《論讀書》是文(wen)(wen)(wen)藝復興時期(qi)英國(guo)哲(zhe)學家、散文(wen)(wen)(wen)家弗朗(lang)西斯·培根(gen)創(chuang)作的一篇(pian)論說(shuo)(shuo)散文(wen)(wen)(wen)。全文(wen)(wen)(wen)雖短卻字字珠璣(ji)。這篇(pian)文(wen)(wen)(wen)章不僅在用(yong)詞方面多(duo)采用(yong)莊重(zhong)典(dian)雅(ya)的古語詞、大詞,著重(zhong)體(ti)現作者的冷(leng)靜(jing)、理(li)性,語言(yan)富有卓見(jian),蘊(yun)含哲(zhe)理(li),而(er)且句(ju)(ju)子富有節奏感(gan),讀來朗(lang)朗(lang)上口。句(ju)(ju)式多(duo)采用(yong)并列式,體(ti)現語言(yan)及語義的平衡(heng)美。培根(gen)善用(yong)排比和比喻(yu),深入淺(qian)出(chu)地說(shuo)(shuo)明(ming)道理(li)。文(wen)(wen)(wen)中格言(yan)警句(ju)(ju)層出(chu)不窮,除連結句(ju)(ju)外(wai),幾乎(hu)句(ju)(ju)句(ju)(ju)是警句(ju)(ju),言(yan)簡意(yi)賅,很有說(shuo)(shuo)服力。這些論說(shuo)(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)的特色在原文(wen)(wen)(wen)中體(ti)現得非常明(ming)顯,堪(kan)稱論說(shuo)(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)的典(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;裝飾物。
②disposition:n.處置。
③marshalling:n.處理(li)。
④sloth:n.懶惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪;剪枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁斥,駁倒(dao)。
⑦flashy things:索然無味的東西。
⑧conference:n.談(tan)話(hua),會談(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(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方(fang)。
論讀書
讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)足(zu)以(yi)怡情,足(zu)以(yi)博才,足(zu)以(yi)長(chang)才。其(qi)(qi)怡情也(ye),最(zui)見于獨處幽居(ju)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時(shi);其(qi)(qi)博才也(ye),最(zui)見于高談闊論之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)中;其(qi)(qi)長(chang)才也(ye),最(zui)見于處世判事之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)際。練達之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士雖能分別處理細(xi)事或(huo)一(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)判別枝(zhi)節,然(ran)縱觀(guan)統籌、全(quan)局(ju)策劃,則(ze)舍(she)好學(xue)深思者(zhe)莫屬(shu)。讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)費(fei)時(shi)過(guo)多易惰,文(wen)采藻飾(shi)太盛則(ze)矯,全(quan)憑(ping)條文(wen)斷(duan)事乃學(xue)究(jiu)故(gu)態。讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)補天(tian)然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不足(zu),經(jing)驗又(you)補讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)不足(zu),蓋天(tian)生(sheng)才干(gan)猶(you)如(ru)(ru)自然(ran)花草(cao),讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)然(ran)后知如(ru)(ru)何修剪移接(jie);而(er)(er)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)中所示,如(ru)(ru)不以(yi)經(jing)驗范之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),則(ze)又(you)大(da)而(er)(er)無(wu)當。有(you)一(yi)(yi)技之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)長(chang)者(zhe)鄙讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),無(wu)知者(zhe)羨讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),唯明智之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)士用(yong)讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),然(ran)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)并不以(yi)用(yong)處告人,用(yong)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)智不在(zai)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)中,而(er)(er)在(zai)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)外,全(quan)憑(ping)觀(guan)察(cha)得之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。