《論(lun)讀書(shu)》是文藝復興時期(qi)英國哲學(xue)家(jia)、散文家(jia)弗(fu)朗西斯·培根(gen)創作的(de)(de)一篇論(lun)說散文。全文雖短(duan)卻字字珠璣。這篇文章不(bu)僅(jin)在(zai)用(yong)詞方(fang)面多采用(yong)莊重(zhong)典(dian)雅的(de)(de)古(gu)語詞、大詞,著重(zhong)體現作者的(de)(de)冷靜、理性(xing),語言(yan)富(fu)有(you)卓見,蘊含(han)哲理,而且句子富(fu)有(you)節奏感,讀來朗朗上口(kou)。句式(shi)多采用(yong)并列(lie)式(shi),體現語言(yan)及(ji)語義的(de)(de)平衡(heng)美。培根(gen)善(shan)用(yong)排比和比喻,深入淺出地(di)說明(ming)(ming)道理。文中(zhong)格言(yan)警句層出不(bu)窮,除連(lian)結句外,幾乎句句是警句,言(yan)簡意(yi)賅(gai),很有(you)說服力。這些論(lun)說文的(de)(de)特(te)色(se)在(zai)原文中(zhong)體現得非常明(ming)(ming)顯,堪稱論(lun)說文的(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(zhuang)飾;裝(zhuang)飾物。
②disposition:n.處置。
③marshalling:n.處(chu)理。
④sloth:n.懶惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪;剪枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁斥,駁倒。
⑦flashy things:索然無(wu)味(wei)的東西。
⑧conference:n.談話,會談。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯(bian)論(lun)。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉(la)丁文,學問塑造氣質(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善于區(qu)分細(xi)節的(de)人(ren)(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方。
論讀書
讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)足以怡(yi)情,足以博才(cai),足以長才(cai)。其(qi)怡(yi)情也,最見于(yu)獨處幽(you)居之(zhi)時;其(qi)博才(cai)也,最見于(yu)高(gao)談闊論之(zhi)中;其(qi)長才(cai)也,最見于(yu)處世判(pan)事(shi)(shi)之(zhi)際。練達之(zhi)士雖能(neng)分別處理細事(shi)(shi)或一一判(pan)別枝(zhi)節,然(ran)縱觀統(tong)籌、全(quan)局策劃,則(ze)舍(she)好學(xue)深思者(zhe)莫屬。讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)費時過多易惰,文采藻飾太盛則(ze)矯,全(quan)憑(ping)條文斷事(shi)(shi)乃學(xue)究故態。讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)補天(tian)然(ran)之(zhi)不(bu)足,經(jing)驗(yan)又(you)補讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)不(bu)足,蓋(gai)天(tian)生才(cai)干猶如自然(ran)花草,讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)然(ran)后知如何修剪(jian)移(yi)接(jie);而書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)中所示,如不(bu)以經(jing)驗(yan)范之(zhi),則(ze)又(you)大而無當。有(you)一技之(zhi)長者(zhe)鄙(bi)讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),無知者(zhe)羨讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),唯(wei)明(ming)智之(zhi)士用(yong)讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu),然(ran)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)并不(bu)以用(yong)處告人,用(yong)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)智不(bu)在書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)中,而在書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)外,全(quan)憑(ping)觀察(cha)得(de)之(zhi)。讀(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)時不(bu)可(ke)存心詰難作者(zhe),不(bu)可(ke)盡信書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)上所言,亦不(bu)可(ke)只(zhi)為尋章摘(zhai)句,而應(ying)推敲細思。