《論(lun)讀書》是文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)藝復興時期英國哲(zhe)學家(jia)、散文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)家(jia)弗朗(lang)西(xi)斯·培(pei)根(gen)創作的(de)一(yi)篇論(lun)說(shuo)散文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)。全文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)雖短卻字(zi)(zi)字(zi)(zi)珠璣。這(zhe)篇文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)章(zhang)不(bu)僅在用(yong)(yong)詞方面多采用(yong)(yong)莊重典(dian)雅的(de)古語詞、大詞，著重體現(xian)(xian)(xian)作者的(de)冷靜、理性，語言(yan)富有卓見，蘊(yun)含哲(zhe)理，而且句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)子(zi)富有節奏感，讀來朗(lang)朗(lang)上口。句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)式多采用(yong)(yong)并列式，體現(xian)(xian)(xian)語言(yan)及語義的(de)平衡美。培(pei)根(gen)善用(yong)(yong)排比(bi)和比(bi)喻，深入淺出地說(shuo)明(ming)道理。文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中(zhong)格言(yan)警句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)層(ceng)出不(bu)窮，除連結(jie)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)外，幾乎句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是警句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)，言(yan)簡意賅，很有說(shuo)服(fu)力。這(zhe)些論(lun)說(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)的(de)特色在原文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)中(zhong)體現(xian)(xian)(xian)得非常明(ming)顯，堪稱論(lun)說(shuo)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)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。
②disposition：n.處(chu)置。
③marshalling：n.處理。
④sloth：n.懶(lan)惰。
⑤pruning：n.修(xiu)剪；剪枝。
⑥confute：vt.駁斥，駁倒。
⑦flashy things：索(suo)然無味(wei)的東西。
⑧conference：n.談話，會談。
⑨contend：vt & vi. 辯論。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores：拉丁文，學問塑造氣質（Studies influence manners）。
?cymini sectores：善于區分細節的人（splitters of hairs）。
?receipt：n.處方。
論讀書
讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)足(zu)以(yi)怡情，足(zu)以(yi)博才(cai)(cai)，足(zu)以(yi)長(chang)(chang)才(cai)(cai)。其(qi)怡情也(ye)，最(zui)(zui)見(jian)于(yu)獨處(chu)(chu)幽居之(zhi)(zhi)時(shi)；其(qi)博才(cai)(cai)也(ye)，最(zui)(zui)見(jian)于(yu)高談闊(kuo)論之(zhi)(zhi)中；其(qi)長(chang)(chang)才(cai)(cai)也(ye)，最(zui)(zui)見(jian)于(yu)處(chu)(chu)世(shi)判事(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)際。練(lian)達(da)之(zhi)(zhi)士雖(sui)能(neng)分別處(chu)(chu)理細事(shi)(shi)或一(yi)一(yi)判別枝節，然(ran)(ran)縱觀統(tong)籌、全局策劃，則舍好學深思者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)莫(mo)屬。讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)費時(shi)過多易惰(duo)，文(wen)采藻(zao)飾太盛則矯，全憑條文(wen)斷事(shi)(shi)乃學究(jiu)故態(tai)。讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)補天然(ran)(ran)之(zhi)(zhi)不足(zu)，經(jing)(jing)驗又補讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)不足(zu)，蓋(gai)天生才(cai)(cai)干猶如(ru)自然(ran)(ran)花(hua)草，讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)然(ran)(ran)后知(zhi)(zhi)如(ru)何修剪移接；而(er)(er)書(shu)(shu)(shu)中所(suo)示，如(ru)不以(yi)經(jing)(jing)驗范之(zhi)(zhi)，則又大(da)而(er)(er)無當。