《論讀書》是文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)藝復興時(shi)期英國(guo)哲學家、散文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)家弗朗(lang)西(xi)斯·培根(gen)創作(zuo)的(de)一篇論說(shuo)散文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)。全文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)雖短卻字字珠璣。這篇文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)章(zhang)不僅在(zai)用(yong)詞方面多采用(yong)莊重(zhong)典雅的(de)古語(yu)(yu)詞、大詞,著重(zhong)體(ti)現(xian)作(zuo)者的(de)冷靜、理性,語(yu)(yu)言富(fu)有卓見,蘊(yun)含哲理,而且句(ju)(ju)(ju)子(zi)富(fu)有節奏感,讀來朗(lang)朗(lang)上口。句(ju)(ju)(ju)式多采用(yong)并列式,體(ti)現(xian)語(yu)(yu)言及語(yu)(yu)義(yi)的(de)平衡美。培根(gen)善用(yong)排比(bi)和比(bi)喻,深入(ru)淺出地說(shuo)明(ming)道理。文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中格(ge)言警句(ju)(ju)(ju)層出不窮,除連結句(ju)(ju)(ju)外,幾乎句(ju)(ju)(ju)句(ju)(ju)(ju)是警句(ju)(ju)(ju),言簡意賅,很有說(shuo)服力。這些論說(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)的(de)特色在(zai)原(yuan)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中體(ti)現(xian)得非常明(ming)顯,堪稱(cheng)論說(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)的(de)典范。
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;裝飾物。
②disposition:n.處(chu)置。
③marshalling:n.處理。
④sloth:n.懶惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪(jian);剪(jian)枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁斥,駁倒。
⑦flashy things:索然無味的(de)東西。
⑧conference:n.談(tan)話,會(hui)談(tan)。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯(bian)論。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉丁文,學問塑造氣質(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善于區分細(xi)節的人(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方(fang)。
論讀書
讀(du)書(shu)(shu)足以(yi)怡(yi)情(qing),足以(yi)博(bo)才(cai),足以(yi)長(chang)才(cai)。其(qi)(qi)怡(yi)情(qing)也,最(zui)見于(yu)獨處(chu)幽居之(zhi)時(shi)(shi);其(qi)(qi)博(bo)才(cai)也,最(zui)見于(yu)高談闊(kuo)論之(zhi)中(zhong);其(qi)(qi)長(chang)才(cai)也,最(zui)見于(yu)處(chu)世(shi)判事(shi)之(zhi)際。練達之(zhi)士(shi)雖(sui)能分別處(chu)理細事(shi)或一一判別枝節,然(ran)縱觀統籌、全(quan)局策劃,則(ze)(ze)舍好學(xue)深(shen)思者(zhe)(zhe)莫(mo)屬。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)費時(shi)(shi)過多易惰,文采藻飾太盛則(ze)(ze)矯,全(quan)憑條文斷事(shi)乃學(xue)究故態。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)補天(tian)然(ran)之(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)足,經(jing)驗又補讀(du)書(shu)(shu)之(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)足,蓋(gai)天(tian)生才(cai)干猶如自(zi)然(ran)花草,讀(du)書(shu)(shu)然(ran)后知如何修剪移接;而(er)(er)書(shu)(shu)中(zhong)所示,如不(bu)(bu)(bu)以(yi)經(jing)驗范之(zhi),則(ze)(ze)又大(da)而(er)(er)無(wu)當。