《論(lun)讀書(shu)》是(shi)文藝(yi)復興時期英國哲(zhe)學家、散文家弗朗西(xi)斯·培根創作(zuo)的(de)一篇(pian)論(lun)說(shuo)散文。全文雖短卻(que)字(zi)字(zi)珠(zhu)璣(ji)。這篇(pian)文章不(bu)僅在(zai)用詞方面多采用莊重典(dian)雅的(de)古語詞、大詞,著重體現(xian)(xian)作(zuo)者的(de)冷(leng)靜、理(li)性(xing),語言(yan)富有(you)卓(zhuo)見,蘊(yun)含哲(zhe)理(li),而(er)且(qie)句(ju)子富有(you)節奏感,讀來朗朗上(shang)口。句(ju)式多采用并(bing)列式,體現(xian)(xian)語言(yan)及語義的(de)平衡美。培根善(shan)用排(pai)比(bi)和(he)比(bi)喻,深入淺(qian)出地說(shuo)明道理(li)。文中格言(yan)警句(ju)層出不(bu)窮(qiong),除連結句(ju)外,幾(ji)乎句(ju)句(ju)是(shi)警句(ju),言(yan)簡意賅(gai),很有(you)說(shuo)服力。這些論(lun)說(shuo)文的(de)特色在(zai)原文中體現(xian)(xian)得非(fei)常明顯,堪稱(cheng)論(lun)說(shuo)文的(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;裝飾物(wu)。
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(ran)無味的東西。
⑧conference:n.談(tan)話,會談(tan)。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯論。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉(la)丁文,學問塑造(zao)氣質(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善于區分(fen)細節的(de)人(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處方。
論讀書
讀書(shu)足以怡(yi)情,足以博(bo)才,足以長才。其(qi)怡(yi)情也(ye),最見(jian)于(yu)獨(du)處(chu)幽居之(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)(shi);其(qi)博(bo)才也(ye),最見(jian)于(yu)高(gao)談闊論之(zhi)(zhi)中(zhong);其(qi)長才也(ye),最見(jian)于(yu)處(chu)世判(pan)事之(zhi)(zhi)際。練達之(zhi)(zhi)士雖(sui)能(neng)分別(bie)(bie)處(chu)理細(xi)事或(huo)(huo)一(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)判(pan)別(bie)(bie)枝節,然(ran)縱觀(guan)統籌、全(quan)(quan)(quan)局策劃,則(ze)舍(she)好(hao)學深思者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)莫屬。讀書(shu)費時(shi)(shi)過多易(yi)惰,文采(cai)藻飾太(tai)盛則(ze)矯,全(quan)(quan)(quan)憑條文斷事乃學究故態(tai)。讀書(shu)補(bu)天然(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)足,經(jing)驗(yan)(yan)又補(bu)讀書(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)不(bu)(bu)足,蓋天生(sheng)才干猶如(ru)自然(ran)花(hua)草,讀書(shu)然(ran)后知如(ru)何修剪移接(jie);而(er)(er)書(shu)中(zhong)所示,如(ru)不(bu)(bu)以經(jing)驗(yan)(yan)范之(zhi)(zhi),則(ze)又大而(er)(er)無當(dang)。有一(yi)(yi)技之(zhi)(zhi)長者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀書(shu),無知者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)羨(xian)讀書(shu),唯明智(zhi)之(zhi)(zhi)士用(yong)讀書(shu),然(ran)書(shu)并不(bu)(bu)以用(yong)處(chu)告人,用(yong)書(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)智(zhi)不(bu)(bu)在(zai)書(shu)中(zhong),而(er)(er)在(zai)書(shu)外,全(quan)(quan)(quan)憑觀(guan)察得之(zhi)(zhi)。讀書(shu)時(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)(ke)存心詰難作(zuo)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),不(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)(ke)盡信(xin)書(shu)上(shang)所言(yan),亦不(bu)(bu)可(ke)(ke)(ke)只為(wei)尋章(zhang)摘(zhai)句,而(er)(er)應推敲細(xi)思。