! The silence of thy face is pleasant. Thou comest forth in loveliness. The stars attend thy blue steps in the East. The clouds rejoice in thy presence, O Moon! and brighten their dark-brown sides. Who is like thee in heaven, daughter of the night? The stars are ashamed in thy presence, and turn aside their sparkling eyes. Whither dost thou retire from thy course, when the darkness of thy countenance grows? Hast thou thy hall like Ossian? Dwellest thou in the shadow of grief? Have thy sisters fallen from heaven? and are they who rejoiced with thee at night no more? Yes, they have fallen, fair light! and often dost thou retire to mourn. But thou thyself shall one night fail, and leave thy blue path in heaven. The stars will then lift their heads; they who in thy presence were astonished will rejoice." "Thou lingering star with less'ning ray, My Mary from my soul was torn. Vision is a figure of rhetoric by which the speaker represents the objects of his imagination as actually before his eyes and present to his senses. EXAMPLES" Soldiers! from the tops of yonder pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you!" "We behold honses and public edifices wrapt in flames; we hear the crash of roofs falling in, and one general uproar proceeding from a thousand different voices; we see some flying they know not whither, others hanging over the last embraces of their wives and friends we see the mother tearing from the ruffian's grasp her helpless babe, and the victors cutting each others' throats wherever the plunder is most laviting." 7. When words become obsolete, or are never used but in particular phrases, they should be repudiated, as they give the style an air of vulgarity and cant, when this general disuse renders them obscure. 8. All words and phrases which analyzed grammatically, include an imperfection of speech, should be dismissed. 9. All expressions which, according to the established rules of language, either have no meaning, or involve a contradiction, or according to the fair construction of the words, convey a meaning different from the intention of the speaker, should be dismissed. General Summary. Dr. Blair's system of rhetoric sums up the most important qualities of style in the six following terms, being thus condensed by Kerl: "Purity, propriety, and precision chiefly in regard to words and phrases; and perspicuity, unity, and strength, in regard to sentences. He who writes with purity, avoids all phraseology that is foreign, uncouth, or ill-derived; he who writes with propriety, selects the most appropriate, the very best expressions, and generally displays sound Judgment and good taste; he who writes with precision, is careful to state exactly what he means - all that he means, or that is necessary, and nothing more; he who writes with perspicuity, aims to present his meaning so clearly and obviously, that no one can fail to understand 1.im at once; he who observes unity, follows carefully the most agreeable order of nature, and does not jumble together incongruous things, nor throw out his thoughts in a confused or chaotic mass; and he who writes with strength, so disposes or marshals all the parts of each sentence, and all the parts of the discourse, as to make the strongest impression. A person's style, according as it is influenced by taste and imagination, may be dry, plain, neat, elegant, ornamental, florid, or turgid. The most common faulty style is that which may be described as being stiff, cramped, labored, heavy and tiresome; its opposite is the easy, flowing, graceful, sprightly, and interesting style. One of the greatest beauties of style, one too little regarded, is simplicity or naturalness; that easy, unaffected, earnest, and highly impressive language which indicates a total ignorance, or rather innocence, of all the trickery of art. It seems to consist of the pure promptings of nature; though, in most instances, it is not so much a natural gift as it is the perfection of art." Laws of Language. The following rules by Dr. Campbell, in reference to the construction of sentences and choice of words will be found of service. 1. When the usage is divided as to any particular words or phrases, and when one of the expressions is susceptible of different meanings, while the other admits of only one signification, the expression which is strictly of one meaning should be preferred. 2. In doubtful cases, analogy should be regarded. 8. When expressions are in other respects equal, that should be preferred which is most agreeable to the ear. 4. When none of the preceding rules takes place, regard should be had to simplicity. 