《論(lun)讀(du)書(shu)》是文藝復(fu)興時(shi)期英國哲學家、散文家弗朗西斯(si)·培(pei)根(gen)創作的(de)(de)(de)一篇論(lun)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)散文。全文雖(sui)短卻字字珠(zhu)璣。這(zhe)篇文章不僅(jin)在(zai)用詞(ci)方面多采(cai)用莊(zhuang)重(zhong)典(dian)雅的(de)(de)(de)古語(yu)(yu)詞(ci)、大詞(ci),著(zhu)重(zhong)體現作者的(de)(de)(de)冷靜、理性,語(yu)(yu)言富有(you)卓(zhuo)見,蘊(yun)含哲理,而且(qie)句子(zi)富有(you)節(jie)奏感,讀(du)來朗朗上口。句式多采(cai)用并列(lie)式,體現語(yu)(yu)言及(ji)語(yu)(yu)義(yi)的(de)(de)(de)平衡美。培(pei)根(gen)善用排比和比喻(yu),深入淺出地說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)明道理。文中(zhong)(zhong)格言警句層出不窮,除連結(jie)句外(wai),幾乎句句是警句,言簡意(yi)賅,很有(you)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)服(fu)力。這(zhe)些論(lun)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)文的(de)(de)(de)特色在(zai)原文中(zhong)(zhong)體現得非常明顯,堪稱(cheng)論(lun)說(shuo)(shuo)(shuo)文的(de)(de)(de)典(dian)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.裝飾(shi);裝飾(shi)物。
②disposition:n.處置(zhi)。
③marshalling:n.處(chu)理(li)。
④sloth:n.懶惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪(jian);剪(jian)枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁(bo)斥,駁(bo)倒(dao)。
⑦flashy things:索然無味的(de)東西。
⑧conference:n.談(tan)話,會(hui)談(tan)。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯論。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉丁文,學問(wen)塑造氣質(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善于區分細節的人(ren)(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方。
論讀書
讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)足以(yi)(yi)怡(yi)情(qing),足以(yi)(yi)博才,足以(yi)(yi)長(chang)才。其(qi)怡(yi)情(qing)也(ye),最(zui)見于獨處幽居之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)(shi);其(qi)博才也(ye),最(zui)見于高談(tan)闊論(lun)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)中;其(qi)長(chang)才也(ye),最(zui)見于處世(shi)判事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際。練達之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士雖(sui)能分別處理細(xi)事或一一判別枝節,然(ran)(ran)縱觀(guan)統籌、全(quan)局策劃,則舍好(hao)學(xue)深思(si)者(zhe)(zhe)莫屬。讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)費時(shi)(shi)過多易惰,文采藻飾太盛則矯,全(quan)憑條文斷事乃學(xue)究故態。讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)補天然(ran)(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)足,經(jing)(jing)驗又補讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)足,蓋天生才干猶(you)如(ru)自然(ran)(ran)花草,讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)然(ran)(ran)后知(zhi)如(ru)何修剪移(yi)接;而書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)中所(suo)(suo)示(shi),如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)以(yi)(yi)經(jing)(jing)驗范(fan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),則又大而無(wu)(wu)當。有一技之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)長(chang)者(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),無(wu)(wu)知(zhi)者(zhe)(zhe)羨(xian)讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),唯明(ming)智之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士用(yong)讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),然(ran)(ran)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)并不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)以(yi)(yi)用(yong)處告人(ren),用(yong