讀書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)時(shi)不可(ke)存心詰難(nan)作(zuo)(zuo)者(zhe),不可(ke)盡(jin)信書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)上(shang)所言(yan),亦不可(ke)只(zhi)為尋(xun)章摘句,而(er)(er)應(ying)推敲細(xi)思。書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)有(you)可(ke)淺嘗者(zhe),有(you)可(ke)吞(tun)食者(zhe),少數則(ze)須(xu)咀嚼消化。換言(yan)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),有(you)只(zhi)須(xu)讀其(qi)(qi)部分者(zhe),有(you)只(zhi)須(xu)大(da)體(ti)涉獵者(zhe),少數則(ze)須(xu)全(quan)讀,讀時(shi)須(xu)全(quan)神貫(guan)注,孜孜不倦。書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)亦可(ke)請人代讀,取其(qi)(qi)所作(zuo)(zuo)摘要(yao),但只(zhi)限題材較次或(huo)價值不高者(zhe),否則(ze)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)經(jing)提煉(lian)猶(you)如(ru)(ru)水(shui)經(jing)蒸餾、淡(dan)而(er)(er)無(wu)味(wei)矣(yi)。
讀(du)(du)書使(shi)人(ren)(ren)充實(shi),討論使(shi)人(ren)(ren)機智,筆記(ji)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)準確(que)。因此不(bu)(bu)常作筆記(ji)者須記(ji)憶(yi)特強,不(bu)(bu)常討論者須天(tian)生聰穎,不(bu)(bu)常讀(du)(du)書者須欺世有(you)(you)(you)術(shu),始能無知而顯有(you)(you)(you)知。讀(du)(du)史使(shi)人(ren)(ren)明智,讀(du)(du)詩使(shi)人(ren)(ren)靈秀,數學(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)周密,科學(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)深刻,倫理學(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)莊(zhuang)重,邏(luo)輯(ji)修辭(ci)之(zhi)學(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)善辯:凡(fan)有(you)(you)(you)所學(xue)(xue)(xue),皆(jie)成性格。人(ren)(ren)之(zhi)才智但有(you)(you)(you)滯礙,無不(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)讀(du)(du)適當之(zhi)書使(shi)之(zhi)順暢,一如(ru)(ru)身體百病,皆(jie)可(ke)(ke)借(jie)相宜之(zhi)運(yun)動除之(zhi)。滾球利睪腎,射(she)箭利胸肺,慢步利腸胃,騎(qi)術(shu)利頭腦,諸如(ru)(ru)此類。如(ru)(ru)智力不(bu)(bu)集中,可(ke)(ke)令讀(du)(du)數學(xue)(xue)(xue),蓋演題須全神貫(guan)注,稍(shao)有(you)(you)(you)分散(san)即須重演;如(ru)(ru)不(bu)(bu)能辨異,可(ke)(ke)令讀(du)(du)經院哲學(xue)(xue)(xue),蓋是輩皆(jie)吹毛(mao)求疵之(zhi)人(ren)(ren);如(ru)(ru)不(bu)(bu)善求同,不(bu)(bu)善以一物闡證另一物,可(ke)(ke)令讀(du)(du)律師(shi)之(zhi)案卷(juan)。如(ru)(ru)此頭腦中凡(fan)有(you)(you)(you)缺陷,皆(jie)有(you)(you)(you)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(zhe)關心人本身,把完美的人作(zuo)為自己的理想。為救(jiu)治與(yu)教化有(you)弱點與(yu)弊(bi)病的凡人,當時的文(wen)(wen)章常帶(dai)有(you)教誨目的。《論讀(du)書(shu)》就是(shi)在(zai)這(zhe)樣的歷(li)史背(bei)景下創作(zuo)的,是(shi)《培根隨筆》中的一篇重要的文(wen)(wen)章,發表于1653年(nian)。
