1. Rhetoric is the science which treats of discourse. 2. By Discourse is meant any expression of thought by means of language. 3. Discourse may be either oral or written. Note 1. Rhetoric referred originally to spoken discourse only. This is shown by the etymology of the word, the original Greek pnTopikh (rhetorike) meaning the art of speaking, from phτwp (rhetor), a speaker. But since the invention of printing, and the general diffusion of books, speaking forms only a part of the means by which man discourses, or makes known in language his thoughts to others. While, therefore, for convenience, the term Rhetoric is retained, the science itself is extended in its scope, and is made to embrace every kind of discourse, whether oral or written. Note 2. Rhetoric, as thus defined, includes both Written Composition and Oratory; but the two may with great convenience and propriety be treated of separately. In the present treatise, therefore, all that part of the subject which is peculiar to Oratory, including Vocal Delivery, is omitted, and the work is limited strictly to written discourse. Rhetoric, as a subject of study in schools, has long since practically become thus limited in its scope, while Oratory has branched off into a separate study. Note 3. Rhetoric is closely allied, on the one side, to Grammar, which determines the laws of language, and, on the other, to Logic, which determines the laws of thought. 2* B 17 Note 4. In establishing principles and rules for conducting discourse, Rhetoric assumes as true whatever is determined by the sciences of Grammar and Logic. A discourse, though rhetorical in other respects, will lose much of its effect, if the expression is ungrammatical or the thought illogical. On the other hand, however, an expression may violate no rule, either of Grammar or of Logic, and yet be faulty. Rhetoric, in other words, has requirements of its own, in addition to those of Grammar and Logic. Note 5. In treating of discourse, we naturally divide the subject into two parts that which considers the matter, or thought to be expressed, and that which considers the mode of expression. The former of these is usually treated under the head of Invention, the latter under the head of Style. Note 6. Theoretically, it is, perhaps, more philosophical to treat first of Invention, and then of Style. It seems but natural that we should first find out what to say, and then study how to say it. But there are practical conveniences in following a different order. Invention is the most difficult part of the subject, requiring no little maturity of mind on the part of the learner. Style, on the other hand, connects itself closely with grammatical studies, which always precede the study of Rhetoric, and it has many details of a simple and positive character, about which the judgment of pupils may be exercised, long before they can enter with profit upon the process of original thought required by Invention. In the present treatise, therefore, Style is considered first, and Invention afterwards. Note 7. While the general subject of Invention is thus placed last, the simpler kinds of exercises in it are clearly suitable to those who are just beginning the study of Rhetoric. It is, therefore, recommended to the student to take up some of these simpler exercises at the same time that he begins the study of Style, and thus to carry on the study of the two portions of the book contemporaneously; in other words, to practise Invention while studying Style. 4. Rhetoric is divided into two parts; namely, PART I., STYLE; PART II., INVENTION. |