66

(b) The outlining of the plot, sketching of characters, abstracting of arguments and the like, are useful exercises both for fixing the substance of the work in mind and for testing the pupil's knowledge. If they are to be of real service toward either of these ends the outline must be constructed according to some definite plan. On abstract-writing in general a little work by John Hunter, 'An Introduction to the Writing of Precis or Digests," with Key (2 vols. Lond: 1872), contains useful hints. Briefer but more to the point are the excellent paragraphs on "Interpretation" in Genung's "Practical Elements of Rhetoric," p. 301-315. "Rasselas" presents excellent material for work of this kind, the simplicity of its plot especially adapting it to the needs of beginners.

66

66

(c) Webster's International Dictionary" should be at hand for looking up unfamiliar words. Its appendices are of especial value, and will, in some cases, take the place of an encyclopædia. Where it can be afforded the new "Century Dictionary" will be a welcome addition to the interpretative apparatus. Daily contact with this work will in itself constitute the beginnings of a liberal education. The meanings of the few obscure allusions to be found in Rasselas" may be sought for in such works as "Brewer's Reader's Handbook," or the same author's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," though Wheeler's Vocabulary of Noted Names of Fiction, etc.," appended to Webster's "International Dictionary" is little less inclusive. (See, however, in Wheeler's " Vocabulary" the curious omission under "Father of Waters.") As few high school libraries are now without gazetteers, biographical dictionaries, and sets of good encyclopædias, it is unnecessary to dwell upon the value of such aids.

Critical. The value of this line of work, however elementary it may be, will depend largely upon the ability of the instructor to call out and intrepret the sincere opinions of his pupils.

This ability can never be acquired by a slavish adherence to the dogmas of a rhetorical text-book. It can come only through wide reading in the masterpieces of English literature, joined to a thorough-going acquaintance with the fundamental principles of criticism. As the literature of criticism is now so extensive that the subject forms a distinct science by itself, the selection of references is by no means an easy task. Such works as Kames's "Elements of Criticism," Blair's "Lectures on Rhetoric," and Alison's "Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste," once accepted as infallible authorities, have now only an historical interest. No systematic treatise has, in modern times, arisen to succeed them. The following works may be recommended as helpful: Minto's “Manual of English Prose Literature" (especially p. 31-180 and 417-428 in the American edition); Lewes's Principles of Success in Literature,"1 De Quincey's "Essay on Style;" Newman's lecture on "Literature" (in his "Idea of a University "), and Spencer's "Philosophy of Style."

66

Criticisms of Johnson's Style will be found in Minto's “Manual,” p. 417-428; Stephen's "Johnson," chap. vi., and the article by W. Cyples in the Contemporary Review, vol. xxxii., p. 707. (See Appendix C.)

Certain peculiarities of Johnsonian prose at once obtrude themselves upon the reader; they are unmistakable; yet the total effect is due to a complexity of causes. The student of "Rasselas " will find it profitable to collect specimens illustrative of the following peculiarities:

1. Wordiness and tautology.

2. Fondness for big words, that is, words of Latin derivation. "You fall into the common errors of exaggeratory decla

1 George Henry Lewes. The Principles of Success in Literature. Edited with Introduction and Notes by Fred N. Scott, Ph.D. Boston: 1891.

mation, by producing, in a familiar disquisition, examples of national calamities, etc." (chap. xxviii.).

3. Use of abstract for concrete. “To fill up the vacancies of attention and lessen the tediousness of time " (chap. i.). “We are in a place where impotence precludes malice, and where all envy is repressed by community of enjoyments" (chap. xii).

4. Ponderous movement in the rhythm of the sentence. 5. Monotonous employment of the same rhythmical move

ment.

6. Awkward inversions. 66 Their pleasures were gross and sensual in which the mind had no part" (chap. xvi.).

7. A liking for antithesis and a consequent preference for balanced sentences.

8. Fondness for obverse statement and contrast.

Note also Johnson's avoidance of parenthesis and sparing use of figures.

CHRONOLOGICAL OUTLINE.

1709. Sept. 18, Johnson born at Lichfield.

1728. Goes to Oxford.

1735. Translates Lobo's Abyssinia. Marries.

1737. Goes to London with Garrick.

1738. Publishes London.

1739. Publishes two political pamphlets: The Complete Vindication and Marmor Norfolciense.

1740-3. Writes Debates in Magna Lilliputia for Gentleman's Magazine.

1744. Life of Mr. Richard Savage.

1745. Miscellaneous Observations on Macbeth.

1747. Plan for a Dictionary of the English Language.

1748. Writes Vanity of Human Wishes.

1749. Vanity of Human Wishes published. Irene (written 1736) acted. 1750-2. The Rambler.

1752. His wife dies.

1752-3. Contributes to Hawkesworth's Adventurer.

1755. Publishes The Dictionary.

1756. Issues Proposals for an Edition of Shakespeare.

1758-60. Writes The Idler for the Universal Chronicle.

1759. His mother dies. Publishes The Prince of Abyssinia.

1762. Granted a pension.

1763. Meets Boswell.

1764. The Literary club is founded. Johnson meets the Thrales. 1765. Edition of Shakespeare.

1770. The False Alarm.

1771. Thoughts on the Late Transactions respecting the Falkland Islands.

1773. Tour to Scotland and the Hebrides.

1774. The Patriot. Tour to North Wales.

1775. Taxation no Tyranny. Journey to the Western Islands. 1776. Political Tracts.

1777. Begins Lives of Poets.

1779. Publishes four volumes of Lives.

1781. Last six volumes of Lives. Thrale dies.

1784. Mrs. Thrale becomes Mrs. Piozzi. Dec. 13 Johnson dies.

1785. Johnson's Prayers and Meditations published. Boswell publishes Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides.

1788-9. Johnson's Sermons.

1791. Boswell's Life of Johnson.

1816. Johnson's Diary in North Wales.