書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)有(you)可(ke)淺嘗(chang)者(zhe),有(you)可(ke)吞食(shi)者(zhe),少數則(ze)須(xu)咀嚼消化。換言之(zhi),有(you)只(zhi)須(xu)讀(du)(du)其(qi)部分者(zhe),有(you)只(zhi)須(xu)大體涉(she)獵者(zhe),少數則(ze)須(xu)全(quan)讀(du)(du),讀(du)(du)時須(xu)全(quan)神(shen)貫注,孜孜不(bu)倦。書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)亦可(ke)請(qing)人代讀(du)(du),取其(qi)所作摘(zhai)要,但只(zhi)限題材較次或價值不(bu)高(gao)者(zhe),否則(ze)書(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)(shu)經(jing)提(ti)煉(lian)猶如水經(jing)蒸餾、淡而無味矣。
讀(du)書(shu)使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)充實,討(tao)(tao)論使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)機(ji)智(zhi),筆(bi)記(ji)使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)準確。因此不常作筆(bi)記(ji)者須記(ji)憶特強,不常討(tao)(tao)論者須天生(sheng)聰穎,不常讀(du)書(shu)者須欺世有(you)(you)(you)術,始能(neng)無知而顯有(you)(you)(you)知。讀(du)史使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)明智(zhi),讀(du)詩使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)靈秀,數學(xue)使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)周密(mi),科學(xue)使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)深刻,倫理學(xue)使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)莊重(zhong)(zhong),邏輯修(xiu)辭之(zhi)學(xue)使(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)善(shan)(shan)辯:凡有(you)(you)(you)所學(xue),皆(jie)成性格。人(ren)(ren)(ren)之(zhi)才(cai)智(zhi)但有(you)(you)(you)滯礙,無不可(ke)讀(du)適當之(zhi)書(shu)使(shi)(shi)之(zhi)順暢,一(yi)如(ru)身體百病,皆(jie)可(ke)借相宜之(zhi)運(yun)動除之(zhi)。滾(gun)球利睪腎,射(she)箭利胸(xiong)肺(fei),慢步利腸胃,騎術利頭腦,諸如(ru)此類。如(ru)智(zhi)力不集中,可(ke)令讀(du)數學(xue),蓋演題須全神(shen)貫注(zhu),稍有(you)(you)(you)分散即(ji)須重(zhong)(zhong)演;如(ru)不能(neng)辨(bian)異,可(ke)令讀(du)經院哲學(xue),蓋是輩皆(jie)吹毛求疵之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)(ren);如(ru)不善(shan)(shan)求同,不善(shan)(shan)以一(yi)物闡(chan)證另一(yi)物,可(ke)令讀(du)律師之(zhi)案卷。如(ru)此頭腦中凡有(you)(you)(you)缺(que)陷,皆(jie)有(you)(you)(you)特藥(yao)可(ke)醫。
(王佐良譯)
文藝復興時期,人(ren)文主義者關心人(ren)本(ben)身,把完美的(de)人(ren)作為自己的(de)理想。為救治與教(jiao)化有(you)弱點(dian)與弊病的(de)凡(fan)人(ren),當時的(de)文章常帶有(you)教(jiao)誨目的(de)。《論(lun)讀書》就是(shi)在這(zhe)樣的(de)歷(li)史(shi)背景下創作的(de),是(shi)《培根隨(sui)筆》中的(de)一篇重要的(de)文章,發表于1653年。
弗(fu)朗(lang)西(xi)斯(si)·培(pei)(pei)根(gen)(Francis Bacon,1561年1月22日(ri)—1626年4月9日(ri)),第一(yi)(yi)代(dai)圣阿(a)爾本子爵(1st Viscount St Alban),英(ying)國(guo)文藝復(fu)(fu)興時期散文家(jia)、哲學(xue)(xue)家(jia)。英(ying)國(guo)唯物主(zhu)義哲學(xue)(xue)家(jia),實(shi)驗(yan)科學(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)創(chuang)始人,是近(jin)代(dai)歸納(na)法的(de)(de)(de)(de)創(chuang)始人,又是給科學(xue)(xue)研(yan)究程(cheng)序進(jin)行邏輯組織(zhi)化的(de)(de)(de)(de)先驅。