)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)智不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)在書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)中,而在書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)外,全(quan)憑觀(guan)察(cha)得之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)時(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)存心詰(jie)難作者(zhe)(zhe),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)盡(jin)信書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)上所(suo)(suo)言(yan),亦(yi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)只(zhi)為尋章摘句,而應推(tui)敲細(xi)思(si)。書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)有可(ke)淺(qian)嘗者(zhe)(zhe),有可(ke)吞(tun)食者(zhe)(zhe),少數(shu)則須(xu)咀嚼消(xiao)化(hua)。換(huan)言(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),有只(zhi)須(xu)讀(du)(du)其(qi)部(bu)分者(zhe)(zhe),有只(zhi)須(xu)大體涉獵者(zhe)(zhe),少數(shu)則須(xu)全(quan)讀(du)(du),讀(du)(du)時(shi)(shi)須(xu)全(quan)神貫注,孜(zi)孜(zi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)倦。書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)亦(yi)可(ke)請人(ren)代讀(du)(du),取其(qi)所(suo)(suo)作摘要,但只(zhi)限題(ti)材較次或價值不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)高者(zhe)(zhe),否則書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)經(jing)(jing)提煉猶(you)如(ru)水經(jing)(jing)蒸餾、淡而無(wu)(wu)味矣。
讀(du)書(shu)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)充實(shi),討論(lun)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)機智(zhi),筆記使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)準確(que)。因此不(bu)(bu)(bu)常作筆記者(zhe)須(xu)記憶特強,不(bu)(bu)(bu)常討論(lun)者(zhe)須(xu)天生聰穎(ying),不(bu)(bu)(bu)常讀(du)書(shu)者(zhe)須(xu)欺世有術(shu),始能無(wu)知而(er)顯有知。讀(du)史使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)明智(zhi),讀(du)詩使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)靈秀(xiu),數(shu)學使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)周密(mi),科(ke)學使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)深刻,倫理(li)學使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)莊重,邏(luo)輯修辭之學使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)善辯:凡有所學,皆(jie)成性格(ge)。人(ren)(ren)之才智(zhi)但有滯礙,無(wu)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)讀(du)適當(dang)之書(shu)使(shi)(shi)(shi)之順暢,一(yi)如(ru)身(shen)體百(bai)病(bing),皆(jie)可(ke)(ke)借相(xiang)宜之運動除之。滾球利(li)睪(gao)腎,射箭利(li)胸肺,慢(man)步利(li)腸胃,騎(qi)術(shu)利(li)頭腦,諸如(ru)此類。如(ru)智(zhi)力(li)不(bu)(bu)(bu)集(ji)中,可(ke)(ke)令讀(du)數(shu)學,蓋演題須(xu)全神貫注(zhu),稍有分散即須(xu)重演;如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能辨異,可(ke)(ke)令讀(du)經院哲學,蓋是輩皆(jie)吹(chui)毛求疵之人(ren)(ren);如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)善求同(tong),不(bu)(bu)(bu)善以一(yi)物闡證另(ling)一(yi)物,可(ke)(ke)令讀(du)律師之案卷(juan)。如(ru)此頭腦中凡有缺陷,皆(jie)有特藥(yao)可(ke)(ke)醫。
(王佐良譯)
文(wen)(wen)藝復興時期,人文(wen)(wen)主義者關(guan)心人本身,把(ba)完美的(de)(de)人作為(wei)自己的(de)(de)理想。為(wei)救治與(yu)教化有弱點與(yu)弊(bi)病的(de)(de)凡人,當時的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章常帶有教誨目(mu)的(de)(de)。《論(lun)讀書》就是在這樣的(de)(de)歷史背景(jing)下創(chuang)作的(de)(de),是《培根隨筆》中的(de)(de)一篇重要的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章,發表于(yu)1653年。
