《論(lun)讀(du)書》是(shi)文藝復興時期英(ying)國哲學家、散文家弗朗西(xi)斯·培根創(chuang)作(zuo)(zuo)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)篇論(lun)說(shuo)散文。全文雖(sui)短卻(que)字字珠(zhu)璣。這篇文章不僅在用詞(ci)(ci)方面多采(cai)用莊重典(dian)雅的(de)(de)(de)古語(yu)詞(ci)(ci)、大(da)詞(ci)(ci),著(zhu)重體現作(zuo)(zuo)者的(de)(de)(de)冷靜、理(li)性,語(yu)言富有(you)卓見,蘊含(han)哲理(li),而且句(ju)(ju)子富有(you)節奏感,讀(du)來朗朗上口。句(ju)(ju)式(shi)多采(cai)用并(bing)列式(shi),體現語(yu)言及(ji)語(yu)義的(de)(de)(de)平(ping)衡美(mei)。培根善用排(pai)比和(he)比喻,深入淺出(chu)地(di)說(shuo)明道理(li)。文中格言警句(ju)(ju)層出(chu)不窮,除連結句(ju)(ju)外,幾乎(hu)句(ju)(ju)句(ju)(ju)是(shi)警句(ju)(ju),言簡意賅,很有(you)說(shuo)服力(li)。這些論(lun)說(shuo)文的(de)(de)(de)特色在原文中體現得非常明顯,堪稱(cheng)論(lun)說(shuo)文的(de)(de)(de)典(dian)范。
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。
③marshalling:n.處理。
④sloth:n.懶(lan)惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪(jian);剪(jian)枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁(bo)斥,駁(bo)倒。
⑦flashy things:索然無味的(de)東西。
⑧conference:n.談(tan)話,會談(tan)。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯(bian)論(lun)。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉丁文,學(xue)問塑造氣(qi)質(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善(shan)于區分細節的人(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方。
論讀書
讀(du)書(shu)(shu)足以怡情,足以博才(cai),足以長才(cai)。其怡情也,最見(jian)(jian)于(yu)(yu)獨處(chu)幽居(ju)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時(shi);其博才(cai)也,最見(jian)(jian)于(yu)(yu)高(gao)談闊論之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)中;其長才(cai)也,最見(jian)(jian)于(yu)(yu)處(chu)世(shi)判事(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際。練(lian)達之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士雖能分(fen)別處(chu)理細事(shi)(shi)或一(yi)一(yi)判別枝節,然(ran)縱觀統籌、全(quan)(quan)局(ju)策(ce)劃,則(ze)(ze)(ze)舍好學深思(si)者(zhe)(zhe)莫屬(shu)。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)費時(shi)過多易(yi)惰(duo),文采藻(zao)飾太盛則(ze)(ze)(ze)矯,全(quan)(quan)憑條文斷事(shi)(shi)乃學究故態。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)補天(tian)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)足,經(jing)驗又補讀(du)書(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)足,蓋天(tian)生才(cai)干猶如自然(ran)花草,讀(du)書(shu)(shu)然(ran)后知如何修剪移接(jie);而(er)書(shu)(shu)中所示,如不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)以經(jing)驗范之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),則(ze)(ze)(ze)又大而(er)無當(dang)。有一(yi)技之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)長者(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀(du)書(shu)(shu),無知者(zhe)(zhe)羨(xian)讀(du)書(shu)(shu),唯明(ming)智之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士用(yong)(yong)讀(du)書(shu)(shu),然(ran)書(shu)(shu)并不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)以用(yong)(yong)處(chu)告人(ren),用(yong)(yong)書(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)智不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)在書(shu)(shu)中,而(er)在書(shu)(shu)外,全(quan)(quan)憑觀察得之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)時(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)存心詰難(nan)作者(zhe)(zhe),不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)盡信書(shu)(shu)上所言(yan),亦不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)只(zhi)(zhi)為尋(xun)章摘句(ju),而(er)應推敲細思(si)。