弗朗西(xi)斯(si)·培(pei)根(gen)(Francis Bacon,1561年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)1月22日(ri)(ri)—1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)4月9日(ri)(ri)),第(di)一代圣阿爾本子爵(1st Viscount St Alban),英國文(wen)藝復(fu)(fu)興時期散文(wen)家(jia)、哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)家(jia)。英國唯物主義(yi)哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)家(jia),實驗科學(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)創(chuang)始人,是近代歸納法(fa)的(de)(de)(de)創(chuang)始人,又是給科學(xue)(xue)(xue)研究程序(xu)進行邏輯組(zu)織化(hua)的(de)(de)(de)先驅。培(pei)根(gen)12歲入劍橋大(da)學(xue)(xue)(xue),后擔任女王特別法(fa)律顧問以及(ji)朝廷(ting)的(de)(de)(de)首席檢察官、掌璽大(da)臣等。晚(wan)年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian),受(shou)(shou)宮(gong)廷(ting)陰謀逐出宮(gong)廷(ting),脫離政治生(sheng)涯,專心從事學(xue)(xue)(xue)術研究和著述活動,寫(xie)成了(le)一批在近代文(wen)學(xue)(xue)(xue)思想史上(shang)具(ju)(ju)有重(zhong)大(da)影(ying)響(xiang)的(de)(de)(de)著作(zuo),其中(zhong)最(zui)重(zhong)要(yao)的(de)(de)(de)一部是《偉大(da)的(de)(de)(de)復(fu)(fu)興新工(gong)具(ju)(ju)論》。另(ling)外,他以哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)家(jia)的(de)(de)(de)眼光,思考了(le)廣泛的(de)(de)(de)人生(sheng)問題,寫(xie)出了(le)許多形式短小(xiao)、風格(ge)活潑的(de)(de)(de)隨筆小(xiao)品,集成《培(pei)根(gen)隨筆》。1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)3月底,培(pei)根(gen)由(you)于身體孱(chan)弱,在實驗中(zhong)遭(zao)受(shou)(shou)風寒,支氣管炎(yan)復(fu)(fu)發,病情惡(e)化(hua)。1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)(nian)4月9日(ri)(ri)清晨病逝(shi)。主要(yao)著作(zuo)有《新工(gong)具(ju)(ju)》《論科學(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)增進》以及(ji)《學(xue)(xue)(xue)術的(de)(de)(de)偉大(da)復(fu)(fu)興》等。
《論讀書》這篇隨筆,文字干凈利(li)落,多用古語詞(ci)(ci)(archaism)和大詞(ci)(ci)(big words),語言顯得莊重(zhong)、典(dian)雅,給(gei)人以厚重(zhong)、正式的(de)(de)感覺。詞(ci)(ci)的(de)(de)運用幾乎未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙(qian)遜、客氣、模棱兩(liang)可的(de)(de)詞(ci)(ci)。
文中用到的文言(yan)詞(ci)有:marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些(xie)詞(ci)的使用就像(xiang)古(gu)漢語中“之”、“乎”、“者(zhe)”、“也”詞(ci)匯的使用一(yi)樣,給人一(yi)種古(gu)老、厚重的感(gan)覺(jue)。
文(wen)中(zhong)(zhong)還用到一些現(xian)代(dai)英語(yu)詞的古用法形(xing)式。其中(zhong)(zhong)很多詞今天已經不(bu)再具備它(ta)原有的語(yu)法和(he)語(yu)義功能(neng)。它(ta)們和(he)中(zhong)(zhong)國的文(wen)言(yan)文(wen)一樣(yang)具有特(te)定歷史時期的語(yu)言(yan)色彩。例如(ru):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。
文中還(huan)有兩處(chu)使用(yong)了拉(la)丁語(yu)(yu),這(zhe)是作者的(de)偏好,認為(wei)拉(la)丁語(yu)(yu)能流傳長久,能給文章增添古色(se)古香的(de)味(wei)道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一句(ju),培根在Advancement of Leaning 一文中的(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(xing)格也受陶冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即“過分(fen)講(jiang)究細節的(de)人”。
文中還用到一些大(da)詞(ci),例如(ru):ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等(deng)等(deng)。這些詞(ci)給人(ren)一種高雅(ya)、莊嚴的色彩感(gan)覺,適(shi)于嚴肅、正(zheng)式(shi)的場合。
并列句
《論讀書》這篇文章(zhang)(zhang)句(ju)式單一,19個句(ju)子(zi)就有12個句(ju)子(zi)采用了并列結構,體現了語言的平衡(heng)美。這樣的文章(zhang)(zhang)樸實大(da)方,讀起來毫無(wu)矯(jiao)揉造作(zuo)之感。盡管如(ru)此,作(zuo)者還是十分(fen)注(zhu)意長、短句(ju)的交替使(shi)用,以避免整齊劃一的句(ju)式顯得單調乏味,從而使(shi)行文更富節奏(zou)感。例如(ru):
Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to content.
