hugh blair lectures on rhetoric and belles lettres

Hugh BlairHugh Blair

Lectures on Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Rhetoric and Belles

LettresLettres

Ethos (appeal to reputation, Ethos (appeal to reputation, rhetor)rhetor)

““Indeed, when the arts of Indeed, when the arts of speech and writing are speech and writing are mentioned, I am sensible mentioned, I am sensible that prejudices against that prejudices against them are apt to rise in the them are apt to rise in the minds of many. A sort of minds of many. A sort of art is immediately art is immediately thought of, that is thought of, that is ostentatious and ostentatious and deceitful; the studied deceitful; the studied fallacies of rhetoric; fallacies of rhetoric; ornament substituted in ornament substituted in the room of use.” (p. 31) the room of use.” (p. 31) {theory} {theory}

The voice of a rhetor is The voice of a rhetor is viewed as pretentious viewed as pretentious and insincere. Blair and insincere. Blair realizes that to some, realizes that to some, rhetoric presents as an rhetoric presents as an empty show, lacking empty show, lacking substance and substance and possessing no useful possessing no useful value. The passage value. The passage intends to depict Blair intends to depict Blair as humble, as humble, understanding, and understanding, and gracious.gracious.

Ethos (continued)Ethos (continued)

““He must feel what He must feel what a good man feels, if a good man feels, if he expects greatly he expects greatly to move, or to to move, or to interest mankind. interest mankind. They are the ardent They are the ardent sentiments of sentiments of honour, virtue, honour, virtue, magnanimity, and magnanimity, and public spirit…” public spirit…” (p.36) {theory}(p.36) {theory}

Blair explains a Blair explains a rhetor must possess rhetor must possess noble, admirable noble, admirable traits to impact his traits to impact his fellow man. Blair fellow man. Blair conveys to his conveys to his audience, by audience, by outlining these outlining these worthy traits, that he worthy traits, that he too, possesses these too, possesses these characteristics.characteristics.


““The foundation of all The foundation of all good style, is good good style, is good sense, accompanied sense, accompanied with a lively imagination. with a lively imagination. The style and thoughts The style and thoughts of a writer are so of a writer are so intimately connected, intimately connected, that, as I have several that, as I have several times hinted, it is times hinted, it is frequently hard to frequently hard to distinguish them. (p. distinguish them. (p. 84) {theory}84) {theory}

A writer must think A writer must think sensibly while sensibly while exhibiting an exhibiting an animated imagination. animated imagination. These attributes These attributes create stylish prose. create stylish prose. Blair compliments the Blair compliments the rhetor for possessing rhetor for possessing these gifted attributes, these gifted attributes, thus complimenting thus complimenting and elevating himself.and elevating himself.


““Whereas, what we Whereas, what we conceive clearly and conceive clearly and feel strongly, we shall feel strongly, we shall naturally express with naturally express with clearness and clearness and strength.” (p. 84) strength.” (p. 84) {theory}{theory}

Blair believes when a Blair believes when a rhetor holds deep, rhetor holds deep, thoughtful insight, he thoughtful insight, he will convey his thoughts will convey his thoughts with articulate, powerful with articulate, powerful clarity. When the clarity. When the audience feels audience feels conviction and hears conviction and hears reason in a rhetor’s reason in a rhetor’s words, they will respect words, they will respect the moral fiber of the the moral fiber of the speaker. speaker.


““If the following Lectures If the following Lectures have any merit, it will have any merit, it will consist in an endeavour to consist in an endeavour to substitute the application substitute the application of these principles in the of these principles in the place of artificial and place of artificial and scholastic rhetoric; in an scholastic rhetoric; in an endeavour to explode false endeavour to explode false ornament, to direct ornament, to direct attention more towards attention more towards substance than show, to substance than show, to recommend good sense as recommend good sense as the foundation of all good the foundation of all good composition, and simplicity composition, and simplicity as essential to all true as essential to all true ornament.” (p. 31) ornament.” (p. 31) {theory}{theory}

Blair comments on his Blair comments on his attempt to pour meaning, attempt to pour meaning, rationale, and truth into rationale, and truth into his Belles Lettres while his Belles Lettres while avoiding pontification and avoiding pontification and elaborate prose (although elaborate prose (although I think he failed). He tells I think he failed). He tells us that simplicity, mixed us that simplicity, mixed with the above qualities, with the above qualities, creates rhetoric of creates rhetoric of distinction. This passage distinction. This passage strives to show Blair’s strives to show Blair’s conviction to truth and conviction to truth and meaning in his words.meaning in his words.


