《論讀(du)書》是文(wen)(wen)(wen)藝復興時期(qi)英國哲學(xue)家、散文(wen)(wen)(wen)家弗朗(lang)西斯·培根創(chuang)作的一篇論說(shuo)(shuo)散文(wen)(wen)(wen)。全(quan)文(wen)(wen)(wen)雖短卻字字珠璣。這(zhe)(zhe)篇文(wen)(wen)(wen)章(zhang)不(bu)僅(jin)在用(yong)(yong)詞方面多采(cai)用(yong)(yong)莊重典雅的古語詞、大詞,著重體現作者的冷靜、理(li)性,語言(yan)富有卓見,蘊含哲理(li),而且句(ju)子(zi)富有節(jie)奏感(gan),讀(du)來朗(lang)朗(lang)上口。句(ju)式多采(cai)用(yong)(yong)并(bing)列式,體現語言(yan)及(ji)語義的平(ping)衡美。培根善(shan)用(yong)(yong)排比和比喻,深入淺(qian)出(chu)(chu)地說(shuo)(shuo)明道理(li)。文(wen)(wen)(wen)中格(ge)言(yan)警(jing)句(ju)層出(chu)(chu)不(bu)窮,除(chu)連結句(ju)外,幾乎(hu)句(ju)句(ju)是警(jing)句(ju),言(yan)簡(jian)意賅,很有說(shuo)(shuo)服力(li)。這(zhe)(zhe)些論說(shuo)(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)的特色在原(yuan)文(wen)(wen)(wen)中體現得非常明顯,堪稱論說(shuo)(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)的典范(fan)。
Of Studies
Studies serve for delight, for ornament①, and for ability. Their chief use for delight, is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment, and disposition② of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling③ of affairs, come best, from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth④; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning⑤, by study; and studies themselves, do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience. Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation. Read not to contradict and confute⑥; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things⑦.
Reading makes a full man; conference⑧ a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know, that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend⑨. Abeunt studia in mores⑩:Studies pass into the character. Nay, there is no stand or impediment in the wit, but maybe wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body, may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man's wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen ; for they are cymini sectores?. If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers' cases. So every defect of the mind, may have a special receipt?.?
①ornament:n.裝(zhuang)飾;裝(zhuang)飾物。
②disposition:n.處置(zhi)。
③marshalling:n.處(chu)理。
④sloth:n.懶(lan)惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪;剪枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁(bo)斥(chi),駁(bo)倒。
⑦flashy things:索(suo)然無(wu)味(wei)的東西。
⑧conference:n.談話,會談。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯(bian)論。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉丁文,學問塑造氣(qi)質(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善于區分細(xi)節的人(ren)(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方。
論讀書
讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)足以(yi)(yi)怡(yi)情,足以(yi)(yi)博才(cai),足以(yi)(yi)長才(cai)。其(qi)怡(yi)情也,最見(jian)于獨處幽居之(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)(shi);其(qi)博才(cai)也,最見(jian)于高談闊論之(zhi)(zhi)中;其(qi)長才(cai)也,最見(jian)于處世判(pan)(pan)事之(zhi)(zhi)際。練達(da)之(zhi)(zhi)士(shi)雖能分別處理細事或一一判(pan)(pan)別枝節,然(ran)縱觀(guan)統籌、全局策劃(hua),則(ze)舍好學深思者(zhe)(zhe)莫屬(shu)。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)費(fei)時(shi)(shi)過多易惰,文采藻(zao)飾太盛則(ze)矯,全憑條文斷(duan)事乃學究故態。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)補天然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)足,經(jing)驗又補讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)足,蓋天生才(cai)干猶(you)如(ru)自然(ran)花草(cao),讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)然(ran)后(hou)知(zhi)如(ru)何(he)修(xiu)剪移接;而(er)書(shu)(shu)(shu)中所(suo)示(shi),如(ru)不(bu)以(yi)(yi)經(jing)驗范之(zhi)(zhi),則(ze)又大(da)而(er)無當。有(you)一技之(zhi)(zhi)長者(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu),無知(zhi)者(zhe)(zhe)羨(xian)讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu),唯明(ming)智(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)士(shi)用讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu),然(ran)書(shu)(shu)(shu)并不(bu)以(yi)(yi)用處告人(ren),用書(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)智(zhi)不(bu)在書(shu)(shu)(shu)中,而(er)在書(shu)(shu)(shu)外(wai),全憑觀(guan)察得(de)之(zhi)(zhi)。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)時(shi)(shi)不(bu)可存心詰難作者(zhe)(zhe),不(bu)可盡(jin)信書(shu)(shu)(shu)上(shang)所(suo)言,亦(yi)不(bu)可只(zhi)為(wei)尋(xun)章(zhang)摘(zhai)句,而(er)應推敲細思。書(shu)(shu)(shu)有(you)可淺(qian)嘗者(zhe)(zhe),有(you)可吞食者(zhe)(zhe),少(shao)(shao)數(shu)則(ze)須(xu)咀嚼消化。換(huan)言之(zhi)(zhi),有(you)只(zhi)須(xu)讀(du)其(qi)部分者(zhe)(zhe),有(you)只(zhi)須(xu)大(da)體涉獵(lie)者(zhe)(zhe),少(shao)(shao)數(shu)則(ze)須(xu)全讀(du),讀(du)時(shi)(shi)須(xu)全神貫注(zhu),孜(zi)孜(zi)不(bu)倦。書(shu)(shu)(shu)亦(yi)可請人(ren)代讀(du),取(qu)其(qi)所(suo)作摘(zhai)要,但只(zhi)限題材(cai)較次或價值不(bu)高者(zhe)(zhe),否則(ze)書(shu)(shu)(shu)經(jing)提(ti)煉猶(you)如(ru)水(shui)經(jing)蒸(zheng)餾、淡而(er)無味矣。
讀(du)書(shu)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)充實,討(tao)論使(shi)人(ren)(ren)機智(zhi)(zhi),筆記(ji)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)準確。因此不常(chang)作筆記(ji)者(zhe)須(xu)記(ji)憶特強,不常(chang)討(tao)論者(zhe)須(xu)天生聰穎,不常(chang)讀(du)書(shu)者(zhe)須(xu)欺(qi)世有(you)術,始能(neng)(neng)無知而顯(xian)有(you)知。讀(du)史使(shi)人(ren)(ren)明智(zhi)(zhi),讀(du)詩使(shi)人(ren)(ren)靈秀,數學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)周(zhou)密,科學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)深刻,倫(lun)理學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)莊重(zhong),邏輯(ji)修辭之(zhi)學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)善(shan)辯:凡有(you)所學,皆(jie)成性格。人(ren)(ren)之(zhi)才智(zhi)(zhi)但(dan)有(you)滯礙,無不可(ke)讀(du)適當之(zhi)書(shu)使(shi)之(zhi)順暢,一如身(shen)體百病,皆(jie)可(ke)借相(xiang)宜之(zhi)運動除之(zhi)。滾球(qiu)利(li)睪腎,射箭利(li)胸肺(fei),慢步利(li)腸胃,騎術利(li)頭(tou)(tou)腦,諸如此類(lei)。如智(zhi)(zhi)力不集(ji)中(zhong),可(ke)令(ling)讀(du)數學,蓋演題(ti)須(xu)全神貫注,稍有(you)分(fen)散即(ji)須(xu)重(zhong)演;如不能(neng)(neng)辨異(yi),可(ke)令(ling)讀(du)經院哲學,蓋是輩皆(jie)吹(chui)毛求疵之(zhi)人(ren)(ren);如不善(shan)求同,不善(shan)以一物闡證另一物,可(ke)令(ling)讀(du)律師之(zhi)案卷。如此頭(tou)(tou)腦中(zhong)凡有(you)缺陷,皆(jie)有(you)特藥可(ke)醫。