這是由(you)分(fen)號(hao)連結起來(lai)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)個(ge)并(bing)(bing)列(lie)句。第一(yi)個(ge)分(fen)號(hao)之后各句承(cheng)前省略(lve)了make men。這樣的(de)(de)(de)句子排列(lie)整(zheng)齊,表意鮮明(ming)。并(bing)(bing)列(lie)的(de)(de)(de)部分(fen)都省略(lve)前面相同的(de)(de)(de)成分(fen),重點突(tu)出,使讀者一(yi)目(mu)了然,給人以清晰(xi)明(ming)快的(de)(de)(de)感覺(jue)。而且平衡的(de)(de)(de)句式(shi)形成排比風格,猶如排山倒海(hai)之勢(shi),頗具說服(fu)力。
“關于(yu)make的(de)(de)用(yong)(yong)法,培根(gen)在此(ci)篇(pian)文(wen)章中采用(yong)(yong)兩種用(yong)(yong)法,一(yi)(yi)是帶賓補的(de)(de)用(yong)(yong)法,即這(zhe)一(yi)(yi)句中:histories make men wise;另一(yi)(yi)種是帶賓語(yu)的(de)(de)用(yong)(yong)法,如(ru):reading maketh a full man,作者用(yong)(yong)make和maketh加以(yi)區(qu)別make所帶的(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.
這一(yi)并列(lie)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同于(yu)上(shang)一(yi)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),這句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)(de)并列(lie)關系是(shi)(shi)由連(lian)詞and,but連(lian)接起(qi)來(lai)的(de)(de)。每一(yi)個分(fen)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)(bu)(bu)如(ru)上(shang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)那么短(duan)(duan)促、明快(kuai),而是(shi)(shi)多(duo)一(yi)些(xie)推理(li)和(he)描述(shu)性的(de)(de)語言,這主(zhu)要(yao)是(shi)(shi)因為此(ci)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中作者旨在分(fen)析讀書(shu)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)益處,分(fen)析那些(xie)有(you)經驗的(de)(de)“練達之(zhi)士雖然能處理(li)細事,一(yi)一(yi)判(pan)別枝(zhi)節,然縱觀統籌(chou),全(quan)局策(ce)劃,則非好學深思(si)多(duo)讀書(shu)之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)莫屬”(王(wang)佐良譯)。這是(shi)(shi)短(duan)(duan)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和(he)長(chang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同感(gan)覺(jue)。短(duan)(duan)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),短(duan)(duan)小利落(luo),給(gei)人(ren)(ren)以確信、勿庸置疑的(de)(de)味道,多(duo)使人(ren)(ren)受教(jiao);而長(chang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),尤其(qi)由連(lian)詞連(lian)接的(de)(de)長(chang)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),語氣連(lian)貫、舒緩,善于(yu)推理(li)、論述(shu),在陳述(shu)和(he)分(fen)析中給(gei)人(ren)(ren)以啟迪(di)和(he)思(si)考的(de)(de)空(kong)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(zhe)一句省略了表(biao)語 is,全句結(jie)構緊湊(cou)、表(biao)意突出,具(ju)有(you)言簡(jian)意賅(gai)的(de)強烈效果。三個(ge)否(fou)定(ding)(ding)詞not,nor,nor的(de)使用把“讀(du)書(shu)不是(shi)為(wei)了要辯駁(bo),不是(shi)要盲目信(xin)從,不是(shi)要尋找談資”排列得緊湊(cou)整齊(qi),強烈地表(biao)達了作者否(fou)定(ding)(ding)的(de)語氣和不贊成(cheng)的(de)態度。最后以一個(ge)轉折詞but連接收(shou)尾,簡(jian)潔有(you)力,語氣上由否(fou)定(ding)(ding)轉向肯定(ding)(ding),給人(ren)一種義正詞嚴、豁然開朗的(de)感受。由“不要”、“不要”、“不要”轉為(wei)“而要權衡和思(si)考”,給人(ren)留下深刻的(de)印(yin)象,很有(you)說服力。
復合句