有(you)一(yi)技之(zhi)(zhi)長(chang)(chang)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)，無知(zhi)(zhi)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)羨讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)，唯明智之(zhi)(zhi)士用讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)，然(ran)(ran)書(shu)(shu)(shu)并不以(yi)用處(chu)(chu)告人，用書(shu)(shu)(shu)之(zhi)(zhi)智不在書(shu)(shu)(shu)中，而(er)(er)在書(shu)(shu)(shu)外，全憑觀察得之(zhi)(zhi)。讀(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)(shu)時(shi)不可(ke)(ke)存心詰難作(zuo)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)，不可(ke)(ke)盡信(xin)書(shu)(shu)(shu)上所(suo)言，亦不可(ke)(ke)只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)為尋章摘句，而(er)(er)應(ying)推敲細思。書(shu)(shu)(shu)有(you)可(ke)(ke)淺嘗者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)，有(you)可(ke)(ke)吞食者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)，少(shao)數則須(xu)咀嚼消化。換言之(zhi)(zhi)，有(you)只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)須(xu)讀(du)(du)(du)其(qi)部分者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)，有(you)只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)須(xu)大(da)體涉獵者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)，少(shao)數則須(xu)全讀(du)(du)(du)，讀(du)(du)(du)時(shi)須(xu)全神貫注，孜(zi)孜(zi)不倦。書(shu)(shu)(shu)亦可(ke)(ke)請人代(dai)讀(du)(du)(du)，取其(qi)所(suo)作(zuo)摘要，但只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)限題材較次或價值不高者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)，否(fou)則書(shu)(shu)(shu)經(jing)(jing)提(ti)煉猶如(ru)水經(jing)(jing)蒸餾、淡而(er)(er)無味矣。
讀(du)書使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)充實，討(tao)論(lun)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)機智，筆記使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)準確(que)。因此不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)常(chang)作筆記者須(xu)記憶特強，不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)常(chang)討(tao)論(lun)者須(xu)天生聰(cong)穎(ying)，不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)常(chang)讀(du)書者須(xu)欺世(shi)有(you)術，始(shi)能(neng)無知而顯有(you)知。讀(du)史使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)明(ming)智，讀(du)詩(shi)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)靈秀，數學(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)周密，科(ke)學(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)深刻，倫理學(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)莊重(zhong)，邏輯修辭之(zhi)(zhi)學(xue)使(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)善(shan)辯：凡(fan)有(you)所學(xue)，皆成(cheng)性格(ge)。