有(you)一技之(zhi)長(chang)者(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀(du)書(shu)(shu),無(wu)知者(zhe)(zhe)羨讀(du)書(shu)(shu),唯(wei)明智(zhi)之(zhi)士(shi)用讀(du)書(shu)(shu),然(ran)書(shu)(shu)并不(bu)(bu)(bu)以(yi)用處(chu)告人,用書(shu)(shu)之(zhi)智(zhi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)在(zai)(zai)書(shu)(shu)中(zhong),而(er)(er)在(zai)(zai)書(shu)(shu)外,全(quan)憑觀察得之(zhi)。讀(du)書(shu)(shu)時(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)存心詰(jie)難(nan)作者(zhe)(zhe),不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)盡信書(shu)(shu)上所言,亦不(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)只為尋章摘句,而(er)(er)應推敲細思。書(shu)(shu)有(you)可(ke)淺嘗(chang)者(zhe)(zhe),有(you)可(ke)吞食者(zhe)(zhe),少數則(ze)(ze)須(xu)咀嚼消化。換言之(zhi),有(you)只須(xu)讀(du)其(qi)(qi)部分者(zhe)(zhe),有(you)只須(xu)大(da)體涉獵(lie)者(zhe)(zhe),少數則(ze)(ze)須(xu)全(quan)讀(du),讀(du)時(shi)(shi)須(xu)全(quan)神貫注,孜(zi)孜(zi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)倦(juan)。書(shu)(shu)亦可(ke)請人代讀(du),取其(qi)(qi)所作摘要,但只限題材(cai)較次或價值不(bu)(bu)(bu)高者(zhe)(zhe),否(fou)則(ze)(ze)書(shu)(shu)經(jing)提煉猶如水經(jing)蒸餾、淡而(er)(er)無(wu)味矣(yi)。
讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)充實,討論(lun)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)機智(zhi),筆(bi)記(ji)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)準(zhun)確。因此(ci)不(bu)(bu)常作筆(bi)記(ji)者(zhe)(zhe)須記(ji)憶(yi)特強,不(bu)(bu)常討論(lun)者(zhe)(zhe)須天生聰(cong)穎,不(bu)(bu)常讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)者(zhe)(zhe)須欺世有(you)(you)(you)術,始能(neng)無知而(er)顯有(you)(you)(you)知。讀(du)(du)(du)史使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)明智(zhi),讀(du)(du)(du)詩使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)靈秀,數學(xue)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)周密,科學(xue)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)深刻(ke),倫(lun)理學(xue)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)莊(zhuang)重,邏輯修辭(ci)之(zhi)學(xue)使人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)善辯:凡有(you)(you)(you)所學(xue),皆(jie)成性格。人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren)之(zhi)才(cai)智(zhi)但有(you)(you)(you)滯礙,無不(bu)(bu)可讀(du)(du)(du)適當之(zhi)書(shu)使之(zhi)順暢,一(yi)如(ru)身體百病,皆(jie)可借相宜之(zhi)運動除之(zhi)。滾球(qiu)利(li)(li)睪腎,射箭利(li)(li)胸肺,慢步利(li)(li)腸胃,騎術利(li)(li)頭腦,諸如(ru)此(ci)類(lei)。如(ru)智(zhi)力不(bu)(bu)集中,可令(ling)讀(du)(du)(du)數學(xue),蓋演(yan)題須全神貫注,稍有(you)(you)(you)分散即須重演(yan);如(ru)不(bu)(bu)能(neng)辨異,可令(ling)讀(du)(du)(du)經院哲學(xue),蓋是輩皆(jie)吹毛求疵(ci)之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)(ren);如(ru)不(bu)(bu)善求同,不(bu)(bu)善以一(yi)物闡證(zheng)另一(yi)物,可令(ling)讀(du)(du)(du)律師之(zhi)案卷。如(ru)此(ci)頭腦中凡有(you)(you)(you)缺陷,皆(jie)有(you)(you)(you)特藥可醫。
