TWENTY-NINTH LESSON.

NOTE.-The little stars in each of the following figures show the place of the posttion of the hands in the preceding figure; and the dotted lines show the direction of transition from one gesture to another. But it may not be advisable to aim at precise Imitation in making the transitions. These lines, as well as the figures to which

they are attached, are designed to serve only as a general guide.

CHAPTER X.

TWENTY-EIGHTH LESSON.

GESTURE.

Fig. 1.

A graceful and impressive action is one of the highest accomplishments of the orator. So it was deemed by the celebrated orators of Athens and Rome. Its importance gives it a just claim to the special attention of teachers of Elocution. But in a volume of this size, a full treatise on this subject cannot be expected.

The following figures are designed to give the pupil a general idea of appropriate gestures, and to enable him to exercise his own taste and judgment, in the use of such other gestures, as may enforce and illustrate the various thoughts and sentiments he may be called upon to utter

SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT GESTURES.

The Head and Face.

The hanging down of the head denotes shame or grief
The holding of it up, pride or courage.

To nod forward implies assent.

To toss the head back, dissent.

The inclination of the head implies bashfulness or languor The head is averted in dislike or horror.

It leans forward in attention

The Eyes

The eyes are raised in prayer.

They weep in sorrow.

They burn in anger.

They are downcast or averted in anger

They are cast on vacancy in thought.

They are thrown in different directions in doubt and anxiety.

The Arms.

The arm is projected forward in authority.
Both arms are spread extended in admiration.
They are both held forward in imploring help
They both fall suddenly in disappointment.

The Hands.

The hand on the head indicates pain or distress
On the eyes, shame.

On the lips, injunction of silence.

On the breast, it appeals to conscience, or intimates strong internal emotion.

The hand waves or flourishes in joy or contempt

Both hands are held supine, applied or clasped in prayer.

Both descend prone in blessing.

They are clasped or wrung in affliction

The Body

The body, held erect, indicates steadiness and courage

Thrown back, pride.

Stooping forward, condescension or compassion.

Bending, reverence or respect.

Prostration, the utmost humility or abasement.

The Lower Limbs.

Their firm position signifies courage or obstinacy
Bended knees, timidity or weakness.

Frequent change, disturbed thoughts

They advance in desire or courage.
Retire in aversion or fear.

Start in terror.

Stamp in authority or anger.

Kneel in submission and prayer.

In the second and third figures, the foot which is deeply shaded supports the principal part of the body, and that which is lightly shaded rests lightly upon the floor. The resting foot moves first, in changing the position.

The two feet in the centre of each figure, represent the starting point, or original position. The direction in which the feet move, is marked by dotted lines. The line in which the first foot moves is distinguished by a star. In each figure four steps may be made from each starting point or original position.