人(ren)之(zhi)(zhi)才智但有(you)滯礙，無不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)可(ke)讀(du)適當之(zhi)(zhi)書使(shi)(shi)(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)順(shun)暢(chang)，一如(ru)身(shen)體(ti)百病，皆可(ke)借(jie)相(xiang)宜之(zhi)(zhi)運動除(chu)之(zhi)(zhi)。滾(gun)球利睪腎，射箭利胸肺，慢步(bu)利腸胃，騎術利頭腦(nao)，諸如(ru)此類。如(ru)智力不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)集中(zhong)，可(ke)令(ling)(ling)讀(du)數學(xue)，蓋(gai)演題須(xu)全神(shen)貫注，稍有(you)分(fen)散即須(xu)重(zhong)演；如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)能(neng)辨異，可(ke)令(ling)(ling)讀(du)經院(yuan)哲(zhe)學(xue)，蓋(gai)是輩皆吹毛求疵之(zhi)(zhi)人(ren)；如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)善(shan)求同，不(bu)(bu)(bu)(bu)善(shan)以一物(wu)闡證另(ling)一物(wu)，可(ke)令(ling)(ling)讀(du)律師(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)案卷(juan)。如(ru)此頭腦(nao)中(zhong)凡(fan)有(you)缺陷，皆有(you)特藥(yao)可(ke)醫。
（王佐良譯）
文(wen)藝復興時期(qi)，人(ren)文(wen)主義(yi)者關心(xin)人(ren)本(ben)身，把完(wan)美的(de)人(ren)作為自己的(de)理想(xiang)。為救治與教化有弱點與弊病的(de)凡人(ren)，當(dang)時的(de)文(wen)章(zhang)常帶有教誨目的(de)。《論讀(du)書》就(jiu)是在這(zhe)樣的(de)歷史(shi)背景下創作的(de)，是《培根隨筆》中的(de)一篇(pian)重要的(de)文(wen)章(zhang)，發表于1653年。
弗朗西斯·培(pei)根（Francis Bacon，1561年(nian)(nian)(nian)1月22日—1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)4月9日），第一代(dai)(dai)圣(sheng)阿(a)爾本子(zi)爵（1st Viscount St Alban），英國(guo)文藝復(fu)(fu)興(xing)時期散文家、哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家。英國(guo)唯物主義哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家，實(shi)驗科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)創始人，是近(jin)代(dai)(dai)歸(gui)納法(fa)的(de)(de)(de)(de)創始人，又是給科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)研究程(cheng)序(xu)進行邏輯組織(zhi)化的(de)(de)(de)(de)先驅。培(pei)根12歲(sui)入劍橋大(da)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)，后(hou)擔任女王特別法(fa)律(lv)顧(gu)問以及朝廷(ting)的(de)(de)(de)(de)首席(xi)檢察官、掌(zhang)璽大(da)臣等。晚年(nian)(nian)(nian)，受宮(gong)廷(ting)陰謀逐出宮(gong)廷(ting)，脫離政治(zhi)生(sheng)涯，專心從事學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)術研究和著述活動(dong)，寫成了一批在(zai)(zai)近(jin)代(dai)(dai)文學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)思(si)想(xiang)史上具(ju)有重大(da)影響的(de)(de)(de)(de)著作，其中最重要的(de)(de)(de)(de)一部是《偉大(da)的(de)(de)(de)(de)復(fu)(fu)興(xing)新(xin)工(gong)具(ju)論》。另外，他(ta)以哲學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家的(de)(de)(de)(de)眼光，思(si)考了廣泛的(de)(de)(de)(de)人生(sheng)問題，寫出了許多形式短小、風格活潑的(de)(de)(de)(de)隨筆(bi)小品(pin)，集成《培(pei)根隨筆(bi)》。1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)3月底(di)，培(pei)根由于身體孱弱，在(zai)(zai)實(shi)驗中遭受風寒，支氣管炎復(fu)(fu)發，病情惡化。1626年(nian)(nian)(nian)4月9日清晨(chen)病逝。主要著作有《新(xin)工(gong)具(ju)》《論科學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)的(de)(de)(de)(de)增(zeng)進》以及《學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)術的(de)(de)(de)(de)偉大(da)復(fu)(fu)興(xing)》等。