“…“…the study of Rhetoric the study of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres and Belles Lettres supposes and requires a supposes and requires a proper acquaintance proper acquaintance with the rest of the with the rest of the liberal arts. It embraces liberal arts. It embraces them all within its them all within its circle, and recommends circle, and recommends them to the highest them to the highest regard.” (p. 31) {theory regard.” (p. 31) {theory and example}and example}

Blair gives credence to Blair gives credence to other arts such as other arts such as poetry and theater. poetry and theater. His respect for other His respect for other crafts embodies a crafts embodies a noble, attentive man. noble, attentive man.


““To speak or to write To speak or to write perspicuously and perspicuously and agreeably with purity, agreeably with purity, with grace and with grace and strength, are strength, are attainments of the attainments of the utmost consequence to utmost consequence to all who purpose, either all who purpose, either by speech or writing, by speech or writing, to address the public.” to address the public.” (p. 32) {theory}(p. 32) {theory}

Speaking and writing Speaking and writing with discernment, with discernment, clarity, and power clarity, and power should be the should be the aspiration of all aspiration of all rhetors. Blair shows rhetors. Blair shows the high standards of the high standards of public speakers. public speakers.

Pathos (appeal to emotion, Pathos (appeal to emotion, audience)audience)

““For, according as society For, according as society improves and flourishes, improves and flourishes, men acquire more influence men acquire more influence over one another by means over one another by means of reasoning and discourse; of reasoning and discourse; and in proportion as that and in proportion as that influence is felt to enlarge, it influence is felt to enlarge, it must follow, as a natural must follow, as a natural consequence, that they will consequence, that they will bestow more care upon the bestow more care upon the methods of expressing their methods of expressing their conceptions with propriety conceptions with propriety and eloquence.” (p.30) and eloquence.” (p.30) {theory and example}{theory and example}

Blair addresses the Blair addresses the progression and progression and success of society to success of society to emphasize the emphasize the importance of importance of exemplary discourse in exemplary discourse in society. Blair invites society. Blair invites his audience to his audience to understand the understand the relevance and affects relevance and affects of rhetoric by relating it of rhetoric by relating it to the success of to the success of society. society.

Pathos (continued)Pathos (continued)

““The public ears The public ears become refined. It will become refined. It will nor easily bear what is nor easily bear what is slovenly and incorrect. slovenly and incorrect. Every author must Every author must aspire to some merit in aspire to some merit in expression, as well as expression, as well as in sentiment, if he in sentiment, if he would not incur the would not incur the danger of being danger of being neglected and neglected and despised.” (p. 33) despised.” (p. 33) {theory and example}{theory and example}

Blair compliments Blair compliments the audience for the audience for evolving into evolving into critical, refined critical, refined listeners. This listeners. This passage shows passage shows Blair’s sense of Blair’s sense of pandering to his pandering to his audience in pursuit audience in pursuit of creating emotion. of creating emotion.


““True criticism is a True criticism is a liberal and humane liberal and humane art. It is the offspring art. It is the offspring of good sense and of good sense and refined taste. It aims refined taste. It aims at acquiring a just at acquiring a just discernment of the discernment of the real merit of the real merit of the authors.” (p. 34) authors.” (p. 34) {theory}{theory}

Blair pays tribute to the Blair pays tribute to the true critic for deeply true critic for deeply and thoroughly and thoroughly pondering the rhetor’s pondering the rhetor’s discourse. This passage discourse. This passage melds ethos and pathos melds ethos and pathos together because Blair’s together because Blair’s flattering, gracious flattering, gracious approach emanates approach emanates good character while good character while offering meaning to the offering meaning to the reader through reader through reactionary emotion. reactionary emotion.


““Taste, as I before Taste, as I before explained it, is ultimately explained it, is ultimately founded on an internal founded on an internal sense of beauty, which is sense of beauty, which is natural to men, and natural to men, and which, in its application to which, in its application to particular objects, is particular objects, is capable of being guided capable of being guided and enlightened by and enlightened by reason.” (p. 44) {theory}reason.” (p. 44) {theory}

Men possess an innate Men possess an innate sense of beauty which sense of beauty which can be cultivated into can be cultivated into “taste”, the ultimate “taste”, the ultimate in refinement. This is in refinement. This is Blair’s pompous way Blair’s pompous way of complimenting of complimenting fellow man’s naturally fellow man’s naturally good taste. good taste.