書(shu)有可(ke)(ke)(ke)淺嘗者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),有可(ke)(ke)(ke)吞食者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),少(shao)數則(ze)須(xu)咀嚼(jiao)消化。換言(yan)之(zhi)(zhi),有只須(xu)讀其(qi)部分者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),有只須(xu)大體涉獵(lie)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),少(shao)數則(ze)須(xu)全(quan)(quan)(quan)讀,讀時(shi)(shi)須(xu)全(quan)(quan)(quan)神貫(guan)注,孜孜不(bu)(bu)倦。書(shu)亦可(ke)(ke)(ke)請人代讀,取其(qi)所作(zuo)摘(zhai)要(yao),但(dan)只限題材較次或(huo)(huo)價(jia)值不(bu)(bu)高(gao)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),否則(ze)書(shu)經(jing)提煉猶如(ru)水經(jing)蒸餾、淡而(er)(er)無味(wei)矣。
讀(du)書使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)充(chong)實(shi),討論使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)機智(zhi)(zhi),筆記使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)準確。因(yin)此不(bu)常(chang)(chang)作(zuo)筆記者(zhe)須(xu)記憶特(te)(te)強,不(bu)常(chang)(chang)討論者(zhe)須(xu)天生聰穎(ying),不(bu)常(chang)(chang)讀(du)書者(zhe)須(xu)欺世有(you)術(shu),始能無知而顯有(you)知。讀(du)史使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)明(ming)智(zhi)(zhi),讀(du)詩使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)靈秀,數(shu)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)周密,科(ke)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)深刻,倫理學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)莊重,邏(luo)輯修辭之(zhi)(zhi)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)善(shan)辯:凡(fan)有(you)所學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue),皆成性(xing)格。人(ren)(ren)之(zhi)(zhi)才(cai)智(zhi)(zhi)但(dan)有(you)滯(zhi)礙,無不(bu)可讀(du)適當(dang)之(zhi)(zhi)書使(shi)(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)順暢(chang),一如(ru)身體百病,皆可借相宜之(zhi)(zhi)運(yun)動除之(zhi)(zhi)。滾球利(li)睪(gao)腎,射箭利(li)胸(xiong)肺,慢步利(li)腸胃(wei),騎(qi)術(shu)利(li)頭腦,諸如(ru)此類。如(ru)智(zhi)(zhi)力不(bu)集中(zhong),可令(ling)(ling)讀(du)數(shu)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue),蓋(gai)演(yan)題須(xu)全神貫(guan)注,稍有(you)分散(san)即須(xu)重演(yan);如(ru)不(bu)能辨(bian)異(yi),可令(ling)(ling)讀(du)經院(yuan)哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue),蓋(gai)是輩皆吹毛求疵之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)(ren);如(ru)不(bu)善(shan)求同,不(bu)善(shan)以(yi)一物(wu)闡證另一物(wu),可令(ling)(ling)讀(du)律師之(zhi)(zhi)案卷。如(ru)此頭腦中(zhong)凡(fan)有(you)缺(que)陷,皆有(you)特(te)(te)藥可醫。
(王佐良譯)
文藝(yi)復興時期,人文主義(yi)者(zhe)關心人本(ben)身,把完美(mei)的(de)(de)人作為自己的(de)(de)理(li)想。為救治與(yu)教(jiao)(jiao)化有(you)弱點與(yu)弊病的(de)(de)凡人,當時的(de)(de)文章(zhang)常帶有(you)教(jiao)(jiao)誨目的(de)(de)。《論讀書(shu)》就是(shi)在這樣的(de)(de)歷史背(bei)景下創作的(de)(de),是(shi)《培(pei)根隨筆(bi)》中的(de)(de)一(yi)篇重要的(de)(de)文章(zhang),發表于(yu)1653年(nian)。