培(pei)(pei)根(gen)12歲(sui)入劍(jian)橋(qiao)大學(xue)(xue),后(hou)擔任女(nv)王特別法律顧問(wen)(wen)以及朝(chao)廷(ting)的(de)(de)(de)(de)首(shou)席檢(jian)察官、掌璽大臣(chen)等。晚年,受宮廷(ting)陰謀(mou)逐出宮廷(ting),脫離(li)政治生(sheng)涯,專心從事學(xue)(xue)術研(yan)究和著述活動,寫成(cheng)(cheng)了一(yi)(yi)批在近(jin)代(dai)文學(xue)(xue)思想史上具(ju)有(you)重大影響的(de)(de)(de)(de)著作,其中(zhong)最重要的(de)(de)(de)(de)一(yi)(yi)部是《偉大的(de)(de)(de)(de)復(fu)(fu)興新(xin)工(gong)具(ju)論》。另(ling)外,他以哲學(xue)(xue)家(jia)的(de)(de)(de)(de)眼光,思考(kao)了廣泛的(de)(de)(de)(de)人生(sheng)問(wen)(wen)題,寫出了許多(duo)形(xing)式短小(xiao)(xiao)、風格活潑的(de)(de)(de)(de)隨(sui)筆(bi)小(xiao)(xiao)品,集成(cheng)(cheng)《培(pei)(pei)根(gen)隨(sui)筆(bi)》。1626年3月底,培(pei)(pei)根(gen)由于(yu)身體(ti)孱弱(ruo),在實(shi)驗(yan)中(zhong)遭受風寒,支氣管(guan)炎(yan)復(fu)(fu)發(fa),病情惡化。1626年4月9日(ri)清晨病逝。主(zhu)要著作有(you)《新(xin)工(gong)具(ju)》《論科學(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)增進(jin)》以及《學(xue)(xue)術的(de)(de)(de)(de)偉大復(fu)(fu)興》等。
《論讀書(shu)》這篇隨筆,文字(zi)干(gan)凈利落,多(duo)用古語詞(ci)(archaism)和大詞(ci)(big words),語言顯得莊重、典(dian)雅,給人以厚重、正(zheng)式的(de)感覺。詞(ci)的(de)運用幾乎(hu)未選(xuan)possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等(deng)謙(qian)遜、客氣、模棱(leng)兩(liang)可的(de)詞(ci)。
文中用(yong)到的(de)文言(yan)詞(ci)(ci)有(you):marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這(zhe)些(xie)詞(ci)(ci)的(de)使(shi)用(yong)就像古(gu)漢語中“之”、“乎”、“者”、“也(ye)”詞(ci)(ci)匯的(de)使(shi)用(yong)一(yi)樣,給人一(yi)種古(gu)老(lao)、厚重的(de)感(gan)覺。
文中(zhong)(zhong)還(huan)用(yong)到一些現代(dai)英語詞的(de)(de)古(gu)用(yong)法(fa)形式。其中(zhong)(zhong)很多詞今天(tian)已經不再(zai)具備(bei)它(ta)原有(you)的(de)(de)語法(fa)和語義(yi)功能。它(ta)們和中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)的(de)(de)文言文一樣具有(you)特(te)定歷史時期的(de)(de)語言色彩。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。
文中還有兩處使用了拉丁(ding)(ding)語,這是作者(zhe)的偏好,認為(wei)拉丁(ding)(ding)語能流(liu)傳長久(jiu),能給文章增(zeng)添(tian)古色(se)古香的味道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一句(ju),培(pei)根在Advancement of Leaning 一文中的解釋為(wei):“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意為(wei):“專(zhuan)心學問者(zhe),性格也受(shou)陶冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即“過分講(jiang)究細節的人”。
文(wen)中(zhong)還用到一(yi)些大詞,例(li)如:ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等等。這些詞給人一(yi)種高雅、莊(zhuang)嚴的(de)色彩感覺,適于嚴肅、正式的(de)場(chang)合(he)。
并列句
《論讀書》這篇文章(zhang)句(ju)式(shi)單一,19個句(ju)子就(jiu)有12個句(ju)子采用(yong)了并列(lie)結構(gou),體現了語言(yan)的(de)平衡美。這樣的(de)文章(zhang)樸(pu)實大方,讀起來毫無矯揉造作(zuo)之感(gan)。盡(jin)管如此,作(zuo)者(zhe)還是十分注(zhu)意長、短句(ju)的(de)交替使(shi)用(yong),以避免整齊劃一的(de)句(ju)式(shi)顯得(de)單調乏味,從而(er)使(shi)行文更富(fu)節(jie)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)一個并列句。第一個分號之后各句承前省(sheng)略了make men。這樣的(de)句子排列整齊,表意鮮明(ming)(ming)。并列的(de)部分都省(sheng)略前面相同的(de)成分,重(zhong)點突出,使讀者(zhe)一目了然,給人以清晰(xi)明(ming)(ming)快的(de)感(gan)覺。而且(qie)平衡的(de)句式形成排比風格,猶如排山倒海之勢(shi),頗具說服力(li)。