““It is to the last It is to the last degree awkward and degree awkward and absurd…to speak with absurd…to speak with elaborate pomp of elaborate pomp of expression, before expression, before persons who persons who comprehend nothing comprehend nothing of it, and who can only of it, and who can only stare at our stare at our unseasonable unseasonable magnificence.” (p. 86) magnificence.” (p. 86) {theory}{theory}

Blair explains it is Blair explains it is wasteful and useless to wasteful and useless to speak to less critical speak to less critical thinkers who are unable thinkers who are unable to comprehend a to comprehend a rhetor’s “unseasonable rhetor’s “unseasonable magnificence”. Blair magnificence”. Blair may evoke anger or may evoke anger or smug pride, but smug pride, but regardless, he will regardless, he will evoke emotion which evoke emotion which will lead his audience to will lead his audience to a deeper perception of a deeper perception of the rhetor’s speech.the rhetor’s speech.

Style (presentation of Style (presentation of communication)communication)

““Among nations in a Among nations in a civilized state, no civilized state, no art has been art has been cultivated with cultivated with more caremore care, than , than that of language, that of language, style, and style, and composition.” (p. composition.” (p. 30) {theory and 30) {theory and exampleexample}}

Style is likened to Style is likened to civility using the civility using the metaphor of metaphor of gardening to gardening to illustrate the illustrate the attention given to attention given to the importance of the importance of style.style.

Style (continued)Style (continued)

““We prefer a We prefer a simple simple and naturaland natural, to an , to an artificial and artificial and affectedaffected style; a style; a regular and well-regular and well-connectedconnected story, to story, to loose and scatteredloose and scattered narratives.” (p. 45) narratives.” (p. 45) {theory and {theory and exampleexample}}

Synonyms and Synonyms and antonyms are antonyms are contrasted to state contrasted to state that the audience that the audience prefers a clear style prefers a clear style and concise account, and concise account, so that our own so that our own feelings will form our feelings will form our discernment of taste.discernment of taste.


““It is not easy to give a It is not easy to give a precise idea of what is precise idea of what is meant by style. The best meant by style. The best definition I can give of it, definition I can give of it, is, the peculiar manner in is, the peculiar manner in which a man expresses his which a man expresses his conceptions, by means of conceptions, by means of language. It is different language. It is different from mere language, or from mere language, or words. The words which words. The words which an author employs, may be an author employs, may be proper and faultless; and proper and faultless; and his style may, his style may, nevertheless, have great nevertheless, have great faults: it may be dry, or faults: it may be dry, or stiff, or feeble, or stiff, or feeble, or affected.” (p. 66) {theory}affected.” (p. 66) {theory}

Blair can best define style Blair can best define style by giving the example that by giving the example that a rhetor can choose the a rhetor can choose the best words and have best words and have impeccable grammar, and impeccable grammar, and still not be able to still not be able to communicate effectively or communicate effectively or persuasively. The rhetor persuasively. The rhetor with great language skills with great language skills can be perceived as can be perceived as boring, unintelligent or boring, unintelligent or weak if his style is lacking.weak if his style is lacking.


““In giving the general In giving the general characters of style, it is characters of style, it is usual to talk of a usual to talk of a nervous, a feeble, or a nervous, a feeble, or a spirited style; which are spirited style; which are plainly the characters plainly the characters of a writer’s manner of of a writer’s manner of thinking, as well as of thinking, as well as of expressing himself: so expressing himself: so difficult it is to separate difficult it is to separate these two things from these two things from one another.” (p. 66) one another.” (p. 66) {theory}{theory}

The rhetor’s style is The rhetor’s style is associated with their associated with their feelings. People will feelings. People will have a nervous style if have a nervous style if they are worried and they are worried and an intense style when an intense style when they have strong they have strong feelings about the feelings about the topic they are topic they are discussing.discussing.


““Perspicuity, it will be Perspicuity, it will be readily admitted, is the readily admitted, is the fundamental quality of fundamental quality of style … this, therefore, style … this, therefore, must be our first must be our first object, to make our object, to make our meaning clearly and meaning clearly and fully understood, and fully understood, and understood without understood without the least difficulty.” (p. the least difficulty.” (p. 67) {theory}67) {theory}

The most basic quality The most basic quality of style is to be easily of style is to be easily understood. The understood. The rhetor is counseled to rhetor is counseled to strive for that quality.strive for that quality.


