《論讀(du)(du)書》是文(wen)藝(yi)復興時期英國(guo)哲學家、散(san)文(wen)家弗朗西斯(si)·培(pei)根創(chuang)作的(de)(de)一(yi)篇(pian)論說散(san)文(wen)。全(quan)文(wen)雖短卻(que)字字珠璣。這篇(pian)文(wen)章(zhang)不僅在用詞(ci)方(fang)面多采(cai)用莊(zhuang)重(zhong)(zhong)典(dian)雅的(de)(de)古語詞(ci)、大詞(ci),著重(zhong)(zhong)體(ti)現作者的(de)(de)冷靜(jing)、理(li)性,語言(yan)(yan)富(fu)有卓見(jian),蘊含哲理(li),而且句(ju)(ju)(ju)子富(fu)有節奏感,讀(du)(du)來朗朗上口(kou)。句(ju)(ju)(ju)式(shi)多采(cai)用并列式(shi),體(ti)現語言(yan)(yan)及語義的(de)(de)平衡美。培(pei)根善用排比(bi)和(he)比(bi)喻,深入淺出(chu)地說明(ming)道理(li)。文(wen)中(zhong)格言(yan)(yan)警句(ju)(ju)(ju)層出(chu)不窮,除(chu)連結句(ju)(ju)(ju)外,幾乎句(ju)(ju)(ju)句(ju)(ju)(ju)是警句(ju)(ju)(ju),言(yan)(yan)簡意賅,很有說服力。這些論說文(wen)的(de)(de)特色在原文(wen)中(zhong)體(ti)現得非常明(ming)顯,堪稱論說文(wen)的(de)(de)典(dian)范(fan)。
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(shi);裝飾(shi)物。
②disposition:n.處置。
③marshalling:n.處理。
④sloth:n.懶惰。
⑤pruning:n.修剪;剪枝。
⑥confute:vt.駁斥,駁倒(dao)。
⑦flashy things:索(suo)然無味的東(dong)西。
⑧conference:n.談話,會談。
⑨contend:vt & vi. 辯論(lun)。
⑩Abeunt studia in mores:拉丁文(wen),學問塑造氣質(zhi)(Studies influence manners)。
?cymini sectores:善(shan)于區分細節(jie)的(de)人(splitters of hairs)。
?receipt:n.處(chu)方(fang)。
論讀書
讀書(shu)(shu)足(zu)以(yi)怡情,足(zu)以(yi)博才,足(zu)以(yi)長(chang)才。其怡情也(ye),最(zui)見于獨處(chu)幽居(ju)之時(shi)(shi)(shi);其博才也(ye),最(zui)見于高(gao)談闊(kuo)論之中;其長(chang)才也(ye),最(zui)見于處(chu)世判事之際(ji)。練(lian)達(da)之士雖能分別處(chu)理細事或一(yi)一(yi)判別枝節,然(ran)縱觀(guan)統籌、全局策劃,則(ze)(ze)(ze)舍(she)好(hao)學(xue)深思者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)莫屬。讀書(shu)(shu)費時(shi)(shi)(shi)過(guo)多(duo)易惰,文(wen)采藻飾太(tai)盛則(ze)(ze)(ze)矯,全憑(ping)條(tiao)文(wen)斷事乃學(xue)究故(gu)態。讀書(shu)(shu)補天然(ran)之不足(zu),經(jing)驗又(you)補讀書(shu)(shu)之不足(zu),蓋天生(sheng)才干猶如自然(ran)花草,讀書(shu)(shu)然(ran)后知(zhi)如何(he)修剪移接;而(er)書(shu)(shu)中所(suo)示(shi),如不以(yi)經(jing)驗范之,則(ze)(ze)(ze)又(you)大而(er)無當。有(you)(you)一(yi)技之長(chang)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)鄙讀書(shu)(shu),無知(zhi)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)羨讀書(shu)(shu),唯明智之士用讀書(shu)(shu),然(ran)書(shu)(shu)并(bing)不以(yi)用處(chu)告(gao)人,用書(shu)(shu)之智不在書(shu)(shu)中,而(er)在書(shu)(shu)外,全憑(ping)觀(guan)察得之。讀書(shu)(shu)時(shi)(shi)(shi)不可(ke)(ke)存心(xin)詰難作者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),不可(ke)(ke)盡信書(shu)(shu)上所(suo)言,亦不可(ke)(ke)只(zhi)為尋章(zhang)摘(zhai)句,而(er)應推敲細思。書(shu)(shu)有(you)(you)可(ke)(ke)淺嘗者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),有(you)(you)可(ke)(ke)吞食(shi)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),少數則(ze)(ze)(ze)須咀嚼消化(hua)。