“關(guan)于make的用(yong)法(fa)(fa),培根在此篇文(wen)章中采(cai)用(yong)兩(liang)種(zhong)用(yong)法(fa)(fa),一是帶賓補的用(yong)法(fa)(fa),即這一句中:histories make men wise;另一種(zhong)是帶賓語的用(yong)法(fa)(fa),如(ru):reading maketh a full man,作者用(yong)make和maketh加以區別make所(suo)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(zhe)(zhe)一并列句(ju)不(bu)同(tong)于(yu)上一句(ju),這(zhe)(zhe)句(ju)中的(de)并列關系是由連詞and,but連接(jie)起來的(de)。每一個分(fen)(fen)句(ju)不(bu)如上句(ju)那么短促(cu)、明快,而是多(duo)一些推(tui)(tui)理和描述性的(de)語言,這(zhe)(zhe)主要(yao)是因為此句(ju)中作者旨在(zai)分(fen)(fen)析(xi)讀(du)書給(gei)人的(de)益處,分(fen)(fen)析(xi)那些有(you)經驗的(de)“練達之(zhi)士(shi)雖(sui)然能處理細(xi)事(shi),一一判別(bie)枝節,然縱觀統籌(chou),全局策(ce)劃,則非(fei)好學深思(si)多(duo)讀(du)書之(zhi)人莫屬(shu)”(王佐良譯)。這(zhe)(zhe)是短句(ju)和長(chang)句(ju)給(gei)人的(de)不(bu)同(tong)感覺。短句(ju),短小利落,給(gei)人以確信、勿庸置疑的(de)味道,多(duo)使人受教(jiao);而長(chang)句(ju),尤(you)其由連詞連接(jie)的(de)長(chang)句(ju),語氣連貫、舒緩,善于(yu)推(tui)(tui)理、論述,在(zai)陳述和分(fen)(fen)析(xi)中給(gei)人以啟迪和思(si)考的(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(ju)省(sheng)略了(le)表(biao)語(yu) is,全句(ju)結(jie)構(gou)緊(jin)湊(cou)、表(biao)意突出,具(ju)有言簡(jian)意賅的(de)強(qiang)烈效果(guo)。三個(ge)否(fou)定詞not,nor,nor的(de)使用(yong)把(ba)“讀(du)書不(bu)是(shi)(shi)為了(le)要(yao)辯駁,不(bu)是(shi)(shi)要(yao)盲(mang)目(mu)信從,不(bu)是(shi)(shi)要(yao)尋找談資”排列得緊(jin)湊(cou)整齊,強(qiang)烈地表(biao)達了(le)作者否(fou)定的(de)語(yu)氣(qi)和不(bu)贊(zan)成(cheng)的(de)態度。最后以一(yi)個(ge)轉折(zhe)詞but連接收尾,簡(jian)潔有力(li),語(yu)氣(qi)上由(you)否(fou)定轉向肯定,給人一(yi)種義正(zheng)詞嚴(yan)、豁然開朗的(de)感(gan)受。由(you)“不(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)”轉為“而要(yao)權衡和思(si)考”,給人留下深刻的(de)印象,很有說服力(li)。
復合句
復(fu)合句(ju)的(de)使用有并列句(ju)所不及的(de)文體功能,即善于表(biao)現事物間的(de)種種復(fu)雜關系,“在復(fu)合句(ju)中,主句(ju)結構(gou)獨立,從句(ju)依附于主句(ju);從句(ju)所表(biao)達的(de)概念(nian)是對(dui)主句(ju)意義(yi)的(de)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)(ju)(ju)(ju)中(zhong)的(de)主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)后帶(dai)有一(yi)個由連詞(ci)for引(yin)導的(de)原(yuan)因(yin)狀(zhuang)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中(zhong)有主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)、由that引(yin)導的(de)定(ding)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和由except引(yin)導的(de)條(tiao)(tiao)件(jian)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)。原(yuan)因(yin)狀(zhuang)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)用(yong)來解(jie)釋(shi)讀書和經(jing)驗的(de)互(hu)補關系(xi);定(ding)語(yu)(yu)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是補充(chong)說明“天生的(de)才干猶如天然(ran)花木,須靠讀書修(xiu)剪枝葉”。