On the Art of Writing · Chapter
Lecture VII: Some Principles Reaffirmed explained
The lecturer begins with a footnote defending his characterization of the Authorised Version as a 'miracle,' clarifying he meant no claim of plenary inspiration and acknowledging its occasional nonsense.
What happens
The lecturer begins with a footnote defending his characterization of the Authorised Version as a 'miracle,' clarifying he meant no claim of plenary inspiration and acknowledging its occasional nonsense. He reaffirms principles of appropriate, persuasive, and accurate writing, emphasizing that style cannot be separated from the man. He explores the interplay of vowel sounds in English prose and poetry as a key to beautiful writing, citing examples from the Bible and W.B. Yeats. He concludes with a passage from Newman on the power of speech and the personal nature of literature.
Themes in this chapter
Precision and Clarity
Reaffirmed as essential for accurate expression of thought; the lecturer criticizes vague writing and emphasizes chiseling out thought definitively.
Style and Personality
Stressed that style cannot be separated from the man; writing is inherently personal and reflects the writer's character and imagination.
Literature as a Living Art
Explored through the interplay of vowel sounds in English prose and poetry, demonstrating the artistic craftsmanship underlying beautiful writing.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The lecturer delivering the address, reflecting on previous lectures and reaffirming principles of writing.
- Cardinal Newman
Quoted for his definition of a gentleman and a passage on the power of speech.
- Shakespeare
Cited as an example of genius who occasionally wrote nonsense, with reference to Ben Jonson's criticism.
- Ben Jonson
Quoted for his remark that Shakespeare never blotted a line and should have blotted a thousand.
- Matthew Arnold
Referenced for his imagined challenge to Shakespeare over weak passages.
- Wordsworth
Mentioned in a simile comparing the lecturer's pleasure to Wordsworth's Kitten with falling leaves.
Key passages
“He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments, or insinuates evil which he dare not say out.”
A gentleman in debate avoids pettiness, unfairness, personal attacks, and insinuations, focusing instead on reasoned argument.
Newman's definition of a gentleman is used to illustrate the ideal of persuasive and courteous writing.
“The Man of Science appears to be the only man who has something to say, just now—and the only man who does not know how to say it.”
Scientists have valuable knowledge but often lack the skill to communicate it clearly.
Sir James Barrie's observation underscores the need for precision in writing even for specialists.
“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made; Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee, And live alone in a bee-loud glade.”
The speaker plans to leave for Innisfree to build a simple cabin and live a solitary life surrounded by nature.
Yeats's poem is analyzed for its vowel play, demonstrating the musicality of English verse.