書(shu)(shu)有可(ke)(ke)淺嘗者(zhe)(zhe),有可(ke)(ke)吞食者(zhe)(zhe),少(shao)數(shu)則(ze)(ze)(ze)須(xu)(xu)咀(ju)嚼消化(hua)。換言(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),有只(zhi)(zhi)須(xu)(xu)讀(du)其部分(fen)者(zhe)(zhe),有只(zhi)(zhi)須(xu)(xu)大體涉獵者(zhe)(zhe),少(shao)數(shu)則(ze)(ze)(ze)須(xu)(xu)全(quan)(quan)讀(du),讀(du)時(shi)須(xu)(xu)全(quan)(quan)神貫注,孜孜不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)倦(juan)。書(shu)(shu)亦可(ke)(ke)請人(ren)代讀(du),取其所作摘要,但只(zhi)(zhi)限題材較次或價值(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)高(gao)者(zhe)(zhe),否(fou)則(ze)(ze)(ze)書(shu)(shu)經(jing)提煉猶如水經(jing)蒸餾(liu)、淡而(er)無味矣。
讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書使(shi)人充實,討(tao)論使(shi)人機智(zhi),筆記(ji)使(shi)人準確。因此不(bu)常(chang)作筆記(ji)者(zhe)(zhe)須(xu)記(ji)憶特(te)強,不(bu)常(chang)討(tao)論者(zhe)(zhe)須(xu)天生聰(cong)穎,不(bu)常(chang)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書者(zhe)(zhe)須(xu)欺世有(you)術(shu)(shu),始能無知而顯有(you)知。讀(du)(du)(du)(du)史使(shi)人明智(zhi),讀(du)(du)(du)(du)詩使(shi)人靈秀,數學(xue)使(shi)人周密,科學(xue)使(shi)人深刻,倫(lun)理學(xue)使(shi)人莊重(zhong),邏輯修辭之學(xue)使(shi)人善辯:凡(fan)有(you)所(suo)學(xue),皆成性格(ge)。人之才智(zhi)但有(you)滯(zhi)礙(ai),無不(bu)可(ke)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)適當(dang)之書使(shi)之順(shun)暢,一如身體百病,皆可(ke)借相(xiang)宜之運動除之。滾球利(li)睪腎(shen),射箭利(li)胸肺,慢步利(li)腸胃,騎(qi)術(shu)(shu)利(li)頭(tou)腦(nao),諸(zhu)如此類。如智(zhi)力不(bu)集中,可(ke)令讀(du)(du)(du)(du)數學(xue),蓋(gai)演(yan)題須(xu)全神(shen)貫注,稍有(you)分散即須(xu)重(zhong)演(yan);如不(bu)能辨異,可(ke)令讀(du)(du)(du)(du)經院哲學(xue),蓋(gai)是輩(bei)皆吹毛求疵(ci)之人;如不(bu)善求同(tong),不(bu)善以(yi)一物(wu)闡證另一物(wu),可(ke)令讀(du)(du)(du)(du)律師之案(an)卷(juan)。如此頭(tou)腦(nao)中凡(fan)有(you)缺陷(xian),皆有(you)特(te)藥可(ke)醫(yi)。
(王佐良譯)
文(wen)(wen)藝復興時(shi)期,人(ren)(ren)文(wen)(wen)主義者關(guan)心(xin)人(ren)(ren)本身,把完美的(de)(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)作為(wei)自己(ji)的(de)(de)(de)理想。為(wei)救治與教化有(you)弱(ruo)點與弊病的(de)(de)(de)凡(fan)人(ren)(ren),當時(shi)的(de)(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章(zhang)常帶有(you)教誨(hui)目的(de)(de)(de)。《論讀(du)書》就是在這樣(yang)的(de)(de)(de)歷史(shi)背景下創(chuang)作的(de)(de)(de),是《培根隨筆》中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)篇重要的(de)(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章(zhang),發(fa)表于1653年。
弗朗西斯(si)·培(pei)根(Francis Bacon,1561年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)1月22日—1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)4月9日),第一代(dai)圣阿爾本(ben)子(zi)爵(jue)(1st Viscount St Alban),英(ying)(ying)國(guo)文(wen)藝復(fu)(fu)興時(shi)期(qi)散(san)文(wen)家、哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家。