弗(fu)朗西斯(si)·培根(Francis Bacon,1561年1月(yue)22日(ri)(ri)—1626年4月(yue)9日(ri)(ri)),第(di)一代圣阿(a)爾本子爵(1st Viscount St Alban),英(ying)(ying)國文(wen)(wen)藝復(fu)興(xing)時期散文(wen)(wen)家(jia)、哲(zhe)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家(jia)。英(ying)(ying)國唯物主(zhu)義(yi)哲(zhe)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家(jia),實驗科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)創始(shi)人,是(shi)近(jin)代歸納法的(de)(de)創始(shi)人,又是(shi)給科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)研究程序進(jin)(jin)行邏輯組織化的(de)(de)先驅。培根12歲入劍橋大(da)(da)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue),后擔任女王特別法律顧問以及朝廷(ting)的(de)(de)首席檢察官、掌(zhang)璽大(da)(da)臣等。晚年,受宮(gong)廷(ting)陰謀(mou)逐(zhu)出(chu)宮(gong)廷(ting),脫離政治生涯,專心從(cong)事學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)術(shu)研究和(he)著述活動(dong),寫成(cheng)了一批在(zai)近(jin)代文(wen)(wen)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)思想史上具(ju)有重大(da)(da)影響的(de)(de)著作(zuo),其中(zhong)最重要的(de)(de)一部是(shi)《偉(wei)大(da)(da)的(de)(de)復(fu)興(xing)新工具(ju)論》。另外,他以哲(zhe)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家(jia)的(de)(de)眼光,思考(kao)了廣(guang)泛(fan)的(de)(de)人生問題,寫出(chu)了許多形式短小、風格活潑的(de)(de)隨(sui)筆小品,集(ji)成(cheng)《培根隨(sui)筆》。1626年3月(yue)底,培根由于身(shen)體孱弱,在(zai)實驗中(zhong)遭(zao)受風寒,支氣管炎復(fu)發(fa),病情惡化。1626年4月(yue)9日(ri)(ri)清晨(chen)病逝。主(zhu)要著作(zuo)有《新工具(ju)》《論科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)增進(jin)(jin)》以及《學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)術(shu)的(de)(de)偉(wei)大(da)(da)復(fu)興(xing)》等。
《論讀書》這篇隨筆,文(wen)字干凈利(li)落(luo),多用古語(yu)詞(archaism)和(he)大詞(big words),語(yu)言(yan)顯得莊重、典雅,給人以厚重、正式的感覺。詞的運(yun)用幾乎(hu)未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等(deng)謙(qian)遜、客(ke)氣、模棱(leng)兩可的詞。
文中用到(dao)的(de)文言詞有:marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些(xie)詞的(de)使用就像古漢語中“之”、“乎”、“者”、“也(ye)”詞匯的(de)使用一(yi)樣,給人一(yi)種古老、厚重的(de)感覺(jue)。
文中(zhong)(zhong)還用(yong)到一些現(xian)代(dai)英語詞(ci)的(de)(de)古用(yong)法(fa)形式。其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)很多詞(ci)今天已經(jing)不再具(ju)備它原有的(de)(de)語法(fa)和(he)語義(yi)功能。它們(men)和(he)中(zhong)(zhong)國的(de)(de)文言文一樣具(ju)有特定歷史(shi)時(shi)期的(de)(de)語言色(se)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(wen)(wen)中還有兩處(chu)使用了拉(la)丁語,這是作(zuo)者的偏好,認為(wei)拉(la)丁語能流傳長久,能給(gei)文(wen)(wen)章增添古色古香(xiang)的味道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一(yi)句,培(pei)根在Advancement of Leaning 一(yi)文(wen)(wen)中的解釋為(wei):“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意為(wei):“專心(xin)學(xue)問者,性格也受陶(tao)冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即“過(guo)分講究細節的人”。
文中(zhong)還用到一些大詞(ci),例如(ru):ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等等。這些詞(ci)給人一種高(gao)雅、莊嚴的色彩(cai)感覺,適于嚴肅(su)、正式的場合。
并列句