(王佐良譯)
文藝復興(xing)時期,人(ren)文主義者關心人(ren)本身(shen),把完美(mei)的(de)(de)人(ren)作為自己的(de)(de)理(li)想。為救治與教(jiao)化(hua)有弱點與弊病的(de)(de)凡人(ren),當(dang)時的(de)(de)文章常帶有教(jiao)誨目的(de)(de)。《論讀書》就是在這樣(yang)的(de)(de)歷史背景下創作的(de)(de),是《培根隨筆》中的(de)(de)一篇(pian)重要的(de)(de)文章,發表于(yu)1653年。
弗(fu)朗西斯·培(pei)(pei)(pei)根(gen)(Francis Bacon,1561年(nian)1月22日—1626年(nian)4月9日),第一(yi)代(dai)圣阿爾本子爵(jue)(1st Viscount St Alban),英國文(wen)藝復(fu)興(xing)時期(qi)散(san)文(wen)家、哲(zhe)學(xue)(xue)家。英國唯物主(zhu)義哲(zhe)學(xue)(xue)家,實(shi)驗(yan)科(ke)學(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)創始人(ren)(ren),是(shi)近(jin)代(dai)歸納法(fa)的(de)(de)(de)創始人(ren)(ren),又是(shi)給(gei)科(ke)學(xue)(xue)研究程序(xu)進(jin)行邏輯組織化的(de)(de)(de)先驅。培(pei)(pei)(pei)根(gen)12歲入劍橋大(da)學(xue)(xue),后擔任女王特別法(fa)律顧問(wen)以(yi)及朝廷的(de)(de)(de)首席檢察官、掌璽大(da)臣(chen)等。晚年(nian),受宮廷陰謀逐出宮廷,脫(tuo)離政治(zhi)生(sheng)涯(ya),專心從事學(xue)(xue)術研究和(he)著(zhu)述活動,寫成(cheng)了一(yi)批(pi)在(zai)(zai)近(jin)代(dai)文(wen)學(xue)(xue)思(si)想史上具(ju)有重大(da)影響的(de)(de)(de)著(zhu)作(zuo),其中(zhong)最重要的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)部是(shi)《偉大(da)的(de)(de)(de)復(fu)興(xing)新(xin)工具(ju)論(lun)》。另外(wai),他以(yi)哲(zhe)學(xue)(xue)家的(de)(de)(de)眼(yan)光,思(si)考了廣泛的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)生(sheng)問(wen)題,寫出了許多(duo)形式短小、風(feng)格活潑的(de)(de)(de)隨筆小品,集成(cheng)《培(pei)(pei)(pei)根(gen)隨筆》。1626年(nian)3月底,培(pei)(pei)(pei)根(gen)由(you)于身體孱弱,在(zai)(zai)實(shi)驗(yan)中(zhong)遭(zao)受風(feng)寒,支(zhi)氣管炎復(fu)發,病(bing)情惡化。1626年(nian)4月9日清(qing)晨病(bing)逝。主(zhu)要著(zhu)作(zuo)有《新(xin)工具(ju)》《論(lun)科(ke)學(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)增進(jin)》以(yi)及《學(xue)(xue)術的(de)(de)(de)偉大(da)復(fu)興(xing)》等。
《論讀書》這篇隨筆,文字(zi)干凈(jing)利落,多用(yong)古語詞(archaism)和大詞(big words),語言(yan)顯得(de)莊重(zhong)、典雅(ya),給(gei)人(ren)以厚重(zhong)、正式的感覺。詞的運用(yong)幾乎(hu)未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙遜(xun)、客氣、模棱兩(liang)可的詞。
文(wen)中(zhong)用到的文(wen)言詞(ci)有:marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些詞(ci)的使用就像古(gu)漢(han)語中(zhong)“之”、“乎(hu)”、“者”、“也”詞(ci)匯的使用一樣,給人一種古(gu)老、厚(hou)重(zhong)的感(gan)覺。
文中(zhong)還用到一些現代英(ying)語(yu)詞的古用法形式。其(qi)中(zhong)很(hen)多詞今(jin)天已經不再(zai)具備(bei)它原(yuan)有的語(yu)法和語(yu)義(yi)功能。它們(men)和中(zhong)國的文言(yan)文一樣具有特定歷史時期的語(yu)言(yan)色(se)彩。例如:proyning = pruning, subtile = subtle, stond = hindrance, stoppage, receipt = recipe, nay = no, like as = as, except = unless, else = or else, never = ever, natural philosophy= natural science, in the wit = in themind, bounded in = checked, disposition = management。