(王佐良譯)
文(wen)(wen)藝復興時期,人文(wen)(wen)主義者(zhe)關心(xin)人本身,把完美的(de)(de)人作(zuo)(zuo)為自己的(de)(de)理想。為救治與(yu)教化(hua)有(you)弱點與(yu)弊(bi)病的(de)(de)凡人,當時的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章(zhang)常(chang)帶(dai)有(you)教誨(hui)目的(de)(de)。《論讀(du)書(shu)》就是在這樣的(de)(de)歷史背景下創(chuang)作(zuo)(zuo)的(de)(de),是《培根隨筆》中(zhong)的(de)(de)一篇重要的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章(zhang),發表于1653年(nian)。
弗朗西斯·培根(Francis Bacon,1561年1月(yue)(yue)(yue)22日—1626年4月(yue)(yue)(yue)9日),第一(yi)(yi)(yi)代(dai)圣阿(a)爾本子爵(1st Viscount St Alban),英國(guo)(guo)文(wen)藝復興(xing)時期散文(wen)家(jia)(jia)、哲(zhe)學(xue)家(jia)(jia)。英國(guo)(guo)唯物主義哲(zhe)學(xue)家(jia)(jia),實驗科學(xue)的(de)(de)創(chuang)始(shi)人(ren)(ren),是(shi)(shi)近代(dai)歸納法(fa)的(de)(de)創(chuang)始(shi)人(ren)(ren),又是(shi)(shi)給科學(xue)研究程(cheng)序進(jin)行邏輯組(zu)織(zhi)化(hua)的(de)(de)先(xian)驅(qu)。培根12歲入劍橋大學(xue),后擔任女王特別法(fa)律顧問(wen)以(yi)及朝廷(ting)的(de)(de)首席檢察官、掌璽(xi)大臣等。晚年,受(shou)宮廷(ting)陰(yin)謀逐出(chu)宮廷(ting),脫離政(zheng)治生(sheng)涯,專心從(cong)事學(xue)術研究和著(zhu)述活動,寫成(cheng)了一(yi)(yi)(yi)批在(zai)近代(dai)文(wen)學(xue)思想史上具有重大影響的(de)(de)著(zhu)作,其(qi)中(zhong)最重要的(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)(yi)部是(shi)(shi)《偉大的(de)(de)復興(xing)新(xin)工具論(lun)》。另外,他以(yi)哲(zhe)學(xue)家(jia)(jia)的(de)(de)眼光,思考了廣泛的(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)生(sheng)問(wen)題,寫出(chu)了許(xu)多形式短小、風格活潑(po)的(de)(de)隨(sui)筆小品,集成(cheng)《培根隨(sui)筆》。1626年3月(yue)(yue)(yue)底,培根由于(yu)身體孱弱,在(zai)實驗中(zhong)遭受(shou)風寒,支氣管炎復發,病情惡化(hua)。1626年4月(yue)(yue)(yue)9日清(qing)晨(chen)病逝。主要著(zhu)作有《新(xin)工具》《論(lun)科學(xue)的(de)(de)增進(jin)》以(yi)及《學(xue)術的(de)(de)偉大復興(xing)》等。
《論讀書》這篇隨筆,文(wen)字干凈利落,多(duo)用古語(yu)詞(archaism)和大詞(big words),語(yu)言顯得莊重(zhong)(zhong)、典雅,給人以厚重(zhong)(zhong)、正式的(de)感覺。詞的(de)運(yun)用幾乎未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙(qian)遜、客氣、模(mo)棱兩可(ke)的(de)詞。
文中用(yong)到的(de)文言(yan)詞有:marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些詞的(de)使(shi)用(yong)就像古(gu)漢語中“之”、“乎”、“者”、“也”詞匯(hui)的(de)使(shi)用(yong)一樣,給人(ren)一種古(gu)老、厚重(zhong)的(de)感覺。