5. All words and phrases, particularly harsh and not absolutely necessary, should be dismissed. 6. When the etymology plainly points to a different signification from what the word bears, propriety and simplicity require its dismission. Specific Directions. PARAGRAPHS.-One or more sentences form a paragraph. When a deviation or change is made in the subject a new paragraph is commenced. The first line of each paragraph in writing should commence about one inch from the left side of the sheet. Preserve a space half an inch in width between the left of the writing and the edge of the sheet. Write as close to the right edge of the sheet as possible. When lack of space prevents the completion of a word on the line, place the hyphen (-) at the end of the line and follow with the remaining syllables on the next line. Words may be divided, but never divide syllables. Rules of Construction. 1. The principal words in a sentence should be placed where they will make the most striking impression. 2. A weaker assertion or argument should not follow a stronger one. 3. The separation of the preposition from the noun which it governs, should be avoided. 4. Concluding the sentence with an adverb, preposition, or other insignificant word lessens the strength of the sentence. ORDER OF ARRANGEMENT.-Young writers will find it well to prepare a memorandum of the subjects they wish to treat on a separate slip of paper, and the points they wish to make relating to each subject. Having the subjects clearly fixed in the mind, they should commence with the least important and follow through to the end, considering the most important at the close. A ACCESSION-addition, augmentation, increase. | ACTUATE-impcl, induce, move. ABASE-humble, lower, degrade, depress, dis- ACCOMMODATE-adjust, adapt, serve, suit, fit. grace. ACCOMPLICE-abettor, ally, assistant, accesABATE-lessen, reduce, subside, decrease, di- sory, associate. minish. ABBREVIATE-abridge, curtail, condense, com- ridiculous, silly. ABUNDANT-ample, copious, plentiful. ACUTE-sharp, kecn, subtle, shrewd, piercing, ACCOMPLISH-Complete, effect, achieve, fulfill, ADD-join to, prt to, increase. recital. ACCUMULATE-heap, collect, gather, amass. ACQUIESCE-Comply, yield, consent, agree, as- ACCEDE-acquiesce, agree, consent, assent, ACQUIT-free, pardon, forgive, discharge, clear. comply, yield. ACCEPT-admit, receive, take. ACCEPTABLE-agreeable, grateful, welcome. ACTIVE-quick, nimble, agile, alert, prompt, ADDRESS-speech, utterance, ability, court- ADDITION-augmentation, increase, accession. ADMIRATION-regard, esteem, wonder, sur- ADMISSION-entrance, access, admittance. proof. ADORN-deck, embellish, beautify. ADVANCEMENT-progression, improvement. ADVERSARY-opponent, antagonist, enemy. ADVERT-notice, turn, regard, allude. AMBIGUOUS-obscure, doubtful, equivocal, un certain. able. ARGUMENT--proof, reason, dispute. ARISE-Mount, ascend, rise, stand up. AMENABLE-answerable, responsible, account- ARRAIGN-charge, accuse, impeach. ARRANGE-place, dispose, class, range. AMEND-Correct, improve, better, rectify, re- ARROGANCE-assumption, self-conceit, pride, form, mend. presumption, haughtiness. AMENDS-recompense, restoration, reparation, ARTFUL-crafty, artificial, deceitful, cunning, restitution. dexterous. ADVISE-Consult, consider, deliberate, ad- AMIABLE-lovely, kind, charming, delightful, ARTICULATE―speak, pronounce, utter. monish. ADVOCATE-plead, argue, defend, support. tion. AFFECT-aim, assume, move, pretend, arrogate. AGITATE-shake, disturb, move, discuss. AGREE accede, acquiesce, assent, consent, obliging. AMPLE-large, extended, spacious, copious, ARTIFICE-deception, imposition, stratagem, AMUSEMENT-entertainment, diversion, sport, ATTRACT-charm, captivate, win, allure, draw, pastime, recreation. entice. ATTRACTIONS-charms, allurements, entice ments. AUDACITY-impudence, boldness, hardihood, effrontery. ANGRY-passionate, hot, irascible, hasty. ANIMOSITY-hatred, enmity, malignity, hos- AUTHENTIC-genuine, authorized, true. AUTHORITY-power, dominion, force, sway, ANNEX-attach, affix, subjoin, add. AGREEABLE-suitable, acceptable, pleasing, APPEARANCE-aspect, look, air, manner, mien, ADVERSE-loath, unwilling, reluctant, repug- B BABBLING-idle talk, loquacity, chattering, prattling. BACKWARD-loth, unwilling, reluctant, averse. BAFFLE confound, defeat, disconcert, elude, confuse. BALANCE-settle, adjust, regulate, equalize. AGREEMENT harmony, accordance, covenant, APPEASE