英(ying)(ying)國(guo)唯物主義哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家,實(shi)驗(yan)科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)創始(shi)人,是(shi)(shi)近代(dai)歸納法(fa)的(de)(de)(de)創始(shi)人,又是(shi)(shi)給科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)研究(jiu)程序進行邏輯(ji)組(zu)織化的(de)(de)(de)先驅(qu)。培(pei)根12歲入劍橋大(da)(da)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue),后擔任女王特別(bie)法(fa)律顧問以(yi)及(ji)朝廷(ting)的(de)(de)(de)首席(xi)檢察官(guan)、掌璽(xi)大(da)(da)臣等(deng)。晚年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),受(shou)宮(gong)廷(ting)陰謀逐出(chu)宮(gong)廷(ting),脫離政治(zhi)生(sheng)涯,專心(xin)從事學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)術研究(jiu)和著(zhu)述活動,寫(xie)成了一批在(zai)近代(dai)文(wen)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)思(si)想史(shi)上具(ju)(ju)有重大(da)(da)影響的(de)(de)(de)著(zhu)作(zuo),其中最(zui)重要的(de)(de)(de)一部是(shi)(shi)《偉大(da)(da)的(de)(de)(de)復(fu)(fu)興新工具(ju)(ju)論(lun)》。另外,他以(yi)哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家的(de)(de)(de)眼光,思(si)考了廣(guang)泛的(de)(de)(de)人生(sheng)問題,寫(xie)出(chu)了許多(duo)形式短小、風格活潑的(de)(de)(de)隨筆小品,集成《培(pei)根隨筆》。1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)3月底(di),培(pei)根由于身體孱弱,在(zai)實(shi)驗(yan)中遭(zao)受(shou)風寒,支氣(qi)管炎(yan)復(fu)(fu)發,病(bing)情惡化。1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)4月9日清晨病(bing)逝。主要著(zhu)作(zuo)有《新工具(ju)(ju)》《論(lun)科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)增進》以(yi)及(ji)《學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)術的(de)(de)(de)偉大(da)(da)復(fu)(fu)興》等(deng)。
《論讀書》這(zhe)篇隨筆,文字干(gan)凈利落,多用(yong)古語(yu)詞(ci)(archaism)和大詞(ci)(big words),語(yu)言顯(xian)得莊重、典雅,給人以厚重、正式(shi)的(de)感覺。詞(ci)的(de)運用(yong)幾乎未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙遜、客氣、模棱兩可的(de)詞(ci)。
文中(zhong)(zhong)用(yong)到的(de)文言詞有:marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些詞的(de)使用(yong)就(jiu)像古(gu)漢語中(zhong)(zhong)“之”、“乎”、“者”、“也”詞匯的(de)使用(yong)一樣,給人一種古(gu)老、厚重的(de)感覺。
文中(zhong)(zhong)還(huan)用到一(yi)些現(xian)代英語詞的(de)古用法形(xing)式。其中(zhong)(zhong)很多(duo)詞今天已(yi)經不再具(ju)備它原有的(de)語法和語義功能。它們和中(zhong)(zhong)國的(de)文言(yan)文一(yi)樣具(ju)有特定歷史時期的(de)語言(yan)色彩(cai)。例(li)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)中還有兩處使用了拉(la)丁語,這是作者(zhe)的(de)偏好,認為(wei)拉(la)丁語能(neng)流傳(chuan)長久,能(neng)給(gei)文(wen)章增添古色古香的(de)味道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一句,培根在(zai)Advancement of Leaning 一文(wen)中的(de)解(jie)釋為(wei):“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意(yi)為(wei):“專心(xin)學問者(zhe),性格(ge)也受陶冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即“過(guo)分講(jiang)究(jiu)細節的(de)人”。
文中還用到一些(xie)大詞,例如:ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等等。這些(xie)詞給人一種高(gao)雅(ya)、莊嚴的(de)色彩感(gan)覺,適于嚴肅、正式的(de)場合。
并列句
《論讀書》這篇文(wen)章句式單一,19個句子就有12個句子采用了并列結構,體現了語言的(de)(de)(de)平衡(heng)美。這樣的(de)(de)(de)文(wen)章樸實(shi)大(da)方(fang),讀起(qi)來毫無矯揉造作(zuo)之(zhi)感(gan)。盡(jin)管如此(ci),作(zuo)者還是十分注意長、短句的(de)(de)(de)交替使用,以避免整齊劃一的(de)(de)(de)句式顯得單調(diao)乏(fa)味(wei),從而使行文(wen)更富(fu)節奏感(gan)。例如:
Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to content.
