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English Grammar Notes

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English Literature notes
English Novel: 19th Century Novel!!
: Pride & Prejudice!!

Bacon as a father of Modern Prose
Or
Bacon Pioneer of New Essays

Sir Frances Bacon comment about himself "A bell ringer who is u first to call others to church" truly indicate his contribution to the world of literature and letters. Bacon used to write in the Elizabethan Era. He has given us a true picture of the English society of his time, He was a keen and intelligent observer of man and his life. He was the earliest one to shape the history" History of Henry" in to a new version free from elements of myth , strain and conceits. he was the first who valued scientific approach in literature and definitely pioneer to introduce new species of literature, namely essays. above all, Bacon was the first to set up through b his personal examples a model of English prose. Hugh Walker comment about his contribution to English He took one of the biggest steps ever taken in the evolution of English prose style"

To bacon goes the credit of introducing the Essay into English Literature. He took the base form of the essay from the French writer and philosopher Montaigne in as much as his own essays are brief and incomplete in the sense that they explore only a few aspects of a subject and do not pretend to be thorough and systematic. He means by the word ‘essay’ “certain brief notes set down rather significantly than curiously”. He call his thoughts “disperse meditations”

He does not only laid the foundation of English Essays but also created a proper writing style. Bacon is famous because of the charm in his stylistic qualities. F.G. Selby appreciated Bacon’s contribution in following words:

“Part of Bacon’s influence is of course due to the charm of his style”

Indeed, prose style of sir Francis Bacon is remarkable. he revolutionizes prose style and set path for modern Prose. He truly called Father of Modern Prose.

Former writers’ Prose Style:

Many writers have contributed in keeping prose up-to-date. Some of the great writers like Raleigh and Ho**er were writing prose yet their style of writing was much serious as compared to Sir Francis Bacon due to which it was difficult to write on common topics. Apart from them, some skilled writers had also shortcomings in their writing styles. For instance, length of sentences was too long. Essays were too studious hence extra knowledge was required to read them. Latin words, far-fetched similes and remote metaphors created difficulties for the readers. They lead the readers into uncertainty. Practice of using parenthesis was common resulted in ruining the real taste of essays.

Prose Style of Francis Bacon:

Francis Bacon reformed the English prose style by reducing all above said shortcomings. It is not wrong to say that Francis Bacon introduced a new style of prose writing. Following are some stylistic qualities of Bacon’s essays..

Conciseness

Bacon uses short and concise sentences. His purpose is to explain his philosophy in lesser words. We hardly find any essay which is too long. It is easier for him to cut short the long sentences.
Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.( Of Studies)
A man that sudieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green (of Revenge)

No Parenthesis:

Bacon has also removed parenthesis. He has no sentence that requires explanation; therefore, he does not need parenthesis. This stylistic quality of Bacon’s essays, increases interest of readers. Every word is self-explanatory; each sentence explains itself.
By pains man come to greater pain

Clarity

Bacon’s words and sentences are lucid and there is no ambiguity in them. There are allusions in his essays even then there is no ambiguity. His style has attraction and it appeals to the readers due to clarity. He chooses simple and common words. He gives examples mostly from everyday life experiences. Even a layman can understand his philosophy. Clarity, in this way, is another important ingredient of prose style of Sir Francis Bacon.

Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; (Of Death)

Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability (of Studies)

A man that sudieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green. (of Revenge)

Rhythm and Coherence:

Besides, clarity and conciseness, coherence has its own importance. Lack of coherence in sentences means lack of interest of readers. Bacon knows it; therefore, there is a kind of rhythm in his essays. He elucidates his philosophy step by step. He divides subtopics in paragraphs. Several critics appreciate coherence in Bacon’s essays. Coherence is harmony and harmony increases the interest of readers.

For a crowd is not company, and faces are but a gallery of pictures

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested.

Aphoristic style:

It is an epigrammatic style of writing. All above mentioned qualities fall in it. Aphoristic style prefers describing facts and truths. We know that Francis Bacon does not create Utopian world in his essays. He is known for his worldly philosophy. One can become successful in this world if he follows him. Hence, his philosophy is based on truths and facts. He may be the meanest kind of person yet he always speaks the truth.

Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.( Of Studies)
Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.(Of Studies)

Aphoristic style is the combination of following qualities:

Epigram : “Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age and old man’s nurses.”
Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man. It is taken from Of Studies

Antithetical statements Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them ,and wise men use them

Truthfulness :“He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune”.

Impartiality Through dignities men rises to dignity.

Terseness A mixture of a lie doeth ever add pleasure.”

Themes:

So far as themes of his essays are concerned, we know that Bacon was the man of world and a politician. Most of the themes used by him are related to:

Worldly wisdom.
“It is a strange desire to seek power and to lose liberty
“It is impossible to love and to be wise.”

Ethical qualities.
“A man that hath no virtue in himself, ever envieth virtue in others.”

Government.
“But power to do good, is true and lawful end of aspiring.”

State.
“The principal duty of a judge is to suppress force and fraud.”

His experience, in every field of life, is outstanding thus he shares it with his readers. He is a moralist though his morality is related to worldly success. His thematic concept is more related to word.. He prefers success to honor. As an opportunist, he suggests to avail every opportunity. Effectiveness of his style forces his readers to think twice on a matter.

Weaknesses in Prose Style of Francis Bacon:

There are some weaknesses which are noteworthy. Sometimes his grammatical structure looses. He makes his sentences concise but readers see its effect directly on grammar. However, I must say that it does not affect meanings of the words. Furthermore, he uses excessive Latin phrases which sometimes create difficulty.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, Bacon great contribution to the development of English prose can hardly be overlooked or denied . His style and contribution paved a way for modern essay. He was the first scientific philosopher to write English in a clear, lucid and terse style His intellect, wit and wisdom are being packed in minimum possible words. There is a note of naturalness in his essays. We cannot denied his position in English Literature, he is truly known as father of English prose and essays . There is no match for him, till now. English Literature is in debt to him for making large reformation in English prose. Indeed, he would be remembered every time an essay is written.

Figures of Speech
Imagery and Symbols
Irony
Musical devices
Sounds in Meaning
Literary techniques

A quick revision for TGT ENGLISH EXAMS

History of the English Novel 🧑‍💻😶