文(wen)中(zhong)還用到一些現代英語(yu)(yu)(yu)詞的(de)古用法(fa)形式。其中(zhong)很多(duo)詞今天(tian)已經不再具備它原有的(de)語(yu)(yu)(yu)法(fa)和(he)語(yu)(yu)(yu)義功能。它們和(he)中(zhong)國(guo)的(de)文(wen)言(yan)(yan)文(wen)一樣(yang)具有特(te)定歷史時期(qi)的(de)語(yu)(yu)(yu)言(yan)(yan)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(huan)有兩處(chu)使用了(le)拉丁(ding)語,這是作者的(de)偏好,認為(wei)拉丁(ding)語能流傳長(chang)久,能給文章(zhang)增(zeng)添(tian)古(gu)(gu)色(se)古(gu)(gu)香的(de)味(wei)道(dao)。“Abeunt studia in mores”一(yi)句,培(pei)根在Advancement of Leaning 一(yi)文中(zhong)的(de)解釋為(wei):“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意為(wei):“專心學問者,性格(ge)也受(shou)陶冶(ye)。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即“過分講究細節的(de)人”。
文中還用(yong)到(dao)一些(xie)大(da)詞,例如:ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等(deng)等(deng)。這些(xie)詞給人一種高雅、莊(zhuang)嚴(yan)(yan)的(de)色(se)彩感覺,適于(yu)嚴(yan)(yan)肅、正(zheng)式的(de)場合。
并列句
《論讀(du)書(shu)》這(zhe)篇文(wen)章(zhang)句(ju)式單(dan)一,19個句(ju)子就有12個句(ju)子采用了并列結構,體現了語言的(de)平衡美。這(zhe)樣(yang)的(de)文(wen)章(zhang)樸(pu)實(shi)大方,讀(du)起來毫無矯(jiao)揉造(zao)作(zuo)(zuo)之(zhi)感。盡管如(ru)此,作(zuo)(zuo)者還是十分(fen)注(zhu)意長、短句(ju)的(de)交替使用,以避免整齊(qi)劃一的(de)句(ju)式顯得(de)單(dan)調乏味(wei),從而使行文(wen)更富節奏感。例(li)如(ru):
Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to content.
這(zhe)是由分號連結起來的(de)一(yi)(yi)個并(bing)列(lie)句(ju)。第一(yi)(yi)個分號之后各句(ju)承前省略了make men。這(zhe)樣的(de)句(ju)子排列(lie)整齊,表意鮮明。并(bing)列(lie)的(de)部分都(dou)省略前面相(xiang)同的(de)成(cheng)(cheng)分,重點(dian)突(tu)出,使(shi)讀(du)者一(yi)(yi)目(mu)了然,給人以(yi)清晰(xi)明快的(de)感覺。而且平衡的(de)句(ju)式形(xing)成(cheng)(cheng)排比風(feng)格,猶如(ru)排山倒海之勢,頗具(ju)說服力。
“關于make的用法(fa)(fa),培(pei)根在此篇文章(zhang)中采用兩(liang)種(zhong)用法(fa)(fa),一(yi)是帶賓補的用法(fa)(fa),即這一(yi)句中:histories make men wise;另一(yi)種(zhong)是帶賓語(yu)的用法(fa)(fa),如:reading maketh a full man,作者用make和maketh加以區別make所帶的不同(tong)結構(gou)。”
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(yi)(yi)(yi)并列句(ju)(ju)不(bu)同于上(shang)一(yi)(yi)(yi)句(ju)(ju),這(zhe)句(ju)(ju)中(zhong)的(de)(de)并列關系(xi)是(shi)(shi)由連(lian)(lian)詞and,but連(lian)(lian)接(jie)起來的(de)(de)。每一(yi)(yi)(yi)個分(fen)(fen)句(ju)(ju)不(bu)如上(shang)句(ju)(ju)那么短(duan)(duan)促、明快,而(er)是(shi)(shi)多一(yi)(yi)(yi)些(xie)推理和(he)(he)描述(shu)性的(de)(de)語(yu)言,這(zhe)主要是(shi)(shi)因為此句(ju)(ju)中(zhong)作者旨在(zai)(zai)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)讀書給(gei)(gei)人(ren)的(de)(de)益(yi)處(chu),分(fen)(fen)析(xi)那些(xie)有經驗的(de)(de)“練(lian)達之士雖然能處(chu)理細事,一(yi)(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)判別枝節,然縱(zong)觀統籌,全(quan)局策劃,則非好學深思多讀書之人(ren)莫屬”(王佐(zuo)良譯(yi))。這(zhe)是(shi)(shi)短(duan)(duan)句(ju)(ju)和(he)(he)長句(ju)(ju)給(gei)(gei)人(ren)的(de)(de)不(bu)同感覺(jue)。