文(wen)中還有(you)兩(liang)處使(shi)用了拉丁語(yu),這(zhe)是作者(zhe)的偏好(hao),認為拉丁語(yu)能(neng)流傳長久,能(neng)給文(wen)章增添(tian)古色古香的味(wei)道(dao)。“Abeunt studia in mores”一句,培根在Advancement of Leaning 一文(wen)中的解釋為:“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意為:“專心(xin)學(xue)問者(zhe),性格也受陶冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即“過分講究細節(jie)的人(ren)”。
文中還用到一些大(da)詞,例如:ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等等。這些詞給人一種高雅、莊嚴(yan)的色(se)彩感覺,適于嚴(yan)肅、正式的場合。
并列句
《論讀書》這篇文(wen)章句式單一(yi),19個句子就有12個句子采用了并列(lie)結構,體現了語言的(de)(de)平衡美。這樣的(de)(de)文(wen)章樸實大方,讀起來毫無矯(jiao)揉造作之感。盡管如此,作者還是(shi)十(shi)分注意(yi)長、短句的(de)(de)交替(ti)使用,以避免整齊(qi)劃(hua)一(yi)的(de)(de)句式顯得(de)單調乏味,從而使行文(wen)更富節奏感。例如:
Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to content.
這是由分號連結起(qi)來(lai)的(de)(de)一個并(bing)列句。第一個分號之后各句承前(qian)省略(lve)了make men。這樣的(de)(de)句子排(pai)列整(zheng)齊,表意鮮明。并(bing)列的(de)(de)部分都省略(lve)前(qian)面相同的(de)(de)成分,重點突出,使讀者一目了然,給(gei)人以清晰明快的(de)(de)感覺。而且平衡的(de)(de)句式(shi)形成排(pai)比風格,猶如排(pai)山(shan)倒海之勢,頗具說服力(li)。
“關于(yu)make的用法(fa),培(pei)根在此篇文章中采用兩種(zhong)用法(fa),一是(shi)帶賓(bin)補的用法(fa),即這一句中:histories make men wise;另一種(zhong)是(shi)帶賓(bin)語(yu)的用法(fa),如:reading maketh a full man,作者用make和(he)maketh加以區(qu)別make所帶的不同結(jie)構。”
For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling ofaffairs, come best from those that are learned.
這(zhe)(zhe)一(yi)并(bing)列(lie)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)同于上一(yi)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),這(zhe)(zhe)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)(de)并(bing)列(lie)關系是(shi)(shi)由連詞and,but連接起來的(de)(de)。每一(yi)個(ge)分(fen)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)如上句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)那(nei)么短促、明(ming)快,而是(shi)(shi)多一(yi)些(xie)推理和(he)描述(shu)性的(de)(de)語(yu)言,這(zhe)(zhe)主要是(shi)(shi)因為此句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中作(zuo)者旨(zhi)在分(fen)析讀(du)書(shu)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)益處(chu),分(fen)析那(nei)些(xie)有經驗的(de)(de)“練(lian)達(da)之(zhi)(zhi)士雖然能處(chu)理細(xi)事,一(yi)一(yi)判(pan)別枝節,然縱觀統籌,全局策(ce)劃,則非(fei)好學深思多讀(du)書(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)莫屬(shu)”(王佐良譯)。這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)(shi)短句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和(he)長(chang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)不(bu)同感覺。短句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),短小利落(luo),給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)以確(que)信、勿(wu)庸置疑的(de)(de)味道,多使人(ren)(ren)(ren)受教;而長(chang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),尤(you)其由連詞連接的(de)(de)長(chang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),語(yu)氣連貫、舒緩,善(shan)于推理、論述(shu),在陳述(shu)和(he)分(fen)析中給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)以啟迪和(he)思考的(de)(de)空間。
省略句
Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find and discourse; but to weigh and consider.