換言之,有(you)(you)只(zhi)須讀其部分者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),有(you)(you)只(zhi)須大體(ti)涉獵者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),少數則(ze)(ze)(ze)須全讀,讀時(shi)(shi)(shi)須全神(shen)貫注,孜孜不倦。書(shu)(shu)亦可(ke)(ke)請人代讀,取其所(suo)作摘(zhai)要(yao),但只(zhi)限題材(cai)較次或價值(zhi)不高(gao)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)(zhe),否(fou)則(ze)(ze)(ze)書(shu)(shu)經(jing)提煉猶如水經(jing)蒸餾、淡而(er)無味矣(yi)。
讀(du)書(shu)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)充實,討論使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)機智,筆記(ji)使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)準確。因此(ci)(ci)不(bu)(bu)(bu)常作(zuo)筆記(ji)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)須(xu)(xu)(xu)(xu)記(ji)憶特強,不(bu)(bu)(bu)常討論者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)須(xu)(xu)(xu)(xu)天生聰穎,不(bu)(bu)(bu)常讀(du)書(shu)者(zhe)(zhe)(zhe)須(xu)(xu)(xu)(xu)欺世有(you)術(shu),始能無知而顯有(you)知。讀(du)史使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)明(ming)智,讀(du)詩使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)靈秀,數學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)周密(mi),科(ke)學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)深刻,倫理學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)莊(zhuang)重(zhong),邏輯修辭之(zhi)學使(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)善辯:凡(fan)(fan)有(you)所學,皆(jie)成性格。人(ren)(ren)(ren)之(zhi)才(cai)智但有(you)滯礙,無不(bu)(bu)(bu)可讀(du)適(shi)當之(zhi)書(shu)使(shi)之(zhi)順暢,一如(ru)身(shen)體百病,皆(jie)可借相宜(yi)之(zhi)運動除之(zhi)。滾球利(li)睪腎(shen),射箭利(li)胸(xiong)肺,慢步利(li)腸(chang)胃,騎術(shu)利(li)頭腦,諸如(ru)此(ci)(ci)類(lei)。如(ru)智力不(bu)(bu)(bu)集中,可令讀(du)數學,蓋(gai)演(yan)題須(xu)(xu)(xu)(xu)全神貫注,稍(shao)有(you)分散(san)即須(xu)(xu)(xu)(xu)重(zhong)演(yan);如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)能辨異,可令讀(du)經院哲學,蓋(gai)是(shi)輩皆(jie)吹毛求疵(ci)之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)(ren);如(ru)不(bu)(bu)(bu)善求同(tong),不(bu)(bu)(bu)善以一物(wu)闡證另(ling)一物(wu),可令讀(du)律(lv)師之(zhi)案卷。如(ru)此(ci)(ci)頭腦中凡(fan)(fan)有(you)缺陷,皆(jie)有(you)特藥可醫。
(王佐良譯)
文(wen)(wen)藝復興時期(qi),人(ren)(ren)文(wen)(wen)主義者關心(xin)人(ren)(ren)本身,把完美的(de)(de)人(ren)(ren)作(zuo)為(wei)自己的(de)(de)理想。為(wei)救治(zhi)與教(jiao)化有弱點與弊(bi)病的(de)(de)凡人(ren)(ren),當時的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章常帶有教(jiao)誨目的(de)(de)。《論讀書》就是在這樣(yang)的(de)(de)歷史背(bei)景下創作(zuo)的(de)(de),是《培根隨筆》中的(de)(de)一篇重要的(de)(de)文(wen)(wen)章,發表于1653年。