““If we are obliged to If we are obliged to follow a writer with follow a writer with much care, to much care, to pause, and read pause, and read over his sentences over his sentences a second time, in a second time, in order to order to comprehend them comprehend them fully, he will never fully, he will never please us long.” (p. please us long.” (p. 67) {theory}67) {theory}

A poor style will A poor style will result in the result in the unpopularity of the unpopularity of the rhetor. (or, Blair on rhetor. (or, Blair on Blair)Blair)


““We are pleased with We are pleased with an author…who frees an author…who frees us from all fatigue of us from all fatigue of searching for his searching for his meaning; who carries meaning; who carries us through his subject us through his subject without any without any embarrassment or embarrassment or confusion; confusion; whose style whose style flows always like a flows always like a limpid stream, where limpid stream, where we see to the very we see to the very bottom.bottom.” (p. 67) ” (p. 67) {theory and {theory and exampleexample}}

The importance of The importance of clarity and flow is clarity and flow is emphasized when emphasized when Blair uses simile to Blair uses simile to illustrate good style by illustrate good style by comparing it to a comparing it to a flowing stream where flowing stream where the stream bed is the stream bed is clearly seen.clearly seen.


““Style may be pure, Style may be pure, that is, it may all be that is, it may all be strictly English…and strictly English…and may, nevertheless, be may, nevertheless, be deficient in propriety. deficient in propriety. The words may be ill The words may be ill chosen; not adapted chosen; not adapted to the subject, nor to the subject, nor fully expressive of the fully expressive of the author’s sense.” author’s sense.” (p. 68) {theory}(p. 68) {theory}

Blair considers a Blair considers a language “pure” if it language “pure” if it hasn’t been influenced hasn’t been influenced by another language by another language or slang, but that or slang, but that doesn’t assure perfect doesn’t assure perfect style if the words are style if the words are not appropriate to the not appropriate to the subject or don’t subject or don’t convey the intended convey the intended message.message.


The great source of a loose The great source of a loose style, in opposition to style, in opposition to precision, is the injudicious precision, is the injudicious use of those words termed use of those words termed synonymous … the bulk of synonymous … the bulk of writers are very apt to writers are very apt to confound them with each confound them with each other; and to employ them other; and to employ them carelessly … carelessly … hence a hence a certain mist and certain mist and indistinctness is unwarily indistinctness is unwarily thrown over style.thrown over style.” (p. 72) ” (p. 72) {theory and {theory and exampleexample}}

Blair cautions against Blair cautions against careless use of confusing careless use of confusing synonyms. He uses the synonyms. He uses the metaphor of mist to metaphor of mist to illustrate how the rhetor’s illustrate how the rhetor’s meaning will be obscured meaning will be obscured by poor style.by poor style.


““A great branch of A great branch of the ornament of the ornament of style, is, figurative style, is, figurative language … some language … some departure from departure from simplicity of simplicity of expression … expression … designed to render designed to render the impression more the impression more strong and vivid.” strong and vivid.” (p. 73) {theory}(p. 73) {theory}

Blair encourages Blair encourages use of words which, use of words which, when put together, when put together, are not meant to are not meant to be interpreted with be interpreted with their literal their literal meaning but meant meaning but meant to introduce to introduce another another circumstance to aid circumstance to aid perception.perception.


““Tropes or figures Tropes or figures contribute to the beauty contribute to the beauty and grace of style. First, and grace of style. First, they enrich language, and they enrich language, and render it more copious. … render it more copious. … Secondly, they bestow Secondly, they bestow dignity upon style. … Third, dignity upon style. … Third, figures give us the figures give us the pleasure of enjoying two pleasure of enjoying two objects presented together objects presented together to our view, without to our view, without confusion; … Fourth, they confusion; … Fourth, they are very properly said to are very properly said to illustrate a subject, or illustrate a subject, or to to throw a light upon it.throw a light upon it.” ” (p. 79-80) {theory and (p. 79-80) {theory and exampleexample}}

Using figurative language Using figurative language is important because it is important because it makes language more makes language more luxurious, adds dignity to luxurious, adds dignity to style, and allows the style, and allows the listener to compare two listener to compare two objects while clearly objects while clearly understanding the subject. understanding the subject. Here he cites Aristotle, “we Here he cites Aristotle, “we see one thing in another, see one thing in another, which is always agreeable which is always agreeable to the mind.”to the mind.”


““The foundation of The foundation of all good style, is all good style, is good sense, good sense, accompanied with accompanied with a lively a lively imagination.” (p. imagination.” (p. 84) {theory}84) {theory}

A rhetor having A rhetor having good style is due to good style is due to their having their having common sense common sense combined with a combined with a good imagination.good imagination.


““In order to form a In order to form a good style, the good style, the frequent practice frequent practice of composing is of composing is indispensably indispensably necessary.” (p. 84) necessary.” (p. 84) {theory}{theory}

““Practice makes Practice makes perfect”, so style perfect”, so style can be improved if can be improved if composition is composition is carefully practiced.carefully practiced.