《論讀書》這篇隨筆，文字干凈利落，多(duo)用古(gu)語(yu)詞(ci)(ci)（archaism）和大詞(ci)(ci)（big words），語(yu)言顯得莊重(zhong)(zhong)、典雅，給人(ren)以厚(hou)重(zhong)(zhong)、正式的感覺。詞(ci)(ci)的運用幾乎未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙遜、客氣(qi)、模棱兩可的詞(ci)(ci)。
文(wen)中(zhong)用到的(de)文(wen)言(yan)詞(ci)有：marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這(zhe)些詞(ci)的(de)使用就像古漢語中(zhong)“之”、“乎(hu)”、“者”、“也”詞(ci)匯(hui)的(de)使用一(yi)樣，給人(ren)一(yi)種古老、厚重的(de)感覺(jue)。
文中(zhong)還用(yong)(yong)到一些現(xian)代英語詞的古用(yong)(yong)法(fa)(fa)形(xing)式。其(qi)中(zhong)很(hen)多詞今天已經(jing)不(bu)再具備它原有的語法(fa)(fa)和語義功能。它們和中(zhong)國的文言文一樣具有特(te)定歷(li)史時期的語言色(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)中還(huan)有兩處使用了拉丁語，這是作者(zhe)的偏好(hao)，認(ren)為(wei)拉丁語能流傳長久，能給文(wen)章增(zeng)添古色古香(xiang)的味道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一(yi)句(ju)，培根(gen)在Advancement of Leaning 一(yi)文(wen)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(xin)學問者(zhe)，性格也受陶冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters，即“過分講(jiang)究細節的人(ren)”。
文(wen)中(zhong)還用到一(yi)些大詞(ci)，例如：ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations，等(deng)等(deng)。這些詞(ci)給人一(yi)種高雅、莊嚴的色(se)彩感覺，適(shi)于嚴肅、正式的場合。
并列句
《論讀書》這篇文(wen)(wen)章(zhang)(zhang)句(ju)式單(dan)一(yi)，19個句(ju)子就有12個句(ju)子采用了并(bing)列結構，體現了語言的平衡美(mei)。這樣的文(wen)(wen)章(zhang)(zhang)樸實大(da)方，讀起來毫無(wu)矯揉造作(zuo)(zuo)之感(gan)。盡管如此(ci)，作(zuo)(zuo)者還是(shi)十分注意(yi)長、短句(ju)的交替(ti)使用，以(yi)避免整齊(qi)劃一(yi)的句(ju)式顯得單(dan)調乏味，從而使行文(wen)(wen)更富節奏感(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(hao)連結(jie)起(qi)來的(de)一(yi)個并列句(ju)。第(di)一(yi)個分號(hao)之后各句(ju)承前(qian)省略了make men。這樣的(de)句(ju)子排(pai)(pai)列整齊，表(biao)意鮮明(ming)。并列的(de)部分都省略前(qian)面相同的(de)成分，重點突(tu)出，使讀者一(yi)目了然，給人以清(qing)晰明(ming)快的(de)感覺(jue)。而且平衡的(de)句(ju)式(shi)形成排(pai)(pai)比風格(ge)，猶如(ru)排(pai)(pai)山倒海之勢，頗具說服(fu)力。
“關于(yu)make的(de)(de)(de)用(yong)法，培根在此篇文章中(zhong)(zhong)采(cai)用(yong)兩種用(yong)法，一是(shi)帶賓(bin)(bin)補的(de)(de)(de)用(yong)法，即這一句(ju)中(zhong)(zhong)：histories make men wise；另一種是(shi)帶賓(bin)(bin)語(yu)的(de)(de)(de)用(yong)法，如：reading maketh a full man，作者用(yong)make和(he)maketh加以區別(bie)make所(suo)帶的(de)(de)(de)不同結(jie)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.
這一并列句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)同于上一句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)，這句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)(de)(de)并列關系是(shi)(shi)由連(lian)詞and，but連(lian)接(jie)起(qi)來的(de)(de)(de)。每一個分句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)如上句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)那么短(duan)促、明快(kuai)，而是(shi)(shi)多(duo)一些(xie)推理和描述性的(de)(de)(de)語言，這主要是(shi)(shi)因為此句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中作者旨在分析讀書(shu)給(gei)(gei)人的(de)(de)(de)益處，分析那些(xie)有經(jing)驗的(de)(de)(de)“練達之(zhi)士雖然(ran)(ran)能(neng)處理細事(shi)，一一判別枝節，然(ran)(ran)縱觀統籌，全局(ju)策劃，則非好學深思多(duo)讀書(shu)之(zhi)人莫屬(shu)”（王佐良譯）。