弗(fu)朗西斯·培(pei)根(gen)(Francis Bacon,1561年1月22日—1626年4月9日),第一(yi)代圣阿爾(er)本子(zi)爵(1st Viscount St Alban),英國(guo)文藝復(fu)(fu)興(xing)時(shi)期散文家、哲學(xue)(xue)家。英國(guo)唯(wei)物主義(yi)哲學(xue)(xue)家,實驗科(ke)學(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)創始人(ren),是(shi)近代歸納(na)法的(de)(de)創始人(ren),又是(shi)給科(ke)學(xue)(xue)研究程序(xu)進(jin)行邏輯(ji)組織化的(de)(de)先驅(qu)。培(pei)根(gen)12歲入劍橋(qiao)大(da)(da)學(xue)(xue),后擔(dan)任女王特別(bie)法律顧(gu)問以及朝廷(ting)(ting)的(de)(de)首席檢察官(guan)、掌璽大(da)(da)臣等。晚年,受宮(gong)廷(ting)(ting)陰(yin)謀逐出宮(gong)廷(ting)(ting),脫離政治(zhi)生涯,專心從(cong)事學(xue)(xue)術研究和著述(shu)活動,寫成了一(yi)批在近代文學(xue)(xue)思想(xiang)史上具(ju)有(you)重(zhong)大(da)(da)影響(xiang)的(de)(de)著作,其中最重(zhong)要的(de)(de)一(yi)部是(shi)《偉大(da)(da)的(de)(de)復(fu)(fu)興(xing)新工(gong)具(ju)論》。另外,他以哲學(xue)(xue)家的(de)(de)眼光,思考了廣泛(fan)的(de)(de)人(ren)生問題,寫出了許多形式短(duan)小、風格活潑的(de)(de)隨筆小品(pin),集成《培(pei)根(gen)隨筆》。1626年3月底,培(pei)根(gen)由于身(shen)體孱弱,在實驗中遭受風寒,支氣管炎復(fu)(fu)發,病情惡化。1626年4月9日清晨病逝(shi)。主要著作有(you)《新工(gong)具(ju)》《論科(ke)學(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)增(zeng)進(jin)》以及《學(xue)(xue)術的(de)(de)偉大(da)(da)復(fu)(fu)興(xing)》等。
《論讀書》這篇隨(sui)筆,文字干凈利落(luo),多用古語詞(archaism)和大(da)詞(big words),語言顯得莊重、典雅,給人以厚重、正式的感覺。詞的運用幾乎未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙遜、客氣、模棱兩可的詞。
文中(zhong)用到的(de)文言詞(ci)有:marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些詞(ci)的(de)使用就像古(gu)漢(han)語(yu)中(zhong)“之”、“乎(hu)”、“者”、“也”詞(ci)匯的(de)使用一樣(yang),給(gei)人一種古(gu)老、厚重的(de)感覺。
文中還用(yong)(yong)到一些(xie)現代英語(yu)(yu)詞的古(gu)用(yong)(yong)法(fa)(fa)形式(shi)。其中很多(duo)詞今天已經不再具備它(ta)原有(you)的語(yu)(yu)法(fa)(fa)和語(yu)(yu)義功(gong)能。它(ta)們和中國的文言文一樣具有(you)特定歷史時期的語(yu)(yu)言色彩。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。
文中(zhong)還有(you)兩處(chu)使用了拉(la)丁(ding)語,這是作者的偏好,認為(wei)拉(la)丁(ding)語能流(liu)傳長久,能給(gei)文章增添(tian)古(gu)色(se)古(gu)香的味道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一(yi)句,培根(gen)在Advancement of Leaning 一(yi)文中(zhong)的解釋為(wei):“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意為(wei):“專心(xin)學問者,性格也受(shou)陶冶(ye)。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即(ji)“過分講究細節的人”。
文中還用到一些大詞,例如:ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等等。這些詞給人一種高雅、莊嚴的(de)色彩感覺,適(shi)于嚴肅、正(zheng)式的(de)場合。
并列句
《論(lun)讀書》這篇文(wen)章(zhang)句(ju)式(shi)單一(yi),19個句(ju)子就有12個句(ju)子采用(yong)了(le)并列結構,體現了(le)語言的平衡美。這樣(yang)的文(wen)章(zhang)樸實(shi)大方,讀起來(lai)毫無(wu)矯揉造(zao)作(zuo)之感。盡管如此,作(zuo)者還是十(shi)分(fen)注意長(chang)、短句(ju)的交(jiao)替使用(yong),以(yi)避免整齊劃一(yi)的句(ju)式(shi)顯得單調乏味,從而使行文(wen)更(geng)富(fu)節奏感。例(li)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(lian)結起來的(de)一個(ge)并(bing)列(lie)句。第一個(ge)分號之后各句承(cheng)前(qian)省略了(le)make men。這樣(yang)的(de)句子排(pai)列(lie)整齊,表意鮮明。并(bing)列(lie)的(de)部分都(dou)省略前(qian)面相同的(de)成(cheng)分,重點突出,使讀者一目了(le)然,給(gei)人(ren)以清(qing)晰明快的(de)感覺(jue)。而且平衡(heng)的(de)句式形(xing)成(cheng)排(pai)比風(feng)格,猶如排(pai)山(shan)倒海之勢,頗具說服力。
“關于make的用(yong)法(fa),培根在此篇文(wen)章中采用(yong)兩種(zhong)用(yong)法(fa),一(yi)是帶賓(bin)補的用(yong)法(fa),即這一(yi)句中:histories make men wise;另一(yi)種(zhong)是帶賓(bin)語的用(yong)法(fa),如:reading maketh a full man,作者用(yong)make和maketh加以區別make所帶的不同結構。”
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.