短(duan)(duan)句(ju)(ju),短(duan)(duan)小利落(luo),給(gei)(gei)人(ren)以(yi)(yi)確信(xin)、勿庸置疑(yi)的(de)(de)味道,多使人(ren)受教;而(er)長句(ju)(ju),尤(you)其由連(lian)(lian)詞連(lian)(lian)接(jie)的(de)(de)長句(ju)(ju),語(yu)氣連(lian)(lian)貫、舒(shu)緩(huan),善于推理、論述(shu),在(zai)(zai)陳述(shu)和(he)(he)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)中(zhong)給(gei)(gei)人(ren)以(yi)(yi)啟迪和(he)(he)思考的(de)(de)空間(jian)。
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.
這一句省略了表語 is,全句結(jie)構緊湊、表意突出,具有言(yan)簡(jian)意賅的(de)強烈(lie)效(xiao)果。三個否定詞(ci)not,nor,nor的(de)使用(yong)把“讀書不(bu)是為了要(yao)辯駁,不(bu)是要(yao)盲目(mu)信從,不(bu)是要(yao)尋找談資(zi)”排列(lie)得緊湊整齊,強烈(lie)地表達了作者否定的(de)語氣(qi)和不(bu)贊成(cheng)的(de)態(tai)度(du)。最(zui)后以一個轉(zhuan)折詞(ci)but連(lian)接收尾,簡(jian)潔有力,語氣(qi)上由否定轉(zhuan)向肯定,給(gei)人(ren)一種義正(zheng)詞(ci)嚴、豁然開朗(lang)的(de)感受。由“不(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)”轉(zhuan)為“而要(yao)權衡(heng)和思考”,給(gei)人(ren)留下(xia)深刻的(de)印(yin)象,很有說服力。
復合句
復合句(ju)(ju)(ju)的使用有并列句(ju)(ju)(ju)所不及的文體功能,即善于表現事(shi)物(wu)間(jian)的種種復雜關系,“在復合句(ju)(ju)(ju)中,主句(ju)(ju)(ju)結構獨立,從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)依附于主句(ju)(ju)(ju);從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)所表達的概念(nian)是對主句(ju)(ju)(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)主(zhu)句(ju)后(hou)帶有(you)一(yi)個由(you)連詞for引導(dao)的(de)原因狀(zhuang)(zhuang)語從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju),從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)中(zhong)有(you)主(zhu)句(ju)、由(you)that引導(dao)的(de)定(ding)語從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)和(he)由(you)except引導(dao)的(de)條(tiao)(tiao)件從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)。原因狀(zhuang)(zhuang)語從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)用來解釋讀書(shu)和(he)經(jing)驗的(de)互補關系(xi);定(ding)語從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)是(shi)補充說(shuo)明“天生(sheng)的(de)才干猶如天然(ran)花木,須靠讀書(shu)修剪枝葉”。條(tiao)(tiao)件從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)是(shi)用來限制“讀書(shu)如不(bu)以(yi)經(jing)驗范之,則又(you)大而(er)無當”(王佐良譯)。語義(yi)雖然(ran)冗繁復雜,但使用不(bu)同從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)的(de)關系(xi)連詞來引導(dao),則又(you)顯得條(tiao)(tiao)理十分清楚。這是(shi)并列句(ju)乃(nai)至其他句(ju)式所不(bu)能(neng)比(bi)擬的(de)文體功(gong)能(neng)優勢。
排比
排比就是把結(jie)構(gou)相(xiang)同、意氣(qi)并重、語(yu)氣(qi)一致(zhi)的詞組或句子排列成串,形(xing)成一個(ge)整體。《論讀書》中這樣的結(jie)構(gou)隨處可見,而且作者運用得當,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.