弗朗(lang)西斯·培(pei)(pei)(pei)根(Francis Bacon,1561年1月(yue)22日—1626年4月(yue)9日),第一代(dai)圣阿爾本子(zi)爵(1st Viscount St Alban),英國文藝復興(xing)時期散文家、哲學(xue)(xue)家。英國唯(wei)物(wu)主義哲學(xue)(xue)家,實(shi)驗科學(xue)(xue)的(de)創(chuang)始人(ren),是(shi)(shi)近代(dai)歸(gui)納法的(de)創(chuang)始人(ren),又是(shi)(shi)給(gei)科學(xue)(xue)研究(jiu)程序進行邏輯組(zu)織化(hua)的(de)先驅(qu)。培(pei)(pei)(pei)根12歲入劍橋大學(xue)(xue),后擔任女王特(te)別法律顧問以(yi)及朝(chao)廷(ting)的(de)首席檢察官、掌璽(xi)大臣(chen)等。晚(wan)年,受宮廷(ting)陰謀逐出(chu)宮廷(ting),脫離政治生(sheng)涯,專(zhuan)心從(cong)事學(xue)(xue)術研究(jiu)和著(zhu)述(shu)活動,寫(xie)成(cheng)了一批在近代(dai)文學(xue)(xue)思(si)想(xiang)史上具有重(zhong)大影響的(de)著(zhu)作,其中最重(zhong)要的(de)一部是(shi)(shi)《偉大的(de)復興(xing)新工具論》。另外,他以(yi)哲學(xue)(xue)家的(de)眼光,思(si)考了廣泛的(de)人(ren)生(sheng)問題,寫(xie)出(chu)了許多形式短小、風格活潑(po)的(de)隨筆小品,集成(cheng)《培(pei)(pei)(pei)根隨筆》。1626年3月(yue)底(di),培(pei)(pei)(pei)根由于身體(ti)孱弱,在實(shi)驗中遭受風寒,支氣管炎(yan)復發,病情惡化(hua)。1626年4月(yue)9日清晨病逝。主要著(zhu)作有《新工具》《論科學(xue)(xue)的(de)增進》以(yi)及《學(xue)(xue)術的(de)偉大復興(xing)》等。
《論讀(du)書(shu)》這篇隨筆,文字干凈利(li)落(luo),多用(yong)古(gu)語詞(archaism)和大詞(big words),語言顯得莊(zhuang)重(zhong)、典雅,給人以厚重(zhong)、正式的感覺。詞的運用(yong)幾(ji)乎未選possibly, perhaps, probably, inmy opinion 等謙(qian)遜、客氣、模棱兩可的詞。
文中(zhong)用(yong)到的(de)文言詞有(you):marshalling, humour, maketh, doth, stond, discourse。這些詞的(de)使用(yong)就像古漢語中(zhong)“之”、“乎”、“者”、“也”詞匯的(de)使用(yong)一(yi)樣,給(gei)人一(yi)種古老、厚重的(de)感(gan)覺。
文中還用到一(yi)(yi)些現(xian)代英語詞的古用法形式。其中很多詞今天已(yi)經不再具備(bei)它原(yuan)有的語法和語義功能。它們和中國的文言文一(yi)(yi)樣具有特定歷(li)史時期的語言色彩。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。
文中還有(you)兩(liang)處使用了拉丁語(yu),這是作者(zhe)的(de)偏(pian)好,認為拉丁語(yu)能流傳長(chang)久,能給文章增(zeng)添(tian)古色古香的(de)味道。“Abeunt studia in mores”一(yi)句,培根在(zai)Advancement of Leaning 一(yi)文中的(de)解釋為:“studieshave an influence upon the manners of those that are conversant in them”,意為:“專(zhuan)心(xin)學問者(zhe),性格也受陶冶。”Cymini sectores = hair-splitters,即(ji)“過分講究細(xi)節的(de)人”。
文中(zhong)還用(yong)到一些大(da)詞,例(li)如:ornament, disposition, contradict, confute, attention, extracts, conference, cunmng, impediment, demonstrations,等等。這(zhe)些詞給人一種(zhong)高(gao)雅(ya)、莊嚴(yan)的(de)色彩感覺,適于嚴(yan)肅、正式的(de)場合(he)。
并列句
《論讀書(shu)》這篇文章句式單一,19個(ge)句子就有(you)12個(ge)句子采用(yong)了(le)并(bing)列結(jie)構,體現了(le)語言(yan)的(de)平衡(heng)美(mei)。這樣的(de)文章樸實大方,讀起來毫無矯揉造(zao)作(zuo)之(zhi)感(gan)。盡管(guan)如(ru)此,作(zuo)者還是(shi)十分注意(yi)長、短句的(de)交(jiao)替使用(yong),以避(bi)免整(zheng)齊(qi)劃一的(de)句式顯(xian)得單調乏味(wei),從而使行文更富節奏感(gan)。例如(ru):
Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to content.