《論(lun)讀書》這篇文章(zhang)句式(shi)單(dan)一,19個(ge)句子(zi)(zi)就有(you)12個(ge)句子(zi)(zi)采用(yong)了(le)并列結構,體現了(le)語言的(de)平衡(heng)美。這樣(yang)的(de)文章(zhang)樸實(shi)大方,讀起來毫無矯(jiao)揉造作之感。盡(jin)管如(ru)此,作者還是(shi)十(shi)分注意長、短句的(de)交替使用(yong),以避免整齊劃一的(de)句式(shi)顯(xian)得單(dan)調乏(fa)味(wei),從而使行文更(geng)富節奏感。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(shi)由(you)分(fen)號連結起來的(de)一(yi)個并(bing)列(lie)句。第一(yi)個分(fen)號之后各句承前(qian)省(sheng)(sheng)略了make men。這樣的(de)句子排(pai)列(lie)整齊,表意鮮明。并(bing)列(lie)的(de)部分(fen)都省(sheng)(sheng)略前(qian)面相(xiang)同的(de)成分(fen),重點突(tu)出,使讀者一(yi)目(mu)了然(ran),給人以(yi)清晰(xi)明快的(de)感覺。而且平衡的(de)句式形成排(pai)比(bi)風(feng)格,猶如排(pai)山(shan)倒海之勢,頗(po)具說服(fu)力。
“關于make的用(yong)(yong)法(fa),培根在此篇文章中采用(yong)(yong)兩種用(yong)(yong)法(fa),一是(shi)帶賓補的用(yong)(yong)法(fa),即這一句中:histories make men wise;另一種是(shi)帶賓語的用(yong)(yong)法(fa),如:reading maketh a full man,作者用(yong)(yong)make和maketh加以區(qu)別(bie)make所帶的不同(tong)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(yi)并列(lie)句(ju)(ju)不(bu)同于(yu)上一(yi)句(ju)(ju),這(zhe)句(ju)(ju)中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)并列(lie)關系是由(you)連(lian)(lian)(lian)詞and,but連(lian)(lian)(lian)接起來的(de)(de)(de)。每一(yi)個(ge)分句(ju)(ju)不(bu)如(ru)上句(ju)(ju)那么短促、明(ming)快(kuai),而(er)是多(duo)一(yi)些推理(li)和描(miao)述(shu)性的(de)(de)(de)語言(yan),這(zhe)主要是因為此(ci)句(ju)(ju)中(zhong)作者旨在分析讀書給(gei)人(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)(de)益處,分析那些有經(jing)驗的(de)(de)(de)“練(lian)達之士雖(sui)然能處理(li)細(xi)事,一(yi)一(yi)判別枝(zhi)節,然縱觀統籌,全局策劃,則(ze)非好學深(shen)思(si)多(duo)讀書之人(ren)(ren)莫(mo)屬”(王佐良譯)。這(zhe)是短句(ju)(ju)和長句(ju)(ju)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)(de)不(bu)同感覺。短句(ju)(ju),短小利落,給(gei)人(ren)(ren)以確信、勿(wu)庸置疑(yi)的(de)(de)(de)味(wei)道,多(duo)使人(ren)(ren)受教;而(er)長句(ju)(ju),尤其由(you)連(lian)(lian)(lian)詞連(lian)(lian)(lian)接的(de)(de)(de)長句(ju)(ju),語氣連(lian)(lian)(lian)貫、舒緩,善(shan)于(yu)推理(li)、論述(shu),在陳述(shu)和分析中(zhong)給(gei)人(ren)(ren)以啟迪(di)和思(si)考的(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(lve)了(le)表(biao)語(yu) is,全句結構緊(jin)湊、表(biao)意突出,具(ju)有(you)言簡(jian)意賅的(de)(de)強烈(lie)效(xiao)果。三個(ge)否定詞not,nor,nor的(de)(de)使用把(ba)“讀書不(bu)是(shi)為(wei)了(le)要(yao)辯駁,不(bu)是(shi)要(yao)盲目(mu)信從(cong),不(bu)是(shi)要(yao)尋找談資”排列得(de)緊(jin)湊整(zheng)齊,強烈(lie)地表(biao)達了(le)作者(zhe)否定的(de)(de)語(yu)氣和不(bu)贊(zan)成的(de)(de)態度。最后以一(yi)個(ge)轉(zhuan)折詞but連接(jie)收尾,簡(jian)潔有(you)力,語(yu)氣上由(you)否定轉(zhuan)向(xiang)肯定,給人一(yi)種義正詞嚴、豁然開朗的(de)(de)感受。由(you)“不(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)”轉(zhuan)為(wei)“而要(yao)權衡和思考”,給人留下(xia)深刻的(de)(de)印象,很有(you)說服力。
復合句
復(fu)合句(ju)的(de)使用有并(bing)列句(ju)所(suo)不(bu)及的(de)文體功(gong)能,即善于(yu)表現事(shi)物間的(de)種(zhong)種(zhong)復(fu)雜關系,“在復(fu)合句(ju)中(zhong),主(zhu)句(ju)結構獨立(li),從句(ju)依附于(yu)主(zhu)句(ju);從句(ju)所(suo)表達的(de)概念(nian)是對主(zhu)句(ju)意義的(de)補充、解釋或限(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.