這一(yi)(yi)句省略(lve)了(le)表語 is,全句結構緊(jin)湊(cou)、表意(yi)突出,具有言(yan)簡意(yi)賅的(de)強烈效(xiao)果。三個否(fou)定(ding)詞not,nor,nor的(de)使用把(ba)“讀書不(bu)(bu)是(shi)為(wei)了(le)要(yao)(yao)辯駁,不(bu)(bu)是(shi)要(yao)(yao)盲目信從,不(bu)(bu)是(shi)要(yao)(yao)尋找談資”排列得(de)緊(jin)湊(cou)整齊,強烈地表達了(le)作者否(fou)定(ding)的(de)語氣(qi)(qi)和不(bu)(bu)贊(zan)成的(de)態度。最后(hou)以一(yi)(yi)個轉折詞but連接(jie)收尾,簡潔有力,語氣(qi)(qi)上由(you)否(fou)定(ding)轉向肯定(ding),給人(ren)一(yi)(yi)種義正詞嚴、豁然開(kai)朗的(de)感受。由(you)“不(bu)(bu)要(yao)(yao)”、“不(bu)(bu)要(yao)(yao)”、“不(bu)(bu)要(yao)(yao)”轉為(wei)“而要(yao)(yao)權衡和思考”,給人(ren)留下深刻的(de)印象(xiang),很有說服(fu)力。
復合句
復合句(ju)的使用有(you)并列句(ju)所(suo)不及(ji)的文體功能,即善(shan)于(yu)表現事(shi)物間的種種復雜(za)關(guan)系(xi),“在復合句(ju)中,主句(ju)結構獨立,從句(ju)依附于(yu)主句(ju);從句(ju)所(suo)表達(da)的概念(nian)是對主句(ju)意義的補充、解釋或限定”。
They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience:for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in experience.
這一(yi)句(ju)中(zhong)的(de)(de)主句(ju)后(hou)帶有(you)一(yi)個由連(lian)詞(ci)(ci)for引(yin)(yin)導的(de)(de)原因(yin)狀語(yu)從(cong)句(ju),從(cong)句(ju)中(zhong)有(you)主句(ju)、由that引(yin)(yin)導的(de)(de)定語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)和由except引(yin)(yin)導的(de)(de)條件從(cong)句(ju)。原因(yin)狀語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)用(yong)來解釋讀書和經驗的(de)(de)互補關系;定語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)是(shi)補充說明“天生的(de)(de)才(cai)干(gan)猶如(ru)天然(ran)花(hua)木(mu),須靠讀書修(xiu)剪枝葉”。條件從(cong)句(ju)是(shi)用(yong)來限制“讀書如(ru)不(bu)以經驗范之,則又大而無當”(王佐良譯(yi))。語(yu)義(yi)雖然(ran)冗繁復雜,但使用(yong)不(bu)同從(cong)句(ju)的(de)(de)關系連(lian)詞(ci)(ci)來引(yin)(yin)導,則又顯得(de)條理十分(fen)清楚。這是(shi)并列句(ju)乃至(zhi)其他句(ju)式所(suo)不(bu)能比擬(ni)的(de)(de)文體功能優勢(shi)。
排比
排(pai)比就是把結構(gou)相同、意氣并(bing)重(zhong)、語氣一致的詞組或(huo)句子排(pai)列成串,形(xing)成一個整體。《論讀(du)書》中(zhong)這樣的結構(gou)隨處可見,而且作(zuo)者運用得(de)當(dang),很有氣勢。
To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humour ofa scholar.