復(fu)合句的(de)使(shi)用有并列句所不及的(de)文體功能(neng),即(ji)善于表現事物間的(de)種種復(fu)雜(za)關系(xi),“在復(fu)合句中,主(zhu)句結構獨立,從(cong)句依附于主(zhu)句;從(cong)句所表達的(de)概(gai)念是(shi)對主(zhu)句意義的(de)補充、解(jie)釋或限(xian)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(yi)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)后帶有(you)一(yi)個(ge)由(you)連詞for引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)原(yuan)因狀(zhuang)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中有(you)主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)、由(you)that引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)定(ding)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和(he)由(you)except引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)條(tiao)(tiao)件(jian)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)。原(yuan)因狀(zhuang)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)用來解(jie)釋讀(du)書(shu)(shu)和(he)經驗(yan)的(de)互補(bu)關(guan)系;定(ding)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是補(bu)充說(shuo)明“天生的(de)才干猶如天然花木(mu),須靠讀(du)書(shu)(shu)修剪枝葉(xie)”。條(tiao)(tiao)件(jian)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是用來限制“讀(du)書(shu)(shu)如不以經驗(yan)范(fan)之(zhi),則(ze)又(you)大而無當(dang)”(王佐良(liang)譯(yi))。語(yu)(yu)義雖然冗繁復(fu)雜,但使用不同(tong)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)的(de)關(guan)系連詞來引(yin)(yin)導(dao),則(ze)又(you)顯得條(tiao)(tiao)理(li)十分清楚(chu)。這(zhe)是并列句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)乃(nai)至其他句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)式所不能比擬的(de)文體功(gong)能優勢(shi)。
排比
排比就是把結構(gou)相同、意氣(qi)并重、語氣(qi)一致的詞組或句子(zi)排列(lie)成串,形成一個整體。《論(lun)讀書》中這樣(yang)的結構(gou)隨處(chu)可見,而(er)且作(zuo)者運用得當(dang),很有(you)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(bu)定式結(jie)構語氣一致,分(fen)析褥淋漓(li)盡(jin)致、準(zhun)確生(sheng)動。這種排比(bi)結(jie)構用來說明和定論,不(bu)僅結(jie)構嚴謹整齊,而且文章的節奏(zou)也勻(yun)稱悅耳,大大提高了語言(yan)的表現力。
優(you)美的(de)散(san)(san)文(wen)(wen)之所以能(neng)給(gei)人們(men)的(de)聽覺帶(dai)來(lai)美的(de)享受,在(zai)(zai)很大程度上應歸功于其優(you)美的(de)節奏(zou)。散(san)(san)文(wen)(wen)的(de)節奏(zou)雖(sui)不像詩的(de)節奏(zou)那樣有(you)固定的(de)模式和規律,但(dan)作家總是注意(yi)(yi)選擇某種節奏(zou),使節奏(zou)成(cheng)為烘托語(yu)(yu)義(yi)的(de)一種表達(da)手(shou)段;而文(wen)(wen)學批評(ping)家則總是把節奏(zou)看作“文(wen)(wen)體風(feng)格(ge)的(de)組成(cheng)部分(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在(zai)(zai)《The Criticism ofProse》一書中指出(chu):早期英語(yu)(yu)散(san)(san)文(wen)(wen)的(de)節奏(zou)多是靠排(pai)比(bi)結構(gou)予以實(shi)現的(de)。在(zai)(zai)《論(lun)讀(du)書》這篇散(san)(san)文(wen)(wen)中,培根(gen)就十分注重使用排(pai)比(bi)結構(gou)來(lai)實(shi)現節奏(zou)美,還(huan)注意(yi)(yi)交替使用并列句(ju)和復合句(ju)來(lai)體現節奏(zou)感。例如(ru):
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
比喻