這一(yi)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)(de)主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)后帶有一(yi)個(ge)由連(lian)詞for引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)(de)原因狀(zhuang)語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中有主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)、由that引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)(de)定語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和由except引(yin)(yin)導(dao)的(de)(de)條(tiao)件從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)。原因狀(zhuang)語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)用(yong)來(lai)解釋讀書(shu)(shu)和經(jing)(jing)驗的(de)(de)互補關(guan)系;定語(yu)從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是補充說明(ming)“天生的(de)(de)才干(gan)猶如(ru)天然(ran)花木(mu),須靠讀書(shu)(shu)修剪枝(zhi)葉”。條(tiao)件從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是用(yong)來(lai)限制“讀書(shu)(shu)如(ru)不以經(jing)(jing)驗范(fan)之,則又大而(er)無當”(王佐(zuo)良譯)。語(yu)義雖然(ran)冗繁復雜,但使(shi)用(yong)不同從(cong)(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)的(de)(de)關(guan)系連(lian)詞來(lai)引(yin)(yin)導(dao),則又顯得條(tiao)理十(shi)分清楚。這是并(bing)列句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)乃至其他句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)式所不能(neng)比(bi)擬的(de)(de)文體功能(neng)優(you)勢(shi)。
排比
排比(bi)就是把結構相同、意氣(qi)(qi)并(bing)重、語氣(qi)(qi)一(yi)致的(de)詞組或(huo)句(ju)子排列成串,形成一(yi)個整體。《論讀書》中這樣的(de)結構隨處可見,而且作者運(yun)用(yong)得當,很有氣(qi)(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(de)不(bu)定式結(jie)構語氣一致,分析褥淋漓盡致、準確(que)生動。這種排(pai)比(bi)結(jie)構用來(lai)說明和定論,不(bu)僅結(jie)構嚴謹整齊,而且文章的(de)節奏也勻(yun)稱悅耳,大大提(ti)高了語言的(de)表現力。
優美的(de)(de)(de)散(san)(san)文(wen)之所以(yi)能給(gei)人們(men)的(de)(de)(de)聽覺帶來美的(de)(de)(de)享(xiang)受,在(zai)很大程度上應(ying)歸功于其優美的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)。散(san)(san)文(wen)的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)雖不像詩的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)那樣(yang)有固定的(de)(de)(de)模式(shi)和(he)規律(lv),但作家總是(shi)注(zhu)(zhu)意選擇某種(zhong)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou),使節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)成為(wei)烘托語義的(de)(de)(de)一種(zhong)表達(da)手(shou)段(duan);而文(wen)學批評家則總是(shi)把節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)看作“文(wen)體風格的(de)(de)(de)組成部分(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在(zai)《The Criticism ofProse》一書中指出(chu):早期英語散(san)(san)文(wen)的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)多是(shi)靠排(pai)比結構(gou)予以(yi)實(shi)現(xian)的(de)(de)(de)。在(zai)《論讀書》這(zhe)篇散(san)(san)文(wen)中,培根就十分注(zhu)(zhu)重使用排(pai)比結構(gou)來實(shi)現(xian)節(jie)奏(zou)(zou)美,還注(zhu)(zhu)意交替(ti)使用并(bing)列句和(he)復合句來體現(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