這是由分號連結起來的(de)(de)(de)一個并(bing)列(lie)(lie)句。第一個分號之后各(ge)句承(cheng)前省略了(le)(le)make men。這樣(yang)的(de)(de)(de)句子(zi)排(pai)(pai)列(lie)(lie)整齊,表意(yi)鮮明。并(bing)列(lie)(lie)的(de)(de)(de)部分都省略前面相同的(de)(de)(de)成分,重點突(tu)出,使讀者一目了(le)(le)然,給(gei)人以清晰(xi)明快(kuai)的(de)(de)(de)感(gan)覺(jue)。而(er)且(qie)平(ping)衡的(de)(de)(de)句式形成排(pai)(pai)比風格,猶如排(pai)(pai)山倒海之勢,頗具說服力。
“關于make的(de)(de)用(yong)(yong)法(fa),培根在此篇文(wen)章中采用(yong)(yong)兩種用(yong)(yong)法(fa),一(yi)是帶(dai)賓補(bu)的(de)(de)用(yong)(yong)法(fa),即這一(yi)句(ju)中:histories make men wise;另一(yi)種是帶(dai)賓語(yu)的(de)(de)用(yong)(yong)法(fa),如:reading maketh a full man,作者(zhe)用(yong)(yong)make和maketh加以區別make所(suo)帶(dai)的(de)(de)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(zhe)一并(bing)列句(ju)(ju)不同于上一句(ju)(ju),這(zhe)句(ju)(ju)中的(de)(de)(de)(de)并(bing)列關系是(shi)由(you)連(lian)詞and,but連(lian)接起(qi)來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)。每一個分句(ju)(ju)不如上句(ju)(ju)那么短促、明快,而是(shi)多(duo)一些(xie)推理(li)(li)和(he)描述(shu)(shu)性(xing)的(de)(de)(de)(de)語言,這(zhe)主要是(shi)因為此句(ju)(ju)中作者旨(zhi)在(zai)分析(xi)讀(du)書(shu)給(gei)(gei)人(ren)的(de)(de)(de)(de)益處,分析(xi)那些(xie)有經(jing)驗的(de)(de)(de)(de)“練達之士雖然能(neng)處理(li)(li)細事,一一判(pan)別枝(zhi)節(jie),然縱(zong)觀統籌,全(quan)局策劃,則非好學深思多(duo)讀(du)書(shu)之人(ren)莫屬”(王(wang)佐良(liang)譯)。這(zhe)是(shi)短句(ju)(ju)和(he)長句(ju)(ju)給(gei)(gei)人(ren)的(de)(de)(de)(de)不同感覺。短句(ju)(ju),短小利(li)落,給(gei)(gei)人(ren)以確信、勿(wu)庸(yong)置(zhi)疑的(de)(de)(de)(de)味(wei)道(dao),多(duo)使人(ren)受(shou)教;而長句(ju)(ju),尤其由(you)連(lian)詞連(lian)接的(de)(de)(de)(de)長句(ju)(ju),語氣連(lian)貫、舒緩(huan),善于推理(li)(li)、論述(shu)(shu),在(zai)陳述(shu)(shu)和(he)分析(xi)中給(gei)(gei)人(ren)以啟迪(di)和(he)思考(kao)的(de)(de)(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)句省略了表語(yu) is,全(quan)句結構緊湊、表意突(tu)出,具有言簡意賅的強烈效果。三(san)個(ge)否定詞not,nor,nor的使用(yong)把“讀書不(bu)是(shi)為(wei)了要辯(bian)駁(bo),不(bu)是(shi)要盲(mang)目信(xin)從(cong),不(bu)是(shi)要尋找談(tan)資”排列得(de)緊湊整齊,強烈地(di)表達了作者否定的語(yu)氣和(he)不(bu)贊成的態度。最后以一(yi)個(ge)轉(zhuan)折詞but連接收尾,簡潔有力,語(yu)氣上(shang)由(you)否定轉(zhuan)向肯定,給人一(yi)種義正詞嚴(yan)、豁然開朗的感受。由(you)“不(bu)要”、“不(bu)要”、“不(bu)要”轉(zhuan)為(wei)“而要權衡和(he)思考”,給人留下深刻的印象,很(hen)有說(shuo)服力。
復合句