三個(ge)同樣的(de)不(bu)定式(shi)結構(gou)語(yu)(yu)氣一致,分析褥淋漓盡(jin)致、準確生動(dong)。這(zhe)種排比結構(gou)用來說明和定論,不(bu)僅結構(gou)嚴謹(jin)整齊,而且文(wen)章的(de)節(jie)奏也勻稱悅耳,大大提高了語(yu)(yu)言(yan)的(de)表現(xian)力(li)。
優美(mei)的(de)散(san)文(wen)(wen)之(zhi)所以能(neng)給人們的(de)聽覺帶來(lai)美(mei)的(de)享受,在很大(da)程度(du)上應歸(gui)功(gong)于(yu)其優美(mei)的(de)節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)。散(san)文(wen)(wen)的(de)節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)雖不(bu)像詩的(de)節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)那樣有(you)固定的(de)模式和規律(lv),但作家(jia)總(zong)是注意選擇某種節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou),使節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)成(cheng)為烘托語(yu)義的(de)一種表達手段;而(er)文(wen)(wen)學批評家(jia)則(ze)總(zong)是把節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)看作“文(wen)(wen)體(ti)風格的(de)組成(cheng)部分(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在《The Criticism ofProse》一書中指出:早期英語(yu)散(san)文(wen)(wen)的(de)節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)多是靠排比結構予以實現(xian)的(de)。在《論(lun)讀書》這(zhe)篇散(san)文(wen)(wen)中,培根(gen)就十分注重使用排比結構來(lai)實現(xian)節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)美(mei),還注意交替使用并列(lie)句和復合句來(lai)體(ti)現(xian)節(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)感。例(li)如(ru):
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
比喻
培根善用(yong)形象的(de)(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)深入(ru)淺出(chu)地說明一個(ge)道理,因(yin)而(er)文中充(chong)滿了(le)諸如(ru)taste, swallow, chew, digest等比(bi)喻(yu)。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是(shi)(shi)說天(tian)生的(de)(de)(de)才干需要知識來磨(mo)練就像草木需要修(xiu)枝剪葉(xie)一樣;“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是(shi)(shi)說讀書(shu)(shu)猶如(ru)吃食物,“有(you)的(de)(de)(de)書(shu)(shu)淺嘗(chang)即可,有(you)的(de)(de)(de)書(shu)(shu)可以狼吞虎咽,少數(shu)則須咀嚼(jiao)消(xiao)化”(王楫 譯(yi))。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這(zhe)(zhe)一句是(shi)(shi)說“書(shu)(shu)經(jing)提(ti)煉猶如(ru)水經(jing)蒸餾,淡而(er)無(wu)味矣(yi)”(王佐良譯(yi))。這(zhe)(zhe)些深刻(ke)的(de)(de)(de)讀書(shu)(shu)之道,若(ruo)不是(shi)(shi)用(yong)這(zhe)(zhe)么(me)形象的(de)(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu),很(hen)難達(da)到這(zhe)(zhe)么(me)通(tong)俗易(yi)懂(dong)的(de)(de)(de)效果,形象的(de)(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)用(yong)得恰到好處(chu),令人信服。
《論讀書》全文(wen)(wen)沒(mei)有(you)分段,一氣呵成。文(wen)(wen)中短句(ju)多(duo),并(bing)列句(ju)多(duo),標點多(duo)。像培根(gen)這(zhe)樣(yang)的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)風在當(dang)時被稱為“松(song)散、自由(you)(you)的(de)(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文(wen)(wen)中不大使用復(fu)合結構,并(bing)列句(ju)中各個意思都處于平等的(de)(de)地位,一個接(jie)一個說(shuo)下去,逐步(bu)深入。因(yin)此,并(bing)列連詞(and, but, for, nor 等)遠遠多(duo)于主從(cong)連詞(as, smce, because等)。“這(zhe)類(lei)文(wen)(wen)章(zhang),雖則(ze)是(shi)松(song)散自由(you)(you)的(de)(de),它(ta)還是(shi)很講究修辭”,排比(bi)和比(bi)喻(yu)隨處可見。
全篇文(wen)章旨在強調讀書的(de)(de)功效(xiao),作(zuo)者相信(xin)人(ren)們頭腦中(zhong)一(yi)切病端(duan)都有辦法(fa)救(jiu)治,而讀書就是(shi)一(yi)劑萬能的(de)(de)良(liang)藥。這種對(dui)人(ren)的(de)(de)自我完善的(de)(de)渴求及(ji)確信(xin)必達目的(de)(de)之抱負(fu),反映了文(wen)藝復興(xing)時代崇尚理性、相信(xin)人(ren)的(de)(de)力量和人(ren)具有無限(xian)潛(qian)力的(de)(de)“人(ren)文(wen)主義精神”。
為反映作者的(de)(de)(de)冷靜(jing)、理性(xing)和自信的(de)(de)(de)態度,文章也采用簡(jian)潔這(zhe)一風格。“簡(jian)潔就是言(yan)簡(jian)意(yi)賅。文章沒(mei)有多余(yu)的(de)(de)(de)詞,沒(mei)有多余(yu)的(de)(de)(de)句,但內容又很(hen)豐富,含義也很(hen)深刻。”例如:
Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight, is in privateness and retiring; for ornament,is in discourse, and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition ofbusiness...