這一(yi)(yi)并列句(ju)(ju)不(bu)同于(yu)上(shang)一(yi)(yi)句(ju)(ju),這句(ju)(ju)中的(de)(de)并列關系是由連(lian)詞and,but連(lian)接起來(lai)的(de)(de)。每(mei)一(yi)(yi)個分句(ju)(ju)不(bu)如(ru)上(shang)句(ju)(ju)那(nei)么短(duan)促、明(ming)快,而是多一(yi)(yi)些推理(li)和描述(shu)性(xing)的(de)(de)語言,這主要(yao)是因為(wei)此(ci)句(ju)(ju)中作者旨在(zai)分析(xi)讀書(shu)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)益(yi)處(chu)(chu),分析(xi)那(nei)些有經驗(yan)的(de)(de)“練達之(zhi)士雖然能處(chu)(chu)理(li)細(xi)事,一(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)判別(bie)枝節,然縱觀(guan)統籌(chou),全局策劃,則非好學深思(si)多讀書(shu)之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)莫屬”(王佐良(liang)譯)。這是短(duan)句(ju)(ju)和長句(ju)(ju)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)不(bu)同感覺(jue)。短(duan)句(ju)(ju),短(duan)小利落,給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)以(yi)確信、勿庸置疑的(de)(de)味道(dao),多使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)受(shou)教;而長句(ju)(ju),尤其由連(lian)詞連(lian)接的(de)(de)長句(ju)(ju),語氣連(lian)貫、舒緩(huan),善于(yu)推理(li)、論述(shu),在(zai)陳述(shu)和分析(xi)中給(gei)人(ren)(ren)(ren)以(yi)啟迪和思(si)考的(de)(de)空(kong)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.
這一句(ju)省略了表(biao)語(yu)(yu) is,全句(ju)結構(gou)緊湊、表(biao)意突出(chu),具(ju)有言簡意賅(gai)的(de)(de)(de)強(qiang)烈效果。三個否(fou)(fou)定詞not,nor,nor的(de)(de)(de)使用把“讀書不(bu)是(shi)為(wei)了要(yao)(yao)辯駁,不(bu)是(shi)要(yao)(yao)盲目信從,不(bu)是(shi)要(yao)(yao)尋找(zhao)談(tan)資”排列(lie)得緊湊整齊,強(qiang)烈地表(biao)達了作者否(fou)(fou)定的(de)(de)(de)語(yu)(yu)氣和不(bu)贊(zan)成的(de)(de)(de)態度。最后以一個轉(zhuan)(zhuan)折詞but連(lian)接(jie)收尾,簡潔有力,語(yu)(yu)氣上由(you)否(fou)(fou)定轉(zhuan)(zhuan)向(xiang)肯定,給人一種義(yi)正詞嚴(yan)、豁然開(kai)朗的(de)(de)(de)感受。由(you)“不(bu)要(yao)(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)(yao)”轉(zhuan)(zhuan)為(wei)“而(er)要(yao)(yao)權衡和思考”,給人留(liu)下深刻(ke)的(de)(de)(de)印(yin)象(xiang),很(hen)有說服力。
復合句
復合句(ju)(ju)的(de)使用有并(bing)列句(ju)(ju)所(suo)(suo)不及的(de)文體(ti)功(gong)能,即善于表(biao)現事物間的(de)種種復雜關系,“在復合句(ju)(ju)中,主(zhu)句(ju)(ju)結構(gou)獨立,從句(ju)(ju)依(yi)附于主(zhu)句(ju)(ju);從句(ju)(ju)所(suo)(suo)表(biao)達的(de)概(gai)念(nian)是對主(zhu)句(ju)(ju)意義的(de)補(bu)充、解釋(shi)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)后帶有一(yi)個(ge)由連(lian)(lian)詞for引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)(de)原因狀語(yu)從句(ju),從句(ju)中(zhong)有主句(ju)、由that引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)(de)定語(yu)從句(ju)和由except引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)(de)條件從句(ju)。原因狀語(yu)從句(ju)用來(lai)(lai)解釋(shi)讀書(shu)和經驗的(de)(de)互補(bu)關系(xi);定語(yu)從句(ju)是補(bu)充說明“天(tian)生的(de)(de)才干猶如天(tian)然花木,須靠讀書(shu)修(xiu)剪枝葉”。條件從句(ju)是用來(lai)(lai)限制“讀書(shu)如不以經驗范之,則(ze)又大而(er)無當”(王(wang)佐良(liang)譯)。語(yu)義(yi)雖然冗(rong)繁復雜(za),但使(shi)用不同從句(ju)的(de)(de)關系(xi)連(lian)(lian)詞來(lai)(lai)引(yin)(yin)導(dao),則(ze)又顯得條理十分清楚(chu)。這是并(bing)列(lie)句(ju)乃至其他句(ju)式(shi)所不能(neng)(neng)比擬(ni)的(de)(de)文體功能(neng)(neng)優勢。
排比
排比就是把結構相同(tong)、意(yi)氣(qi)(qi)并(bing)重、語氣(qi)(qi)一(yi)致的(de)詞(ci)組或(huo)句子排列成串,形成一(yi)個整(zheng)體。《論讀書》中這樣的(de)結構隨(sui)處可(ke)見(jian),而且作者(zhe)運用得(de)當,很有氣(qi)(qi)勢(shi)。
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.