三個同(tong)樣的不定式(shi)結(jie)構(gou)(gou)語氣一致(zhi),分析褥淋漓盡(jin)致(zhi)、準確生動。這種排比結(jie)構(gou)(gou)用(yong)來說(shuo)明和(he)定論,不僅結(jie)構(gou)(gou)嚴謹整齊,而且文章(zhang)的節奏也(ye)勻稱悅耳,大大提(ti)高(gao)了語言(yan)的表(biao)現力。
優美(mei)的(de)散(san)文(wen)之所以(yi)能給人們的(de)聽(ting)覺帶來美(mei)的(de)享受,在(zai)很大程度(du)上應(ying)歸(gui)功于其優美(mei)的(de)節(jie)奏。散(san)文(wen)的(de)節(jie)奏雖不(bu)像詩的(de)節(jie)奏那樣有(you)固定的(de)模式和規律,但作家(jia)總是注(zhu)意選擇(ze)某種節(jie)奏,使節(jie)奏成(cheng)為烘托語義的(de)一種表達手段(duan);而文(wen)學(xue)批評家(jia)則總是把節(jie)奏看作“文(wen)體風格的(de)組成(cheng)部分(fen)(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在(zai)《The Criticism ofProse》一書中(zhong)指(zhi)出:早期(qi)英語散(san)文(wen)的(de)節(jie)奏多是靠排比結(jie)構予以(yi)實現的(de)。在(zai)《論(lun)讀書》這(zhe)篇(pian)散(san)文(wen)中(zhong),培根就十分(fen)注(zhu)重使用排比結(jie)構來實現節(jie)奏美(mei),還注(zhu)意交替使用并(bing)列句和復合句來體現節(jie)奏感。例如:
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
比喻
培根善用(yong)形(xing)象(xiang)的(de)比(bi)喻深入(ru)淺出地說明一(yi)個道理,因(yin)而(er)文中充滿(man)了諸如taste, swallow, chew, digest等比(bi)喻。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是(shi)說天生的(de)才(cai)干(gan)需要(yao)知識來磨練就像草木需要(yao)修枝剪葉(xie)一(yi)樣;“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是(shi)說讀書(shu)猶(you)如吃食物,“有(you)的(de)書(shu)淺嘗即可,有(you)的(de)書(shu)可以狼(lang)吞(tun)虎(hu)咽,少數則須咀嚼(jiao)消化(hua)”(王楫 譯)。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這一(yi)句是(shi)說“書(shu)經提煉猶(you)如水經蒸餾,淡而(er)無味矣(yi)”(王佐良譯)。這些深刻的(de)讀書(shu)之道,若不是(shi)用(yong)這么形(xing)象(xiang)的(de)比(bi)喻,很難達到(dao)這么通俗易懂的(de)效果,形(xing)象(xiang)的(de)比(bi)喻用(yong)得恰到(dao)好(hao)處,令人信(xin)服。
《論讀(du)書》全文(wen)沒有分段,一氣呵成。文(wen)中(zhong)短(duan)句多,并列句多,標(biao)點多。像培根這(zhe)樣的(de)文(wen)風在(zai)當(dang)時被稱為(wei)“松散、自由的(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文(wen)中(zhong)不大使用(yong)復合結構,并列句中(zhong)各個(ge)意思都處于平等的(de)地位,一個(ge)接一個(ge)說下去,逐步(bu)深入。因此,并列連詞(and, but, for, nor 等)遠(yuan)遠(yuan)多于主從連詞(as, smce, because等)。“這(zhe)類文(wen)章,雖則是松散自由的(de),它(ta)還是很(hen)講究修辭”,排(pai)比(bi)和(he)比(bi)喻隨處可見。
全(quan)篇文章(zhang)旨在強調讀書(shu)的(de)(de)功效,作者相(xiang)信(xin)人(ren)們頭(tou)腦中一切病端都有辦法救(jiu)治,而讀書(shu)就是一劑萬能的(de)(de)良藥。這種對人(ren)的(de)(de)自我完善的(de)(de)渴求及確信(xin)必達目的(de)(de)之抱負,反映了(le)文藝復興時代崇(chong)尚理(li)性、相(xiang)信(xin)人(ren)的(de)(de)力量和人(ren)具有無限潛(qian)力的(de)(de)“人(ren)文主(zhu)義(yi)精神”。