條(tiao)(tiao)件(jian)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是用(yong)來限制“讀書如不以經(jing)驗范之(zhi),則又大而無當”(王佐(zuo)良譯)。語(yu)(yu)義雖然(ran)冗繁復雜,但使用(yong)不同從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)的(de)關系(xi)連詞(ci)來引(yin)導,則又顯得條(tiao)(tiao)理十分清(qing)楚。這是并列句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)乃至(zhi)其他句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)式所(suo)不能比擬的(de)文(wen)體功能優勢。
排比
排比就是把(ba)結構相同(tong)、意氣并(bing)重、語(yu)氣一(yi)致的詞組(zu)或句(ju)子排列成串,形成一(yi)個整體。《論讀書》中這樣的結構隨處可見,而且(qie)作者運(yun)用得(de)當,很有氣勢。
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(de)(de)不定式結構語氣一致,分析褥(ru)淋(lin)漓盡致、準(zhun)確生動。這種(zhong)排比結構用(yong)來說明(ming)和定論,不僅結構嚴謹整齊(qi),而且(qie)文章的(de)(de)節奏(zou)也勻稱悅耳,大大提高了(le)語言的(de)(de)表現力。
優美的(de)(de)(de)(de)散(san)文(wen)之所以(yi)能給人們的(de)(de)(de)(de)聽覺帶來(lai)美的(de)(de)(de)(de)享受,在很大程度上應歸功(gong)于其優美的(de)(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)。散(san)文(wen)的(de)(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)雖不像詩的(de)(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)那(nei)樣有(you)固定的(de)(de)(de)(de)模式(shi)和規律,但作家總是注(zhu)意選擇某種(zhong)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou),使節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)成(cheng)為烘托語(yu)義的(de)(de)(de)(de)一種(zhong)表達(da)手段(duan);而(er)文(wen)學批評家則總是把(ba)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)看作“文(wen)體(ti)風格(ge)的(de)(de)(de)(de)組(zu)成(cheng)部分(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在《The Criticism ofProse》一書中(zhong)指(zhi)出:早期英(ying)語(yu)散(san)文(wen)的(de)(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)多是靠排比結(jie)構予以(yi)實現的(de)(de)(de)(de)。在《論讀書》這(zhe)篇散(san)文(wen)中(zhong),培根就十分注(zhu)重使用(yong)排比結(jie)構來(lai)實現節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)美,還注(zhu)意交(jiao)替(ti)使用(yong)并列句和復合(he)句來(lai)體(ti)現節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)感。例(li)如:
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.
比喻
培根(gen)善用(yong)(yong)形象的(de)比(bi)喻(yu)深入淺(qian)出地說明一(yi)個道理,因(yin)而文中充滿了諸(zhu)如taste, swallow, chew, digest等(deng)比(bi)喻(yu)。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是(shi)說天生的(de)才(cai)干(gan)需要知識(shi)來磨練就像草木需要修枝剪葉一(yi)樣(yang);“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是(shi)說讀書(shu)(shu)猶如吃食物,“有(you)的(de)書(shu)(shu)淺(qian)嘗即(ji)可,有(you)的(de)書(shu)(shu)可以狼吞虎(hu)咽,少數則須咀嚼消(xiao)化”(王(wang)楫 譯(yi))。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這一(yi)句是(shi)說“書(shu)(shu)經(jing)提煉猶如水經(jing)蒸餾,淡(dan)而無味矣”(王(wang)佐良譯(yi))。這些(xie)深刻(ke)的(de)讀書(shu)(shu)之道,若不是(shi)用(yong)(yong)這么形象的(de)比(bi)喻(yu),很難達到這么通俗易懂的(de)效果,形象的(de)比(bi)喻(yu)用(yong)(yong)得恰到好處,令人信服(fu)。
