PART V. OF DESCRIPTIONS. We shall divide this Part into two articles. In the first, we shall treat of the Definition, Division, Subject, Object, Qualities, and Rules of Descriptions; in the second, we shall give the Praxis of writing a Description. ARTICLE I. DEFINITION, SUBJECT, DIVISION, OBJECT, QUALITIES, AND RULES OF DESCRIPTIONS. 1. A Description, as a species of composition, is "an ample exposition in language of the properties and adjuncts of a thing." 2. Since everything that exists, admits of being described, it follows, that the subjects of description are numberless; and consequently the division of descriptions into classes, is a difficult matter. 3. Descriptions, however, may be divided into (1.) What is a Description? (2.) Is a division of the subjects of description easy? (3.) Into how many classes may the descriptive subjects be divided? three main comprehensive branches, to-wit: FIRST, Descriptions of time; SECOND, Descriptions of places; THIRD, Descriptions of persons, and other objects. 4. The principal aim of a writer, or speaker, in describing an object, is generally information; as, in descriptions which regard history, science, and art. The object, however, may frequently be persuasion, as in oratorical descriptions; and it may be pleasure, as in poetical, or fictitious descriptions. Hence, 5. The particular qualities, or requisites of a description, must be inferred from the design, or objects of the writer, or speaker. Thus, if the object be to inform, as stated in history; the description must embrace all the particulars, calculated to impart a clear idea of the subject ; and, in that case, the style must be simple. If the main object be to persuade, as in orations; the descriptions must embrace those particulars only that will produce conviction; and the style may be simple, or middle, or mixed. If the main object be to please, as in poems and romances; the description must dwell more at length on those adjuncts which delight the imagination, and then the style must be invariably adorned. (4.) What may be the object of a writer of a description? (5.) What qualities must a description have? 6. When a description, although graphic, is short, and refers chiefly to inanimate objects, it is a rhetorical figure, called hypotyposis; when it relates to the representation of the habits and qualities of a person, is called ethopæia; when it refers to the outline of his person, particularly the face, is termed prosopography; of which figures we shall speak in the third book. 7. In order to describe accurately a person, place, or other object, with its adjuncts, the student must at first endeavor to obtain a correct, clear, and full idea of the same, by diligently examining the object, if possible; or else by gathering such accurate information of it, as it is in his power. He then may allow his imagination to supply vivid pictures; not, however, incompatible with the object of description; and he may use all the ornaments of language, which may appear suitable to the subject, and the object of pleasing the hearer, or reader. 8. We deem it superfluous to furnish_the student-as some authors do-with a catalogue (6.) When is a description called Hypotyposis, when Ethopæia, and when Prosopography? (7.) What must a student do, in order to describe a thing accurately? (8.) Is it necessary to give to the student a catalogue of descriptive subjects? of descriptive subjects; since nature presents them with great profusion everywhere. Whenever the student wishes to cast his looks around the universe; whether it be in the still hours of midnight, when the firmament is kindled with a countless number of stars; or at midday, when the world is enlightened by the rays of the sun; and in any place whatever, either on the top of a rugged mountain, and on the brink of an awful precipice, or on a boundless plain; or in the tempestuous ocean; his eye will meet everywhere objects worthy of description; such as lakes, rivers, brooks, forests, plants, herbs, living creatures of all kinds, displaying a numberless variety of properties and adjuncts, each one of which may be described. The student, whose imagination is not kindled by the varied scenery of a whole universe before him; who, having thousands of objects, qualities, and adjuncts, in sight, cannot find subjects, ideas, or words, for description, is truly one that has eyes, and cannot see; and has a tongue, and cannot speak. The case of such a student is then hopeless, and all directions, in respect to him, are utterly useless. 9. Beginners should at first select easy sub Why not? How can he easily find them? (9.) What subjects should beginners select at first, and why? jects, and which strike most their youthful imagination. For, in this way, they will be able to understand well the subject, to preserve a good order in its development, and to obtain abundant ideas, and language in its description. 10. Select examples of different descriptions, according to the triple object of a writer, or speaker, may be found in classic authors: Livius, Cicero, and Virgil, in the Latin language; Milton, Byron, Goldsmith, Washington Irving, and many others, in English ; offer superior patterns for imitation. 11. The following admirable example from Milton, may suffice here to illustrate this subject: ADAM'S FIRST STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS. “As new waked from soundest sleep, Soft in the flowery herb I found me laid In balmy sweat, while with his beams the Sun Straight toward heaven my wondering eyes I turned, (10.) Where may select examples of description be found? |