““There may be an There may be an extreme, in too great extreme, in too great and anxious care about and anxious care about words. We must not words. We must not retard the course of retard the course of thought, thought, nor cool the nor cool the heat of imaginationheat of imagination, by , by pausing too long on pausing too long on every word we every word we employ.” (p. 85) employ.” (p. 85) {theory and {theory and exampleexample}}

Blair uses contrast to Blair uses contrast to counsel not to agonize counsel not to agonize over every word to over every word to prevent losing the prevent losing the train of thought and train of thought and enthusiasm. He enthusiasm. He suggests completing suggests completing the work and letting the work and letting time pass for the best time pass for the best review and correction.review and correction.


““We ought to render We ought to render ourselves well ourselves well acquainted with the acquainted with the style of the best style of the best authors. This is authors. This is requisite both in order requisite both in order to form a just taste in to form a just taste in style, and to supply us style, and to supply us with a full stock of with a full stock of words on every words on every subject.” (p. 85) subject.” (p. 85) {theory}{theory}

Study of the masters Study of the masters is encouraged to is encouraged to appreciate the appreciate the differences in style differences in style and to accumulate a and to accumulate a large vocabulary.large vocabulary.


““Attention to style Attention to style must not engross must not engross us so much, as to us so much, as to detract from a detract from a higher degree of higher degree of attention to the attention to the thoughts.” (p. 86) thoughts.” (p. 86) {theory} {theory}

The attention paid The attention paid to style must be to style must be secondary to the secondary to the attention paid to attention paid to the subject.the subject.

Arrangement (how to Arrangement (how to structure)structure)

““...in an endeavour to ...in an endeavour to explode false explode false ornament, to direct ornament, to direct attention more towards attention more towards substance than show, substance than show, to recommend food to recommend food sense as the sense as the foundation of all good foundation of all good composition, and composition, and simplicity as essential simplicity as essential to all true ornament.” to all true ornament.” (p31) {theory}(p31) {theory}

Though Blair seems Though Blair seems somewhat reluctant to somewhat reluctant to explicitly address explicitly address arrangement, he arrangement, he seems to put value in seems to put value in several instances several instances upon simple upon simple construction and a construction and a stigma on florid stigma on florid arrangement.arrangement.

Arrangement (continued)Arrangement (continued)

““Everyone who has the Everyone who has the slightest acquaintance with slightest acquaintance with composition knows, that composition knows, that when he expresses himself when he expresses himself ill of any subject, when his ill of any subject, when his arrangement is loose, and arrangement is loose, and his sentences become his sentences become feeble, the defects of his feeble, the defects of his style can...be traced back style can...be traced back to his indistinct conception to his indistinct conception of the subject...” (p33) of the subject...” (p33) {example/theory}{example/theory}

It is impossible to hide It is impossible to hide behind one's words and behind one's words and staging; for if they are staging; for if they are weak and unconvincing, weak and unconvincing, one's true ignorance will one's true ignorance will surely be revealed.surely be revealed.


““The use and The use and importance of importance of precision can be precision can be deduced from the deduced from the nature of the human nature of the human mind. It never can mind. It never can view, clearly and view, clearly and distinctly, above one distinctly, above one object at a time...” object at a time...” (p69) {theory}(p69) {theory}

This statement and This statement and the following the following explication speak explication speak again towards again towards Blair's call for clarity Blair's call for clarity and simplicity, in and simplicity, in place of ornament place of ornament and filigree.and filigree.

(personal note-Blair (personal note-Blair would hate me)would hate me)


““The great place which the The great place which the doctrine of tropes and doctrine of tropes and figures has occupied in figures has occupied in systems of rhetoric...and in systems of rhetoric...and in ranging them under ranging them under different classes, has often different classes, has often led persons to imagine , led persons to imagine , that if their composition that if their composition was well bespangled with a was well bespangled with a number of these number of these ornaments of speech, it ornaments of speech, it wanted no other beauty...” wanted no other beauty...” (p75)(p75)

The near-sanctification of The near-sanctification of the specific forms of figures the specific forms of figures and tropes and their and tropes and their organization does not organization does not necessarily speak to their necessarily speak to their infallibility, and should not infallibility, and should not be thrown about carelessly be thrown about carelessly as a crutch for weak as a crutch for weak “sentiment or passion.”-(75)“sentiment or passion.”-(75)

Or as it might more please Or as it might more please Blair to say: just because Blair to say: just because something is highly stratified something is highly stratified does not necessarily make it does not necessarily make it a substitute for good writing. a substitute for good writing.