三個同(tong)樣的(de)(de)不(bu)定(ding)式(shi)結(jie)構語(yu)氣一(yi)致(zhi)(zhi),分(fen)析褥(ru)淋漓盡致(zhi)(zhi)、準確生動。這種排比結(jie)構用來說明和定(ding)論,不(bu)僅結(jie)構嚴謹整齊,而且文章(zhang)的(de)(de)節奏也勻稱悅耳,大大提高了(le)語(yu)言的(de)(de)表(biao)現力。
優美(mei)的(de)(de)散文之所以(yi)能(neng)給人們的(de)(de)聽覺帶來美(mei)的(de)(de)享受(shou),在很大(da)程度上應歸功于其優美(mei)的(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)。散文的(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)雖不像(xiang)詩的(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)那(nei)樣有固定的(de)(de)模式和規(gui)律,但(dan)作家總是注意(yi)選擇某種(zhong)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou),使(shi)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)成(cheng)為烘(hong)托語(yu)義的(de)(de)一種(zhong)表達(da)手(shou)段;而文學批(pi)評家則總是把節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)看作“文體(ti)(ti)風(feng)格的(de)(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(qi)英語(yu)散文的(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)多是靠排比結構予以(yi)實(shi)現(xian)的(de)(de)。在《論讀書》這篇散文中,培根(gen)就十分注重使(shi)用排比結構來實(shi)現(xian)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)美(mei),還注意(yi)交替使(shi)用并列(lie)句和復合句來體(ti)(ti)現(xian)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)感。例如:
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
比喻
培根(gen)善(shan)用形象(xiang)(xiang)的(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)深(shen)入(ru)淺出地(di)說(shuo)(shuo)明一個道(dao)理,因而(er)(er)文中充(chong)滿了諸(zhu)如taste, swallow, chew, digest等比(bi)喻(yu)。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是說(shuo)(shuo)天(tian)生的(de)(de)才干(gan)需要(yao)知(zhi)識來磨練就(jiu)像草(cao)木(mu)需要(yao)修枝(zhi)剪葉一樣;“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是說(shuo)(shuo)讀書猶(you)如吃食物,“有的(de)(de)書淺嘗即可,有的(de)(de)書可以(yi)狼吞虎咽(yan),少數(shu)則須咀嚼消化”(王(wang)楫 譯(yi))。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這(zhe)一句(ju)是說(shuo)(shuo)“書經提煉猶(you)如水經蒸餾,淡而(er)(er)無味矣”(王(wang)佐(zuo)良譯(yi))。這(zhe)些(xie)深(shen)刻(ke)的(de)(de)讀書之(zhi)道(dao),若不是用這(zhe)么形象(xiang)(xiang)的(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu),很難達到這(zhe)么通俗易懂的(de)(de)效果,形象(xiang)(xiang)的(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)用得(de)恰到好(hao)處,令人信服。
《論讀(du)書》全文沒有分段,一(yi)氣呵成(cheng)。文中(zhong)短(duan)句多,并列句多,標(biao)點(dian)多。像培根這(zhe)(zhe)樣的(de)(de)(de)文風在當時被稱為“松散(san)、自(zi)由的(de)(de)(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文中(zhong)不(bu)大使(shi)用復合(he)結構(gou),并列句中(zhong)各個意思都處于平等(deng)(deng)的(de)(de)(de)地位,一(yi)個接一(yi)個說(shuo)下去(qu),逐步深入。因(yin)此,并列連(lian)詞(and, but, for, nor 等(deng)(deng))遠遠多于主從連(lian)詞(as, smce, because等(deng)(deng))。“這(zhe)(zhe)類文章,雖則是松散(san)自(zi)由的(de)(de)(de),它(ta)還是很講究修辭”,排比(bi)(bi)和比(bi)(bi)喻(yu)隨(sui)處可(ke)見。