培根善用形象的(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)(yu)深(shen)入淺出(chu)地說明(ming)一(yi)個道理,因而文中充(chong)滿了諸如(ru)taste, swallow, chew, digest等比(bi)喻(yu)(yu)。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是說天生的(de)(de)才干需(xu)要(yao)(yao)知識來磨練就像草木需(xu)要(yao)(yao)修枝剪(jian)葉一(yi)樣(yang);“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是說讀書(shu)猶(you)如(ru)吃(chi)食(shi)物(wu),“有的(de)(de)書(shu)淺嘗即可(ke),有的(de)(de)書(shu)可(ke)以狼(lang)吞(tun)虎咽(yan),少(shao)數則(ze)須咀嚼消化”(王楫 譯(yi)(yi))。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這(zhe)一(yi)句是說“書(shu)經(jing)提煉猶(you)如(ru)水經(jing)蒸餾,淡(dan)而無味矣”(王佐良譯(yi)(yi))。這(zhe)些深(shen)刻(ke)的(de)(de)讀書(shu)之道,若不是用這(zhe)么形象的(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)(yu),很難(nan)達(da)到這(zhe)么通俗易(yi)懂的(de)(de)效果,形象的(de)(de)比(bi)喻(yu)(yu)用得恰到好處(chu),令人信服。
《論讀書(shu)》全文(wen)(wen)沒有(you)分(fen)段,一氣呵成。文(wen)(wen)中短句(ju)多(duo),并列句(ju)多(duo),標點多(duo)。像培(pei)根這樣(yang)的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)風在當(dang)時被稱為“松散(san)、自(zi)由(you)的(de)(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文(wen)(wen)中不大使用復合結構,并列句(ju)中各個(ge)意思都處(chu)于(yu)平等的(de)(de)地(di)位,一個(ge)接(jie)一個(ge)說下去,逐步深入。因此,并列連(lian)詞(ci)(and, but, for, nor 等)遠(yuan)遠(yuan)多(duo)于(yu)主(zhu)從連(lian)詞(ci)(as, smce, because等)。“這類文(wen)(wen)章,雖則是松散(san)自(zi)由(you)的(de)(de),它還是很講(jiang)究修辭(ci)”,排比和比喻隨(sui)處(chu)可(ke)見。
全(quan)篇(pian)文(wen)(wen)章旨在強調讀(du)書的(de)功效,作者(zhe)相信人(ren)們頭腦中一切病端都有(you)辦法救治,而讀(du)書就(jiu)是一劑(ji)萬(wan)能的(de)良(liang)藥(yao)。這(zhe)種(zhong)對人(ren)的(de)自我完善的(de)渴(ke)求及確信必達目的(de)之抱負,反(fan)映了文(wen)(wen)藝復興時代崇尚理性、相信人(ren)的(de)力量和(he)人(ren)具有(you)無限潛力的(de)“人(ren)文(wen)(wen)主義(yi)精(jing)神”。
為(wei)反映(ying)作者的冷靜、理(li)性和自信(xin)的態度(du),文章(zhang)也采用簡潔這一風格。“簡潔就是言簡意賅。文章(zhang)沒(mei)有(you)多(duo)余的詞,沒(mei)有(you)多(duo)余的句,但內容又很(hen)豐富,含義也很(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(zhe)個句子寫(xie)得(de)干(gan)凈(jing)利落,讓人聽來仿佛覺得(de)作者在述說(shuo)一條千(qian)真萬確的真理,語氣肯(ken)定,絲毫未表(biao)現謙遜、遲疑和含混的語氣。
天文學家、科(ke)普作家卞毓(yu)麟《恬淡(dan)悠閱——卞毓(yu)麟書事選錄》:“英國思想(xiang)家、哲學家、實(shi)驗(yan)科(ke)學的(de)先(xian)驅者弗(fu)朗西(xi)斯·培根的(de)一篇Of Studies,400年來引得世上(shang)多少讀者競折(zhe)腰(yao)。數十(shi)年前讀王佐良先(xian)生的(de)譯文(篇名譯為《談讀書》),唯覺詞(ci)清句麗,妙不可言。……”
上海師范大學人文(wen)與傳播學院教授(shou)劉(liu)文(wen)榮《經典作家談書與讀(du)書》:“全文(wen)不足兩(liang)千字,卻將讀(du)書之(zhi)功用、讀(du)書之(zhi)方(fang)法(fa)及讀(du)書與性格之(zhi)關系(xi)一一道來,且(qie)句句有理,實為言簡意賅之(zhi)典范。”
天(tian)津(jin)外(wai)國語(yu)大(da)學教授馬鐘(zhong)元(yuan)《每天(tian)讀(du)(du)(du)點(dian)英文(wen)(wen)(wen)英美(mei)文(wen)(wen)(wen)化常(chang)識全集 超值白金(jin)版》:“《論(lun)讀(du)(du)(du)書》是(shi)弗朗(lang)西斯·培(pei)根的(de)(de)《散文(wen)(wen)(wen)集》中的(de)(de)一(yi)篇(pian),其(qi)(qi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)風以簡潔、緊湊和有(you)力而著(zhu)稱。其(qi)(qi)中,《論(lun)讀(du)(du)(du)書》是(shi)最膾(kuai)炙人口的(de)(de)一(yi)篇(pian)。在文(wen)(wen)(wen)中,培(pei)根分(fen)析了(le)讀(du)(du)(du)書的(de)(de)主要目的(de)(de)、讀(du)(du)(du)書所應采(cai)用的(de)(de)不同方式(shi)以及(ji)讀(du)(du)(du)書對(dui)人的(de)(de)性格(ge)的(de)(de)影響。文(wen)(wen)(wen)章最精彩的(de)(de)地方不僅在于其(qi)(qi)論(lun)據具(ju)有(you)說服(fu)力,而且在于遣(qian)詞造句、句型(xing)和結構的(de)(de)優(you)美(mei)。……總(zong)之(zhi),本文(wen)(wen)(wen)中運用了(le)許多寫(xie)作技巧。整體行文(wen)(wen)(wen)語(yu)句優(you)美(mei),用詞準確,令人信(xin)服(fu)。《論(lun)讀(du)(du)(du)書》是(shi)一(yi)篇(pian)優(you)美(mei)散文(wen)(wen)(wen)中的(de)(de)典(dian)范,值得(de)仔細咀嚼。”