培根善用形(xing)象的(de)比(bi)喻深入淺出地說明一個(ge)道理,因而文(wen)中充滿了諸如(ru)taste, swallow, chew, digest等(deng)比(bi)喻。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是說天生的(de)才干需要知識來磨練就像草(cao)木需要修枝剪葉一樣(yang);“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是說讀(du)書猶如(ru)吃食物(wu),“有的(de)書淺嘗即可(ke),有的(de)書可(ke)以狼吞虎咽,少數(shu)則須咀嚼消化(hua)”(王(wang)楫 譯(yi))。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這一句是說“書經提(ti)煉猶如(ru)水經蒸餾,淡而無味矣”(王(wang)佐良(liang)譯(yi))。這些深刻的(de)讀(du)書之道,若不是用這么形(xing)象的(de)比(bi)喻,很難達到這么通俗易懂的(de)效(xiao)果,形(xing)象的(de)比(bi)喻用得恰到好(hao)處(chu),令人(ren)信服。
《論(lun)讀書》全文沒有(you)分(fen)段,一氣(qi)呵(he)成。文中短句(ju)多,并(bing)列(lie)句(ju)多,標點多。像培根這樣的(de)文風在當(dang)時被稱(cheng)為“松散、自(zi)由的(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文中不大使(shi)用復合(he)結構,并(bing)列(lie)句(ju)中各(ge)個(ge)意思都處(chu)于平等(deng)的(de)地位,一個(ge)接一個(ge)說下(xia)去(qu),逐(zhu)步深入。因此,并(bing)列(lie)連(lian)詞(and, but, for, nor 等(deng))遠遠多于主從(cong)連(lian)詞(as, smce, because等(deng))。“這類(lei)文章,雖則(ze)是松散自(zi)由的(de),它還(huan)是很講究修辭”,排比和(he)比喻隨處(chu)可見。
全篇文(wen)章旨(zhi)在強調讀(du)書的功效,作者相信(xin)人們頭腦(nao)中(zhong)一切(qie)病端(duan)都有(you)辦法救(jiu)治(zhi),而(er)讀(du)書就(jiu)是一劑萬能的良藥。這種對人的自我完善的渴(ke)求及確信(xin)必(bi)達目的之抱(bao)負,反映了(le)文(wen)藝復興時代崇(chong)尚理(li)性、相信(xin)人的力量和人具有(you)無(wu)限潛力的“人文(wen)主義(yi)精神(shen)”。
為反映作者的(de)(de)冷靜、理(li)性(xing)和自信的(de)(de)態度,文(wen)章(zhang)也(ye)采用簡潔這一風格(ge)。“簡潔就是言簡意賅。文(wen)章(zhang)沒有(you)多余的(de)(de)詞,沒有(you)多余的(de)(de)句,但內容(rong)又很(hen)豐富,含義也(ye)很(hen)深(shen)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,讓人聽來仿(fang)佛覺得(de)作(zuo)者在(zai)述說一條千(qian)真萬確的(de)真理,語(yu)氣(qi)肯(ken)定,絲(si)毫未表現謙遜、遲疑和(he)含混的(de)語(yu)氣(qi)。
天(tian)文(wen)學(xue)家(jia)、科普作家(jia)卞(bian)毓(yu)麟《恬淡悠閱——卞(bian)毓(yu)麟書(shu)事選錄》:“英國思想家(jia)、哲學(xue)家(jia)、實驗科學(xue)的(de)(de)先(xian)驅者弗(fu)朗西斯·培根的(de)(de)一篇(pian)Of Studies,400年(nian)來(lai)引得世上多少(shao)讀者競折腰(yao)。數十年(nian)前讀王(wang)佐(zuo)良先(xian)生的(de)(de)譯(yi)文(wen)(篇(pian)名譯(yi)為《談讀書(shu)》),唯覺(jue)詞清(qing)句麗(li),妙不可言。……”
上(shang)海(hai)師范(fan)大學(xue)人文(wen)與傳(chuan)播學(xue)院教授劉(liu)文(wen)榮《經(jing)典(dian)作家談書(shu)(shu)與讀(du)書(shu)(shu)》:“全文(wen)不足(zu)兩千字,卻將讀(du)書(shu)(shu)之(zhi)功用、讀(du)書(shu)(shu)之(zhi)方(fang)法及讀(du)書(shu)(shu)與性格之(zhi)關系(xi)一一道(dao)來,且句句有(you)理(li),實為言簡意賅之(zhi)典(dian)范(fan)。”
天津外國語大學教授馬鐘元《每天讀(du)(du)點(dian)英(ying)文英(ying)美文化常識全集 超(chao)值(zhi)白金版》:“《論讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)》是弗(fu)朗西(xi)斯(si)·培根的(de)《散(san)文集》中(zhong)的(de)一篇,其文風以(yi)簡潔(jie)、緊湊(cou)和有力而著稱(cheng)。其中(zhong),《論讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)》是最膾炙人(ren)口的(de)一篇。在文中(zhong),培根分析了(le)讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)的(de)主要(yao)目的(de)、讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)所(suo)應采用的(de)不同方(fang)式以(yi)及讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)對人(ren)的(de)性(xing)格的(de)影響。文章最精彩的(de)地(di)方(fang)不僅在于其論據(ju)具有說(shuo)服(fu)力,而且在于遣詞造句、句型(xing)和結構的(de)優(you)美。……總(zong)之,本(ben)文中(zhong)運用了(le)許多寫作技巧。整(zheng)體行文語句優(you)美,用詞準(zhun)確,令人(ren)信服(fu)。《論讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)》是一篇優(you)美散(san)文中(zhong)的(de)典范,值(zhi)得仔細咀嚼。”