《論讀書》全文(wen)(wen)(wen)沒(mei)有分段,一氣(qi)呵(he)成。文(wen)(wen)(wen)中短句(ju)多,并(bing)列句(ju)多,標點多。像培根這(zhe)樣(yang)的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)(wen)風在當時(shi)被稱為“松散、自由的(de)(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文(wen)(wen)(wen)中不大(da)使用(yong)復合結構,并(bing)列句(ju)中各(ge)個(ge)意思都處于(yu)平等(deng)(deng)的(de)(de)地位,一個(ge)接一個(ge)說下(xia)去,逐(zhu)步(bu)深入。因(yin)此,并(bing)列連詞(ci)(and, but, for, nor 等(deng)(deng))遠遠多于(yu)主從(cong)連詞(ci)(as, smce, because等(deng)(deng))。“這(zhe)類文(wen)(wen)(wen)章,雖則是(shi)松散自由的(de)(de),它還是(shi)很(hen)講究修辭”,排(pai)比(bi)(bi)和比(bi)(bi)喻隨處可(ke)見。
全篇文(wen)章旨在強調讀(du)書(shu)的(de)功效,作者相信人們頭腦中(zhong)一切病(bing)端都(dou)有辦法救治,而(er)讀(du)書(shu)就(jiu)是(shi)一劑(ji)萬(wan)能的(de)良藥。這種對(dui)人的(de)自我完善的(de)渴求(qiu)及(ji)確信必達目(mu)的(de)之抱負,反(fan)映了文(wen)藝復興時代崇(chong)尚理性、相信人的(de)力(li)量和人具有無(wu)限潛力(li)的(de)“人文(wen)主(zhu)義精神”。
為反映作者的冷靜(jing)、理性(xing)和自信的態度,文章也(ye)采用簡(jian)潔(jie)這一風格(ge)。“簡(jian)潔(jie)就是(shi)言簡(jian)意(yi)賅。文章沒(mei)有多(duo)余的詞,沒(mei)有多(duo)余的句,但內容又很(hen)(hen)豐(feng)富,含義也(ye)很(hen)(hen)深刻。”例如(ru):
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(zhe)個句子寫(xie)得干(gan)凈(jing)利落,讓(rang)人(ren)聽(ting)來仿(fang)佛(fo)覺(jue)得作者在述說一條千真(zhen)萬確(que)的真(zhen)理(li),語(yu)(yu)氣肯(ken)定,絲毫未表(biao)現謙遜、遲(chi)疑和含混的語(yu)(yu)氣。
天文學家(jia)(jia)、科(ke)普作家(jia)(jia)卞(bian)毓麟《恬淡悠閱(yue)——卞(bian)毓麟書(shu)事選錄(lu)》:“英國思想家(jia)(jia)、哲(zhe)學家(jia)(jia)、實(shi)驗科(ke)學的先(xian)驅者弗朗西斯·培根的一篇Of Studies,400年(nian)來引得世(shi)上多少讀(du)者競折腰。數(shu)十年(nian)前(qian)讀(du)王(wang)佐良先(xian)生的譯文(篇名譯為《談(tan)讀(du)書(shu)》),唯覺詞清句麗(li),妙不可言。……”
上海(hai)師范大學(xue)人文(wen)與傳播(bo)學(xue)院教(jiao)授劉文(wen)榮(rong)《經典作(zuo)家談書(shu)與讀(du)書(shu)》:“全(quan)文(wen)不足兩千字,卻將讀(du)書(shu)之(zhi)功用(yong)、讀(du)書(shu)之(zhi)方法及讀(du)書(shu)與性格之(zhi)關系一(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)道來,且(qie)句句有理,實(shi)為言簡意賅之(zhi)典范。”
天(tian)津外國語大(da)學教(jiao)授馬鐘元《每天(tian)讀(du)點英文(wen)(wen)英美文(wen)(wen)化常識全(quan)集 超值(zhi)白金版》:“《論(lun)(lun)讀(du)書(shu)》是弗(fu)朗(lang)西斯·培根(gen)的(de)(de)(de)(de)《散文(wen)(wen)集》中的(de)(de)(de)(de)一篇(pian),其(qi)文(wen)(wen)風以簡潔、緊(jin)湊和(he)有力而(er)著稱。其(qi)中,《論(lun)(lun)讀(du)書(shu)》是最膾(kuai)炙人口的(de)(de)(de)(de)一篇(pian)。在文(wen)(wen)中,培根(gen)分析了讀(du)書(shu)的(de)(de)(de)(de)主(zhu)要目的(de)(de)(de)(de)、讀(du)書(shu)所(suo)應采用的(de)(de)(de)(de)不同方(fang)式以及(ji)讀(du)書(shu)對人的(de)(de)(de)(de)性格的(de)(de)(de)(de)影響。文(wen)(wen)章最精彩的(de)(de)(de)(de)地方(fang)不僅在于(yu)其(qi)論(lun)(lun)據(ju)具(ju)有說服力,而(er)且在于(yu)遣詞造句、句型和(he)結構的(de)(de)(de)(de)優(you)美。……總之,本(ben)文(wen)(wen)中運用了許(xu)多寫作技巧。整體(ti)行文(wen)(wen)語句優(you)美,用詞準確,令人信服。《論(lun)(lun)讀(du)書(shu)》是一篇(pian)優(you)美散文(wen)(wen)中的(de)(de)(de)(de)典范(fan),值(zhi)得(de)仔細咀嚼。”