復(fu)合句(ju)的使用有并列(lie)句(ju)所(suo)不及的文體(ti)功能(neng),即(ji)善于表(biao)現事物間(jian)的種(zhong)種(zhong)復(fu)雜關系,“在(zai)復(fu)合句(ju)中,主句(ju)結構獨立,從句(ju)依(yi)附(fu)于主句(ju);從句(ju)所(suo)表(biao)達的概念(nian)是對主句(ju)意義的補充、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(zhe)一句(ju)中(zhong)的主句(ju)后(hou)帶有(you)一個由連(lian)詞for引(yin)導的原(yuan)因狀(zhuang)語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju),從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)中(zhong)有(you)主句(ju)、由that引(yin)導的定語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)和由except引(yin)導的條件(jian)從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)。原(yuan)因狀(zhuang)語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)用(yong)來(lai)解(jie)釋讀書和經驗的互(hu)補關系(xi);定語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)是補充說明“天生的才干猶(you)如(ru)天然花木,須(xu)靠讀書修剪枝葉”。條件(jian)從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)是用(yong)來(lai)限(xian)制“讀書如(ru)不以經驗范(fan)之,則又大而無當”(王(wang)佐良譯)。語(yu)義(yi)雖然冗繁復雜(za),但使用(yong)不同從(cong)(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)的關系(xi)連(lian)詞來(lai)引(yin)導,則又顯(xian)得條理十分清(qing)楚。這(zhe)是并列句(ju)乃至其他句(ju)式所不能(neng)比擬的文體功(gong)能(neng)優勢。
排比
排(pai)比就(jiu)是把(ba)結(jie)構相同、意氣(qi)并重、語氣(qi)一(yi)致的詞(ci)組(zu)或(huo)句(ju)子排(pai)列(lie)成(cheng)串(chuan),形成(cheng)一(yi)個(ge)整體。《論讀書》中這樣的結(jie)構隨處(chu)可(ke)見(jian),而且作者(zhe)運用得(de)當,很有氣(qi)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)同樣的不定式結(jie)構語氣一(yi)致,分析(xi)褥淋漓(li)盡致、準確生動。這種排比結(jie)構用來說明和定論,不僅結(jie)構嚴(yan)謹整齊,而且(qie)文章(zhang)的節奏也勻稱悅耳,大大提高了(le)語言的表現力。
優美(mei)(mei)(mei)的(de)散(san)文(wen)(wen)(wen)之所以能(neng)給(gei)人們的(de)聽覺帶(dai)來(lai)美(mei)(mei)(mei)的(de)享受,在(zai)很大程度上應(ying)歸功于(yu)其優美(mei)(mei)(mei)的(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)。散(san)文(wen)(wen)(wen)的(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)雖(sui)不像詩的(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)那樣有(you)固定(ding)的(de)模式和(he)規律,但作家(jia)總是注(zhu)意(yi)選擇(ze)某種節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou),使節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)成(cheng)為烘托語義(yi)的(de)一種表(biao)達手(shou)段;而(er)文(wen)(wen)(wen)學批評家(jia)則總是把節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)看(kan)作“文(wen)(wen)(wen)體(ti)風(feng)格(ge)的(de)組成(cheng)部分(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在(zai)《The Criticism ofProse》一書(shu)中(zhong)指出:早期英語散(san)文(wen)(wen)(wen)的(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)多是靠排比(bi)結構(gou)予以實現(xian)(xian)的(de)。