Delivery (message Delivery (message transmission)transmission)

““Speech is the great Speech is the great instrument by which instrument by which man becomes beneficial man becomes beneficial to man: and it is to the to man: and it is to the intercourse and intercourse and transmission of thought, transmission of thought, by means of speech, by means of speech, that we are chiefly that we are chiefly indebted for the indebted for the improvement of thought improvement of thought itself.” (p. 30) {theory}itself.” (p. 30) {theory}

The ability to transmit The ability to transmit messages makes messages makes people helpful to each people helpful to each other in that they can other in that they can collectively reason collectively reason and improve their and improve their understanding.understanding.

Delivery (continued)Delivery (continued)

““Writing and Writing and discourse are discourse are objects entitled to objects entitled to the highest the highest attention.” (p. 30) attention.” (p. 30) {theory}{theory}

To communicate To communicate effectively, the effectively, the methods of methods of transmission must transmission must be carefully be carefully studied.studied.

Delivery (continued)Delivery (continued)

““When we begin to When we begin to write or speak, we write or speak, we ought previously to ought previously to fix in our minds a fix in our minds a clear conception of clear conception of the end to be the end to be aimed at.” (p. 86) aimed at.” (p. 86) {theory} {theory}

Before transmitting Before transmitting a message, the a message, the rhetor needs to rhetor needs to have a clear have a clear understanding of understanding of what they are going what they are going to say and how they to say and how they will conclude their will conclude their message. message.

Logos (appeal to logic)Logos (appeal to logic)

““Though rules and Though rules and instructions cannot do instructions cannot do all that is requisite, all that is requisite, they may, however, they may, however, do much that is of real do much that is of real use. They cannot, it is use. They cannot, it is true, inspire genius; true, inspire genius; but they can direct but they can direct and assist it.” (p. 32) and assist it.” (p. 32) {theory}{theory}

Teaching does not Teaching does not cause logical thought, cause logical thought, but it can guide and but it can guide and support it, just as rules support it, just as rules of speech do not make of speech do not make a good orator, but can a good orator, but can help a person to be help a person to be one.one.

Logos (continued)Logos (continued)

““Logical … Logical … disquisitions move disquisitions move in a higher in a higher sphere…They point sphere…They point out to man the out to man the improvement of his improvement of his nature as an nature as an intelligent being.” intelligent being.” (p. 34) {theory}(p. 34) {theory}

The ability to The ability to converse logically converse logically indicates indicates intelligence.intelligence.


“ “Reflect first upon Reflect first upon that great law of that great law of our nature, that our nature, that exercise is the exercise is the chief source of chief source of improvement in all improvement in all our faculties.” (p. our faculties.” (p. 39) {theory}39) {theory}

Practice of Practice of discourse will discourse will improve the improve the rhetor’s ability. rhetor’s ability. “Law of nature” “Law of nature” implies logical implies logical thought.thought.


““We are pleased, We are pleased, through our natural through our natural sense of beauty. sense of beauty. Reason shows us Reason shows us why, and upon why, and upon what grounds, we what grounds, we are pleased.” (p. are pleased.” (p. 40) {theory}40) {theory}

Senses give us Senses give us pleasure, but pleasure, but logical thought logical thought determines why determines why and how we are and how we are pleased.pleased.


““It is not in matters It is not in matters of taste, as in of taste, as in questions of mere questions of mere reason, where there reason, where there is but one is but one conclusion that can conclusion that can be true, and all the be true, and all the rest are erroneous.” rest are erroneous.” (p. 43) {theory} (p. 43) {theory}

For questions of For questions of logic, there is one logic, there is one true answer, and true answer, and other answers are other answers are false. Taste, not false. Taste, not being a logical being a logical matter, does not matter, does not have an absolute have an absolute answer as to what answer as to what is tasteful.is tasteful.


““A standard A standard properly signifies, properly signifies, that which is of that which is of such undoubted such undoubted authority as to be authority as to be the test of other the test of other things of the same things of the same kind.” (p. 44) kind.” (p. 44) {theory}{theory}

An authority is An authority is logically held as a logically held as a means to measure means to measure similar things. For similar things. For example, IBM set example, IBM set the standard for the standard for early personal early personal computers, as Dell computers, as Dell does today.does today.


““The conclusion, The conclusion, which is sufficient which is sufficient for us to rest upon, for us to rest upon, is, that taste is far is, that taste is far from being an from being an arbitrary principle…arbitrary principle…Its foundation is the Its foundation is the same in all human same in all human minds.” (p. 46) minds.” (p. 46) {theory}{theory}

Taste is based on Taste is based on the perceptions of the perceptions of the individual, but the individual, but the characteristic is the characteristic is shared by all shared by all human beings.human beings.