這是(shi)(shi)短(duan)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和長句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)給(gei)(gei)人的(de)(de)(de)不(bu)同感覺。短(duan)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)，短(duan)小利落，給(gei)(gei)人以確信、勿(wu)庸置(zhi)疑的(de)(de)(de)味道，多(duo)使(shi)人受(shou)教；而長句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)，尤(you)其由連(lian)詞連(lian)接(jie)的(de)(de)(de)長句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)，語氣(qi)連(lian)貫、舒緩(huan)，善于推理、論述，在陳(chen)述和分析中給(gei)(gei)人以啟迪和思考的(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(sheng)略了(le)表語 is，全句結構緊湊(cou)、表意突出，具有(you)言簡意賅的強烈效果。三個(ge)否(fou)定(ding)詞not，nor，nor的使用(yong)把“讀書不(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)為(wei)(wei)了(le)要(yao)辯駁(bo)，不(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)要(yao)盲目信從，不(bu)(bu)(bu)是(shi)要(yao)尋找談資(zi)”排列(lie)得緊湊(cou)整齊，強烈地表達了(le)作者否(fou)定(ding)的語氣(qi)和不(bu)(bu)(bu)贊(zan)成的態度。最后以一(yi)個(ge)轉折詞but連接收尾，簡潔有(you)力(li)，語氣(qi)上由否(fou)定(ding)轉向肯定(ding)，給(gei)(gei)人一(yi)種義正(zheng)詞嚴、豁然開朗的感受。由“不(bu)(bu)(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)(bu)(bu)要(yao)”、“不(bu)(bu)(bu)要(yao)”轉為(wei)(wei)“而要(yao)權衡和思(si)考”，給(gei)(gei)人留下深刻(ke)的印(yin)象，很有(you)說服力(li)。
復合句
復合句(ju)的(de)(de)使用有并列句(ju)所(suo)不及(ji)的(de)(de)文體功能，即善于(yu)(yu)表現事物間(jian)的(de)(de)種種復雜關系，“在復合句(ju)中，主(zhu)句(ju)結構(gou)獨立，從句(ju)依(yi)附于(yu)(yu)主(zhu)句(ju)；從句(ju)所(suo)表達的(de)(de)概念是對(dui)主(zhu)句(ju)意義的(de)(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(zhe)一句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)后(hou)帶有一個由連詞for引(yin)導的(de)原因(yin)狀語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)，從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中有主句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)、由that引(yin)導的(de)定語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和由except引(yin)導的(de)條件從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)。原因(yin)狀語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)用來解釋讀書(shu)和經(jing)驗(yan)的(de)互(hu)補關系；定語(yu)從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是補充(chong)說明“天生的(de)才干猶如(ru)(ru)天然花木，須靠讀書(shu)修剪枝(zhi)葉”。條件從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)是用來限制“讀書(shu)如(ru)(ru)不以經(jing)驗(yan)范之(zhi)，則又(you)大而無當”（王(wang)佐良譯(yi)）。語(yu)義雖(sui)然冗繁(fan)復雜(za)，但使用不同從(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)的(de)關系連詞來引(yin)導，則又(you)顯得(de)條理十分清(qing)楚。這(zhe)是并列句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)乃至其他句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)式所不能比擬的(de)文體功能優勢。