在(zai)《論(lun)讀書(shu)》這篇散(san)文(wen)(wen)(wen)中(zhong),培(pei)根就十分注(zhu)重使用排比(bi)結構(gou)來(lai)實現(xian)(xian)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)美(mei)(mei)(mei),還(huan)注(zhu)意(yi)交(jiao)替使用并列句和(he)復(fu)合(he)句來(lai)體(ti)現(xian)(xian)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)感(gan)。例如:
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
比喻
培(pei)根善用形象(xiang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)深入淺出(chu)地說(shuo)明一個道理,因而(er)(er)文中充滿(man)了諸如(ru)taste, swallow, chew, digest等(deng)比(bi)喻(yu)。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是(shi)(shi)說(shuo)天生的(de)(de)(de)(de)才干需要(yao)知識來磨練就像草(cao)木需要(yao)修枝剪葉一樣;“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是(shi)(shi)說(shuo)讀書猶如(ru)吃食物,“有的(de)(de)(de)(de)書淺嘗即可,有的(de)(de)(de)(de)書可以(yi)狼吞虎(hu)咽,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)一句是(shi)(shi)說(shuo)“書經提煉(lian)猶如(ru)水經蒸(zheng)餾(liu),淡而(er)(er)無(wu)味矣”(王(wang)佐良譯(yi))。這(zhe)些(xie)深刻的(de)(de)(de)(de)讀書之道,若不(bu)是(shi)(shi)用這(zhe)么(me)形象(xiang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu),很難達到這(zhe)么(me)通俗(su)易懂的(de)(de)(de)(de)效(xiao)果,形象(xiang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)用得恰到好處(chu),令(ling)人(ren)信服(fu)。
《論讀書》全文(wen)沒有分段,一(yi)氣(qi)呵成。文(wen)中(zhong)(zhong)短句(ju)(ju)多(duo)(duo),并(bing)(bing)列(lie)(lie)句(ju)(ju)多(duo)(duo),標點多(duo)(duo)。像培根這樣(yang)的文(wen)風(feng)(feng)在當(dang)時被(bei)稱為“松散(san)、自由(you)的風(feng)(feng)格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文(wen)中(zhong)(zhong)不大使用復(fu)合(he)結(jie)構,并(bing)(bing)列(lie)(lie)句(ju)(ju)中(zhong)(zhong)各(ge)個意思都處于平(ping)等的地位,一(yi)個接一(yi)個說(shuo)下去(qu),逐步深入(ru)。因此,并(bing)(bing)列(lie)(lie)連(lian)詞(and, but, for, nor 等)遠(yuan)遠(yuan)多(duo)(duo)于主從連(lian)詞(as, smce, because等)。“這類文(wen)章,雖則是松散(san)自由(you)的,它還是很講(jiang)究修辭”,排比(bi)(bi)和比(bi)(bi)喻(yu)隨處可見。
全篇文(wen)章旨在強調讀(du)書(shu)的(de)功效,作者相信人們(men)頭腦中一(yi)切病端都有辦法救治,而讀(du)書(shu)就是(shi)一(yi)劑萬能的(de)良藥。這種對人的(de)自我完善的(de)渴求及確信必達目的(de)之抱負,反映了文(wen)藝(yi)復興時代崇尚理性(xing)、相信人的(de)力(li)量和(he)人具(ju)有無限潛力(li)的(de)“人文(wen)主義精神”。
為反映作者的冷(leng)靜、理(li)性和自信的態度(du),文章也(ye)(ye)采用簡潔(jie)這一風格。“簡潔(jie)就是言簡意賅。文章沒(mei)有多余(yu)的詞,沒(mei)有多余(yu)的句,但內容又很(hen)豐富,含義也(ye)(ye)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...