這個句(ju)子寫得干(gan)凈利落,讓人聽來仿佛(fo)覺(jue)得作者在述說一條千真(zhen)萬確的真(zhen)理,語氣(qi)(qi)肯定(ding),絲毫(hao)未表現謙遜、遲疑和含混(hun)的語氣(qi)(qi)。
天文學(xue)家、科普(pu)作(zuo)家卞毓麟(lin)《恬淡悠閱——卞毓麟(lin)書事選錄(lu)》:“英國思想家、哲學(xue)家、實驗(yan)科學(xue)的(de)先(xian)(xian)驅者弗朗(lang)西斯(si)·培根(gen)的(de)一篇Of Studies,400年來引得世上多少(shao)讀(du)(du)者競(jing)折腰。數十年前讀(du)(du)王佐(zuo)良先(xian)(xian)生的(de)譯文(篇名(ming)譯為《談讀(du)(du)書》),唯覺詞清句麗,妙不可言。……”
上海師范大學人文與傳(chuan)播(bo)學院教授劉文榮《經典作(zuo)家談書(shu)與讀書(shu)》:“全文不足(zu)兩千字,卻(que)將讀書(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)功用、讀書(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)方(fang)法及讀書(shu)與性(xing)格之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)關(guan)系一一道來,且句句有理,實(shi)為言簡意賅之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)典范。”
天津外(wai)國語(yu)大學教授馬鐘元《每天讀(du)(du)(du)點英(ying)(ying)文(wen)英(ying)(ying)美(mei)(mei)文(wen)化(hua)常識(shi)全集 超值(zhi)白金(jin)版》:“《論(lun)讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)》是弗(fu)朗西斯·培根(gen)的(de)《散(san)文(wen)集》中(zhong)的(de)一篇(pian),其文(wen)風以(yi)簡潔(jie)、緊湊和(he)有力(li)(li)而著稱。其中(zhong),《論(lun)讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)》是最(zui)膾炙人口的(de)一篇(pian)。在文(wen)中(zhong),培根(gen)分析(xi)了讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)的(de)主要目的(de)、讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)所(suo)應采用的(de)不(bu)同方式以(yi)及讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)對人的(de)性格的(de)影響。文(wen)章最(zui)精彩的(de)地方不(bu)僅在于其論(lun)據(ju)具有說服力(li)(li),而且在于遣詞(ci)造句(ju)、句(ju)型(xing)和(he)結構(gou)的(de)優美(mei)(mei)。……總之,本文(wen)中(zhong)運用了許多寫(xie)作技巧。整體行文(wen)語(yu)句(ju)優美(mei)(mei),用詞(ci)準確,令人信服。《論(lun)讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)》是一篇(pian)優美(mei)(mei)散(san)文(wen)中(zhong)的(de)典范,值(zhi)得仔細(xi)咀嚼。”