排比
排(pai)比就是把結構相同、意氣(qi)并重、語氣(qi)一致的詞組或句子排(pai)列成串，形(xing)成一個整體。《論讀書》中(zhong)這(zhe)樣的結構隨處可見，而(er)且(qie)作(zuo)者運用得當，很(hen)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(san)個同樣的不(bu)定(ding)式結構語(yu)氣一致，分析褥(ru)淋(lin)漓盡致、準確生動(dong)。這(zhe)種排(pai)比結構用來說明(ming)和(he)定(ding)論，不(bu)僅結構嚴謹整齊，而(er)且文章(zhang)的節奏也勻稱悅耳(er)，大大提高(gao)了(le)語(yu)言的表現力。
優美(mei)的(de)散文之所以能給(gei)人們(men)的(de)聽(ting)覺帶來美(mei)的(de)享受，在(zai)很(hen)大(da)程度上應(ying)歸(gui)功于其(qi)優美(mei)的(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)。散文的(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)雖不像詩的(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)那樣(yang)有固(gu)定的(de)模式和(he)規律，但(dan)作(zuo)家(jia)總是注(zhu)意選擇某(mou)種節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)，使節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)成為(wei)烘托語義的(de)一種表達(da)手(shou)段；而文學批評(ping)家(jia)則總是把節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)看作(zuo)“文體風格的(de)組成部分（anintegral part of the style）”。S.H. Burton在(zai)《The Criticism ofProse》一書中指出：早期英(ying)語散文的(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)多是靠排比結構予以實現的(de)。在(zai)《論讀書》這篇散文中，培根就十(shi)分注(zhu)重使用排比結構來實現節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)(zou)美(mei)，還注(zhu)意交替(ti)使用并列句(ju)和(he)復合句(ju)來體現節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(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(xing)(xing)象的(de)(de)比(bi)喻深入淺(qian)出地說(shuo)(shuo)明一個(ge)道理，因而文中(zhong)充滿了諸如taste, swallow, chew, digest等比(bi)喻。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”，是(shi)說(shuo)(shuo)天生的(de)(de)才干(gan)需要(yao)知(zhi)識來磨練就像草木需要(yao)修(xiu)枝(zhi)剪葉(xie)一樣；“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”，是(shi)說(shuo)(shuo)讀(du)(du)書(shu)猶如吃食物，“有(you)的(de)(de)書(shu)淺(qian)嘗即可(ke)，有(you)的(de)(de)書(shu)可(ke)以狼(lang)吞虎咽(yan)，少數則須咀嚼(jiao)消化”（王(wang)(wang)楫(ji) 譯(yi)）。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”，這(zhe)一句是(shi)說(shuo)(shuo)“書(shu)經提煉猶如水(shui)經蒸餾，淡而無味矣”（王(wang)(wang)佐良譯(yi)）。這(zhe)些深刻(ke)的(de)(de)讀(du)(du)書(shu)之(zhi)道，若不是(shi)用這(zhe)么(me)形(xing)(xing)象的(de)(de)比(bi)喻，很(hen)難達到這(zhe)么(me)通(tong)俗易懂的(de)(de)效果(guo)，形(xing)(xing)象的(de)(de)比(bi)喻用得恰到好處，令人信服。
《論讀(du)書》全文(wen)(wen)沒有分段，一(yi)氣呵成。文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)短(duan)句多，并列句多，標點多。像(xiang)培根這樣(yang)的(de)文(wen)(wen)風在當時被稱(cheng)為“松(song)散、自(zi)由(you)的(de)風格（loose and free style）”（1987: 340）。文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)不大使用復(fu)合結(jie)構，并列句中(zhong)各(ge)個(ge)意(yi)思都處于(yu)平等(deng)的(de)地位，一(yi)個(ge)接一(yi)個(ge)說下去，逐(zhu)步(bu)深入。因此，并列連詞（and, but, for, nor 等(deng)）遠遠多于(yu)主從(cong)連詞（as, smce, because等(deng)）。“這類文(wen)(wen)章，雖(sui)則(ze)是松(song)散自(zi)由(you)的(de)，它還(huan)是很講究修辭”，排(pai)比(bi)和比(bi)喻隨處可見。