這個句子寫得(de)干凈(jing)利落,讓人(ren)聽來仿佛(fo)覺得(de)作(zuo)者(zhe)在述說一條千真萬確(que)的真理,語氣肯定,絲毫(hao)未表現謙遜、遲疑(yi)和含(han)混的語氣。
天文(wen)學(xue)家、科(ke)普作家卞毓麟《恬(tian)淡(dan)悠閱(yue)——卞毓麟書事選(xuan)錄》:“英國思想家、哲學(xue)家、實驗(yan)科(ke)學(xue)的(de)先驅者(zhe)弗朗西斯·培根(gen)的(de)一篇Of Studies,400年來(lai)引得世上多少讀(du)者(zhe)競折腰。數(shu)十年前(qian)讀(du)王佐良先生(sheng)的(de)譯文(wen)(篇名譯為《談讀(du)書》),唯覺(jue)詞清句麗,妙(miao)不可(ke)言。……”
上海(hai)師范大學人文與傳播學院教授(shou)劉文榮《經(jing)典(dian)作家談書(shu)與讀(du)書(shu)》:“全文不足兩(liang)千字,卻將(jiang)讀(du)書(shu)之功用、讀(du)書(shu)之方(fang)法及讀(du)書(shu)與性格之關(guan)系一一道(dao)來,且句句有(you)理,實為言簡(jian)意賅(gai)之典(dian)范。”
天津外國語大學(xue)教授(shou)馬鐘元(yuan)《每天讀點英文(wen)(wen)英美(mei)文(wen)(wen)化(hua)常(chang)識全集 超值白金版(ban)》:“《論讀書(shu)(shu)》是(shi)(shi)弗朗西(xi)斯(si)·培根的(de)(de)《散(san)文(wen)(wen)集》中(zhong)的(de)(de)一篇(pian),其文(wen)(wen)風以簡潔(jie)、緊(jin)湊和有(you)力(li)而著稱。其中(zhong),《論讀書(shu)(shu)》是(shi)(shi)最膾炙人(ren)(ren)口的(de)(de)一篇(pian)。在(zai)(zai)文(wen)(wen)中(zhong),培根分析了讀書(shu)(shu)的(de)(de)主要目(mu)的(de)(de)、讀書(shu)(shu)所應采(cai)用的(de)(de)不同(tong)方式以及讀書(shu)(shu)對人(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)性格的(de)(de)影響。文(wen)(wen)章最精彩(cai)的(de)(de)地(di)方不僅在(zai)(zai)于(yu)其論據具有(you)說(shuo)服(fu)(fu)力(li),而且在(zai)(zai)于(yu)遣詞造句、句型和結(jie)構的(de)(de)優(you)美(mei)。……總之,本文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)運用了許(xu)多寫作技巧。整體行(xing)文(wen)(wen)語句優(you)美(mei),用詞準(zhun)確,令人(ren)(ren)信(xin)服(fu)(fu)。《論讀書(shu)(shu)》是(shi)(shi)一篇(pian)優(you)美(mei)散(san)文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)的(de)(de)典(dian)范,值得仔細咀嚼。”