“ “In order to write In order to write with precision, with precision, though this be though this be properly a quality of properly a quality of style, one must style, one must possess a very possess a very considerable degree considerable degree of distinctness and of distinctness and accuracy in his accuracy in his manner of thinking.” manner of thinking.” (p. 69) {theory}(p. 69) {theory}

One must be One must be capable of logical capable of logical thought to be able thought to be able to write concisely to write concisely and correctly.and correctly.


“ “All science arises All science arises from observations on from observations on practice. Practice has practice. Practice has always gone before always gone before method and rule; but method and rule; but method and rule have method and rule have afterwards improved afterwards improved and perfected practice and perfected practice in every art.” (p. 75) in every art.” (p. 75) {theory}{theory}

Rhetoric can be Rhetoric can be improved by observing improved by observing and practicing, the and practicing, the foundations of foundations of scientific knowledge. scientific knowledge. The logic which The logic which determines one way of determines one way of speech superior to speech superior to another will help make another will help make proper language proper language choices. choices.

Invention (creation of Invention (creation of knowledge)knowledge)

““One of the most One of the most distinguished distinguished privileges...is the power privileges...is the power of communicating their of communicating their thoughts to one thoughts to one another. Destitute of another. Destitute of this power, reason this power, reason would be a solitary, and would be a solitary, and in some measure, an in some measure, an unavailable principle.” unavailable principle.” [epistemology] (p30) [epistemology] (p30) {theory}{theory}

One of the most One of the most important faculties for important faculties for coming to knowledge coming to knowledge is through our is through our communication of communication of ideas effectively.ideas effectively.

Invention (continued)Invention (continued)

““...I am far from ...I am far from denying, that rhetoric denying, that rhetoric and criticism have and criticism have sometimes been so sometimes been so managed as to tend to managed as to tend to the corruption of, the corruption of, rather than to the rather than to the improvement, of good improvement, of good taste and true taste and true eloquence.” eloquence.” [epistemology] (p31) [epistemology] (p31) {example}{example}

There are many There are many situations where situations where rhetoric has been rhetoric has been abused for the purpose abused for the purpose of misleading, and of misleading, and therefore for leading the therefore for leading the audience away from audience away from truth, a “de-truth, a “de-epistemology,” if you epistemology,” if you will. (Coining words, will. (Coining words, just another violation of just another violation of our honored author's our honored author's maxims.)maxims.)


““I by no means I by no means pretend to say that pretend to say that mere rhetorical mere rhetorical rules, how just rules, how just soever, are soever, are sufficient to form sufficient to form an orator. an orator. ”[heuristics?] (p32) ”[heuristics?] (p32) {theory}{theory}

One cannot be One cannot be taught genius, and taught genius, and there are therefore there are therefore no specific lessons no specific lessons or categories of or categories of teaching which can teaching which can produce true produce true eloquence.eloquence.


““When one only beginning When one only beginning his acquaintance with works his acquaintance with works of genius, the sentiment of genius, the sentiment which attends them is which attends them is obscure and confused. He obscure and confused. He cannot point out the several cannot point out the several excellencies or blemishes of excellencies or blemishes of a performance which he a performance which he peruses; he is at a loss on peruses; he is at a loss on what to rest his judgment: what to rest his judgment: all that can be expected is, all that can be expected is, that he should tell in general that he should tell in general whether he be pleased or whether he be pleased or not.” (p39) {example}not.” (p39) {example}

The novice student is not The novice student is not yet well-versed enough in yet well-versed enough in criticism to be able to criticism to be able to make an articulate analysis make an articulate analysis of a work, but like a child of a work, but like a child can only tell whether it can only tell whether it makes him feel good or makes him feel good or not.not.


(on forms of speech) “It is (on forms of speech) “It is this: [critics and this: [critics and rhetoricians] remarked, rhetoricians] remarked, that in them consists much that in them consists much of the beauty and the force of the beauty and the force of language; and found of language; and found them always to bear some them always to bear some characters, or characters, or distinguishing marks, by distinguishing marks, by the help of which they the help of which they could reduce them under could reduce them under separate classes and separate classes and heads.” [heuristics] (p74) heads.” [heuristics] (p74) {theory} {theory}

Figures of language, Figures of language, though wide in range and though wide in range and meaning, do occur in meaning, do occur in recognizable patterns, and recognizable patterns, and these patterns were used these patterns were used to align them under to align them under specific categories. specific categories.