全(quan)篇文章(zhang)旨在強調讀(du)書的(de)(de)(de)功(gong)效(xiao)，作者相(xiang)信(xin)(xin)人(ren)(ren)(ren)們頭腦(nao)中一(yi)切病端(duan)都有(you)辦法救治(zhi)，而讀(du)書就是一(yi)劑萬能的(de)(de)(de)良藥。這種對人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)(de)自我完善的(de)(de)(de)渴求及(ji)確信(xin)(xin)必達目的(de)(de)(de)之抱負(fu)，反(fan)映(ying)了文藝(yi)復興時代崇尚理性、相(xiang)信(xin)(xin)人(ren)(ren)(ren)的(de)(de)(de)力量和人(ren)(ren)(ren)具有(you)無限(xian)潛力的(de)(de)(de)“人(ren)(ren)(ren)文主(zhu)義精神”。
為反映作(zuo)者的(de)冷靜、理性和自信的(de)態(tai)度(du)，文章(zhang)也采用簡(jian)潔這一風格。“簡(jian)潔就是言簡(jian)意賅。文章(zhang)沒(mei)有(you)多余(yu)的(de)詞，沒(mei)有(you)多余(yu)的(de)句，但內容(rong)又很(hen)豐富(fu)，含義也很(hen)深刻(ke)。”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(gan)凈利落，讓人聽來仿佛(fo)覺得作者在述說一條(tiao)千真萬(wan)確的(de)真理(li)，語(yu)氣(qi)肯(ken)定，絲毫(hao)未表(biao)現謙遜、遲疑和(he)含混(hun)的(de)語(yu)氣(qi)。
天文學(xue)家、科普作家卞毓(yu)麟(lin)(lin)《恬淡悠閱——卞毓(yu)麟(lin)(lin)書事選錄》：“英國思想家、哲學(xue)家、實驗科學(xue)的先驅者(zhe)弗朗西斯·培根的一篇Of Studies，400年來引得世上多少讀者(zhe)競折腰(yao)。數十年前(qian)讀王佐良先生的譯文（篇名譯為《談讀書》），唯覺詞(ci)清句(ju)麗，妙不可言。……”
上海師(shi)范大學(xue)人文與傳播學(xue)院教授劉文榮《經典(dian)(dian)作家談書(shu)(shu)與讀(du)書(shu)(shu)》：“全文不足(zu)兩(liang)千字，卻將讀(du)書(shu)(shu)之功用、讀(du)書(shu)(shu)之方法及讀(du)書(shu)(shu)與性(xing)格之關系一一道來，且句句有理，實(shi)為言簡意賅(gai)之典(dian)(dian)范。”
天(tian)津外國語大學教授馬鐘元《每天(tian)讀(du)(du)(du)(du)點(dian)英文(wen)英美(mei)文(wen)化(hua)常識全集(ji) 超值白金版》：“《論讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)》是弗朗西斯·培根(gen)的(de)(de)(de)《散文(wen)集(ji)》中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)篇，其(qi)(qi)文(wen)風(feng)以(yi)簡潔、緊湊和(he)有(you)力而著稱。其(qi)(qi)中(zhong)，《論讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)》是最膾炙人口的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)篇。在(zai)文(wen)中(zhong)，培根(gen)分(fen)析了讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)的(de)(de)(de)主要(yao)目(mu)的(de)(de)(de)、讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)所應采(cai)用(yong)的(de)(de)(de)不(bu)同方式以(yi)及讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)對人的(de)(de)(de)性格(ge)的(de)(de)(de)影響。文(wen)章最精(jing)彩的(de)(de)(de)地方不(bu)僅在(zai)于其(qi)(qi)論據具有(you)說(shuo)服力，而且在(zai)于遣(qian)詞造句、句型和(he)結構的(de)(de)(de)優(you)(you)美(mei)。……總之，本(ben)文(wen)中(zhong)運(yun)用(yong)了許(xu)多寫作技巧(qiao)。整體(ti)行文(wen)語句優(you)(you)美(mei)，用(yong)詞準確，令(ling)人信服。《論讀(du)(du)(du)(du)書(shu)(shu)》是一(yi)篇優(you)(you)美(mei)散文(wen)中(zhong)的(de)(de)(de)典范，值得仔(zi)細咀嚼。”
知識小玲
】編輯(ji)上傳提供，詞條(tiao)屬于開放詞條(tiao)，當前頁面(mian)所(suo)展示的詞條(tiao)介紹涉及宣傳內(nei)容屬于注冊用戶個人編輯(ji)行為(wei)，與【論讀(du)書】的所(suo)屬企業/所(suo)有人/主體(ti)無關，網站(zhan)不(bu)完全保證內(nei)容信息的準確性、真實(shi)性，也不(bu)代表本站(zhan)立場。內(nei)容僅為(wei)介紹詞條(tiao)基本情(qing)況，本站(zhan)不(bu)提供觀看和下載，請(qing)支持正版！想要(yao)了解更多請(qing)到(dao)官方平臺。
買購網APP
手機版Maigoo
散文
散文集
辭賦
文言文
高考作文
文章
美詞美句
古詩詞
詩歌
趣味成語
故事
漢字
諺語
歇后語