全(quan)篇文(wen)(wen)章(zhang)旨在強調讀(du)書(shu)的(de)(de)功效,作者相信(xin)人(ren)(ren)(ren)們頭(tou)腦(nao)中一切病端都有(you)辦法救治,而讀(du)書(shu)就是(shi)一劑萬能的(de)(de)良藥。這種對人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)自我完(wan)善的(de)(de)渴(ke)求及確信(xin)必達(da)目的(de)(de)之抱負(fu),反映了(le)文(wen)(wen)藝(yi)復興時代崇尚理(li)性、相信(xin)人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)力量和人(ren)(ren)(ren)具有(you)無限潛力的(de)(de)“人(ren)(ren)(ren)文(wen)(wen)主義精神”。
為反映作者的(de)冷靜(jing)、理性和(he)自信的(de)態度(du),文章也采用簡(jian)潔(jie)這一風(feng)格。“簡(jian)潔(jie)就是言簡(jian)意賅(gai)。文章沒有(you)多余的(de)詞,沒有(you)多余的(de)句,但內容(rong)又很豐富,含義(yi)也很深刻。”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...
這個句子寫得(de)干凈利落,讓(rang)人聽來仿佛覺得(de)作者在述說一條千真萬確的真理,語(yu)氣肯定,絲毫未表現(xian)謙遜、遲疑和含混的語(yu)氣。
天文(wen)學家、科普作家卞毓(yu)麟《恬淡悠閱——卞毓(yu)麟書(shu)事選錄》:“英國思想(xiang)家、哲學家、實驗科學的先驅者弗朗(lang)西(xi)斯·培根(gen)的一(yi)篇(pian)Of Studies,400年來(lai)引(yin)得世上多少讀者競折腰。數十年前讀王佐良(liang)先生的譯文(wen)(篇(pian)名(ming)譯為《談讀書(shu)》),唯(wei)覺詞清句麗,妙(miao)不可言。……”
上(shang)海(hai)師范大學(xue)人文與傳(chuan)播學(xue)院教授劉文榮《經(jing)典作家談書與讀(du)書》:“全文不足兩(liang)千(qian)字,卻將讀(du)書之功用、讀(du)書之方法(fa)及讀(du)書與性格之關系(xi)一一道(dao)來,且(qie)句句有理(li),實為(wei)言簡意賅之典范。”
天津外國語(yu)大學教授(shou)馬鐘元《每(mei)天讀(du)點英文(wen)(wen)英美(mei)(mei)文(wen)(wen)化常識全集(ji) 超值(zhi)白金版》:“《論(lun)讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)》是(shi)弗(fu)朗西斯·培根(gen)的(de)《散(san)文(wen)(wen)集(ji)》中的(de)一(yi)篇,其(qi)文(wen)(wen)風以(yi)簡潔、緊湊和有力(li)而(er)著稱。其(qi)中,《論(lun)讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)》是(shi)最膾炙人口(kou)的(de)一(yi)篇。在(zai)文(wen)(wen)中,培根(gen)分析了(le)讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)的(de)主要目的(de)、讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)所應采用(yong)(yong)的(de)不(bu)同方式以(yi)及讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)對人的(de)性(xing)格的(de)影響。文(wen)(wen)章最精(jing)彩的(de)地方不(bu)僅在(zai)于其(qi)論(lun)據(ju)具有說服(fu)力(li),而(er)且在(zai)于遣(qian)詞造(zao)句(ju)(ju)、句(ju)(ju)型和結構的(de)優美(mei)(mei)。……總之(zhi),本文(wen)(wen)中運用(yong)(yong)了(le)許多寫作技巧。整體行文(wen)(wen)語(yu)句(ju)(ju)優美(mei)(mei),用(yong)(yong)詞準確,令人信服(fu)。《論(lun)讀(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)》是(shi)一(yi)篇優美(mei)(mei)散(san)文(wen)(wen)中的(de)典范,值(zhi)得仔細咀嚼。”