OtherOther

““Even in the deserts of America, Even in the deserts of America, where human nature shows itself in where human nature shows itself in its most uncultivated state, the its most uncultivated state, the savages have their ornaments of savages have their ornaments of dress, their war and death songs, dress, their war and death songs, their harangues and their orators..." their harangues and their orators..." (p38) {example}(p38) {example}

"In general, we may observe that in "In general, we may observe that in the powers of and pleasures of taste, the powers of and pleasures of taste, there is a more remarkable there is a more remarkable inequality among men than is inequality among men than is usually found in point of common usually found in point of common sense, reason, and judgment..." sense, reason, and judgment..." (p38) {theory}(p38) {theory}

"Every one must perceive, that "Every one must perceive, that among rude and uncivilized nations, among rude and uncivilized nations, and during the ages of ignorance and during the ages of ignorance and darkness, any loose notions that and darkness, any loose notions that are entertained concerning such are entertained concerning such subjects, carry no authority." (p45) subjects, carry no authority." (p45) {theory}{theory}

Blair exhibits a very assured Blair exhibits a very assured sense of ethnocentricity and sense of ethnocentricity and makes a great number of makes a great number of assumptions about taste, assumptions about taste, intellect, and propriety which are intellect, and propriety which are not necessarily agreed upon by not necessarily agreed upon by the reader. In its best state, he the reader. In its best state, he views other uncultured peoples as views other uncultured peoples as savages with only quaint savages with only quaint rudiments of proper society, but rudiments of proper society, but often he dips to outright racism often he dips to outright racism and pompousness.and pompousness.

**It should be noted in all of these **It should be noted in all of these cases, that these are merely cases, that these are merely chosen examples and do not chosen examples and do not include all instances to be include all instances to be found.** found.**

Other (continued)Other (continued)

"It is true, that these two qualities "It is true, that these two qualities of taste, delicacy and correctness, of taste, delicacy and correctness, mutually imply each other. No mutually imply each other. No taste can be exquisitely delicate taste can be exquisitely delicate without being correct; nor can be without being correct; nor can be thouroughly correct without being thouroughly correct without being delicate." (p41) either-or fallacydelicate." (p41) either-or fallacy

"I begin by observing, that if there "I begin by observing, that if there be no such thing as a standard of be no such thing as a standard of taste, this consequence must taste, this consequence must immediately follow, that all tastes immediately follow, that all tastes are equally good; a position are equally good; a position which, though it may pass which, though it may pass unnoticed in slight matters, and unnoticed in slight matters, and when we speak of the lesser when we speak of the lesser differences among the tastes of differences among the tastes of men, yet when we apply it to the men, yet when we apply it to the extremes, presently shows its extremes, presently shows its absurdity...” (p43) absurdity...” (p43) straw-man/argument of extremesstraw-man/argument of extremes

Blair is also prone to fallacious Blair is also prone to fallacious reasoning in several instances, reasoning in several instances, which is often probably which is often probably attributable to his prejudices; and attributable to his prejudices; and that causes the reader to question that causes the reader to question his authority on this subject.his authority on this subject.

Other (continued)Other (continued)

““The introduction of foreign The introduction of foreign and learned words, unless and learned words, unless where necessity requires where necessity requires them, should always be them, should always be avoided...At present a avoided...At present a multitude of Latin multitude of Latin words...have been poured words...have been poured upon us. On occasion, they upon us. On occasion, they give an appearance of give an appearance of elevation and dignity to elevation and dignity to style." (p68) style." (p68) {theory/example){theory/example)

Some instances of Latin Some instances of Latin passages in Blair's Lectures: passages in Blair's Lectures: pp 76, 83(2) pp 76, 83(2)

Also, several times Blair Also, several times Blair scoffs at the practices of scoffs at the practices of others, and then commits others, and then commits the same “errors” himself. the same “errors” himself.

ConclusionConclusionAlthough Dr. Hugh Blair lived over 250 years Although Dr. Hugh Blair lived over 250 years

ago, his belief that discourse was a ago, his belief that discourse was a powerful, influential art still remains true powerful, influential art still remains true today.today.

But:But:

Blair’s convoluted, ornate style often Blair’s convoluted, ornate style often detracts from his astute thoughts.detracts from his astute thoughts.

Was Blair a “magnificent” elitist, or does his Was Blair a “magnificent” elitist, or does his pontificating prose (our view) shed some pontificating prose (our view) shed some light on the demise of language in today’s light on the demise of language in today’s society? society?