為反(fan)映作(zuo)者的冷靜(jing)、理性和自信的態度,文(wen)(wen)章也(ye)采用簡(jian)潔這(zhe)一風格。“簡(jian)潔就(jiu)是(shi)言簡(jian)意賅。文(wen)(wen)章沒有多(duo)余的詞,沒有多(duo)余的句,但內容又(you)很豐富,含(han)義(yi)也(ye)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...
這個句子寫得干凈利落,讓人聽來仿佛覺得作者在述說一條千真(zhen)萬確的真(zhen)理,語氣肯(ken)定,絲毫未表現(xian)謙(qian)遜、遲疑和含(han)混的語氣。
天文(wen)(wen)學(xue)家(jia)、科普作(zuo)家(jia)卞毓(yu)麟(lin)《恬(tian)淡悠閱——卞毓(yu)麟(lin)書事(shi)選(xuan)錄》:“英國思想家(jia)、哲學(xue)家(jia)、實驗科學(xue)的先驅者弗朗西斯·培根(gen)的一篇Of Studies,400年來引得(de)世上多少讀者競折腰。數十年前(qian)讀王(wang)佐良先生(sheng)的譯文(wen)(wen)(篇名譯為《談讀書》),唯覺詞(ci)清句麗,妙不可言。……”
上海師(shi)范(fan)大學人文與傳播(bo)學院教授劉文榮《經典(dian)作家談書(shu)與讀書(shu)》:“全(quan)文不足兩千(qian)字,卻(que)將讀書(shu)之(zhi)功用、讀書(shu)之(zhi)方法及讀書(shu)與性格之(zhi)關系一一道來(lai),且句句有(you)理,實為言(yan)簡意賅之(zhi)典(dian)范(fan)。”
天津外國語大學教授馬鐘元(yuan)《每天讀點(dian)英文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)英美文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)化常識全集(ji) 超(chao)值白(bai)金版》:“《論(lun)讀書(shu)》是(shi)弗朗西斯(si)·培根的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)《散文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)》中的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)篇,其文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)風以(yi)(yi)簡潔、緊湊和有力而著稱。其中,《論(lun)讀書(shu)》是(shi)最膾炙人口(kou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)篇。在文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中,培根分析了讀書(shu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)主要目(mu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)、讀書(shu)所(suo)應采用的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)不(bu)同方(fang)式以(yi)(yi)及(ji)讀書(shu)對人的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)性格的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)影響(xiang)。文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)章(zhang)最精彩(cai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)地方(fang)不(bu)僅在于其論(lun)據(ju)具有說服力,而且在于遣詞(ci)造句(ju)、句(ju)型和結構的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)優美。……總之,本(ben)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中運用了許多寫作技(ji)巧。整體(ti)行文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)語句(ju)優美,用詞(ci)準確,令人信服。《論(lun)讀書(shu)》是(shi)一(yi)篇優美散文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中的(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)(de)典范,值得(de)仔(zi)細咀(ju)嚼。”