calm, soothe, allay, pacify, assuage, BANTER-taunt, ridicule, deride, rally, joke, concurrence, contract, bargain. AID-assist, help, succor, relieve. tranquilize. APPLAUD-praise, approve, extol, commend. ALLIANCE-Coalition, union, league, combina- APPROACH-admittance, access, avenue, passtion, confederacy. ALLOT distribute, apportion, assign, appoint. admiration. age. APPROBATION-approval, concurrence, con- ARBITRATOR-judge, umpire, arbiter. jest. BARE-stripped, naked, destitute, uncovered, BARGAIN -purchase, cheapen, contract, buy. BASHFUL-shy, modest, timid, diffident. BEAR-carry, bring forth, suffer, support, en- BEAT--hit, strike, defeat, overthrow. BEAUTIFY-embellish, decorate, adorn, deck, ornament. BECOMING-suitable, comely, graceful, decent, befitting, meet, fit. BEG-crave, beseech, entreat, ask, request, implore, solicit, supplicate. ARDENT-hot, eager, passionate, fervent, flery, BEGIN-originate, commence, enter upon. vehement. ARDUOUS-hard, difficult, laborious. BEGUILE-delude, mislead, deceive, amuse, impose upon. BEHAVIOR-Conduct, carriage, manner, deport- BEND-lean, incline, distort, subdue, bow. BEQUEATH-devise, give by will. BESEECH-Solicit, crave, beg, implore, entreat, BESTOW-grant, confer, give, present. C CABAL-Coalition, combination, league, con- CHARM-attract, bewitch, delight, enrapture, captivate, fascinate. CHASTEN-Correct, punish, afflict, chastise. CHASTISE-correct, amict, punish. CALL-exclaim, cry, invite, name, summon, CHEAT-fraud, deception, stratagem, deceit, ous. CAPABLE-able, fitted, competent, qualified, CHILDISH-simple, puerile, trifling. talent. CAPRICE-fancy, humor, freak, whim, notion. BOASTER-braggard, braggart, braggadocio, CAPRICIOUS-notional, variable, fickle, changevaunter, bluster.r. able, fantastical, whimsical. BOASTING-parade, ostentation, vaunting. BORDER-edge, verge, rim, brim, margin, BORE-pierce, penetrate, perforate. CHOKE-stifle, smother, suffocate. | CHOOSE-prefer, select, pick, elect. CIRCUMSPECT-watchful, cautious, wary, par- CARE-anxiety, solicitude, regard, attention, CIVIL-obliging, polite, affable, courteous, CLAIM-demand, pretension, right. BOUNTY-liberality, generosity, benevolence, CARESS-fondle, endear, embrace, stroke, CLANDESTINE--secret, hidden, private. bcncficence. BRAVE-bold, daring, heroic, courageous, un- soothe. CARNAGE-massacre, butchery, slaughter. BREAK-destroy, batter, rend, dissolve, tame, CARRY-transport, convey, bear. CLASS-division, order, degree, rank. CLEANSING purifying, purging, cleaning. CLEAR-free, pure, acquit, absolve, discharge, satisfy, vindicate, evident, apparent, obvious. CLEARLY-distinctly, lucidly, plainly, manifestly, obviously, visibly. BREAKER-surge, billow, wave, sand-bank, CATCH-snatch, scize, lay hold of, grasp, cap- CLEMENCY-mercy, mildness, lenity, kindness, covered rock. ture, grip. BRIEF-short, concise, succinct, compendious, CAUSE-origin, source, reason, inducement. summary, epitomized. BRIGHT-clear, shining, sparkling, brilliant, glistening, glittering, lucid, resplendent. BRILLIANCY-brightness, radiance, splendor, luster. CAUTION-advice. warning, notice, admonition, CEASE-leave off, desist, discontinue, stop. BROAD-far-reaching, ample, large, extensive, CELEBRATED-honored, famous, illustrious, re wide. BROIL-fight, quarrel, altercation, affray. BRUISE-break, crush, squeeze, pound, compress. BUILD-crcct, cstablish, found, construct. BULK-greatness, largeness, extent, magnitade, size, dimensions. BUNDEN-load, freight, weight, cargo. BUT-break, rend, crack, split. avocation, employment, profession. nowned. CLEVER adroit, skillful, ready, expert. near. CLOTHES-raiment, garment, covering, attire, habiliments, apparel. CLOUDED-obscured, variegated, dark, gloomy, overcast, sullen. CELEBRATE praise, extol, commend, perpet- CLUMSY-awkward, unhandy, bungling, un uate. couth. COALITION-Conspiracy, league, union, com bination. CENSURE-rebuke, reprimand, condemnation, COADJUTOR-assistant, colleague, ally. BUSINESS-trade, occupation, calling, work, CHANCE-hazard, casual, fortuitous. BUSTLE-disorder, hurry, tumult, confusion. BUT-except, still, however, save, nevertheless, yct, notwithstanding. BUTCHERY-havoc, slaughter, massacre, car nage. BUY-procure. bargain, obtain, purchase. CHANGE-alteration, variety, mutation, con- COARSE-gross, inelegant, rough, rude, vulgar, unrefined. COAX-flatter, wheedle, fawn, cajole. CHANGEABLE-uncertain, variable, fickle, mu- gathered. CHARITY-kindness, benevolence, good will, COLLECTION-gathering, assemblage, contribuliberality, beneficence, generosity. tion, group. |