這(zhe)是由分號(hao)連結起來的(de)一個并列(lie)(lie)句(ju)。第一個分號(hao)之后各句(ju)承前(qian)省略(lve)了make men。這(zhe)樣的(de)句(ju)子排列(lie)(lie)整齊,表(biao)意鮮明。并列(lie)(lie)的(de)部分都省略(lve)前(qian)面相同的(de)成分,重點突出,使讀者一目(mu)了然(ran),給人以清晰明快(kuai)的(de)感(gan)覺。而且平衡的(de)句(ju)式形成排比風格,猶如(ru)排山倒海之勢,頗具說服力。
“關于make的(de)(de)用(yong)法,培根在此(ci)篇文章(zhang)中采用(yong)兩種(zhong)用(yong)法,一是帶(dai)賓補的(de)(de)用(yong)法,即這一句中:histories make men wise;另一種(zhong)是帶(dai)賓語的(de)(de)用(yong)法,如:reading maketh a full man,作者用(yong)make和maketh加以區別make所帶(dai)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(zhe)(zhe)一并(bing)(bing)列(lie)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)同(tong)于上一句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),這(zhe)(zhe)句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)并(bing)(bing)列(lie)關系是(shi)由(you)連詞(ci)and,but連接(jie)起來的(de)。每一個(ge)分句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)不(bu)如上句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)那么短促、明快,而是(shi)多一些推理(li)和(he)描述性的(de)語言,這(zhe)(zhe)主要是(shi)因為此句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)中作者旨在(zai)分析讀書(shu)給人(ren)(ren)的(de)益處(chu),分析那些有經(jing)驗的(de)“練達之(zhi)士雖然能處(chu)理(li)細事,一一判(pan)別枝節,然縱觀統籌(chou),全局策劃(hua),則非好學深(shen)思(si)多讀書(shu)之(zhi)人(ren)(ren)莫屬(shu)”(王(wang)佐良譯)。這(zhe)(zhe)是(shi)短句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)和(he)長句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju)給人(ren)(ren)的(de)不(bu)同(tong)感(gan)覺。短句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),短小(xiao)利落,給人(ren)(ren)以確(que)信、勿庸(yong)置疑的(de)味道,多使人(ren)(ren)受(shou)教;而長句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),尤其由(you)連詞(ci)連接(jie)的(de)長句(ju)(ju)(ju)(ju),語氣(qi)連貫、舒緩,善于推理(li)、論述,在(zai)陳述和(he)分析中給人(ren)(ren)以啟迪和(he)思(si)考的(de)空間(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.
這一句省(sheng)略了(le)表語(yu) is,全句結構緊(jin)湊、表意突出,具有言(yan)簡(jian)意賅的(de)(de)(de)(de)強烈效果(guo)。三個(ge)否(fou)(fou)定詞(ci)not,nor,nor的(de)(de)(de)(de)使用把(ba)“讀(du)書不(bu)是(shi)為了(le)要(yao)(yao)(yao)辯駁,不(bu)是(shi)要(yao)(yao)(yao)盲目信從(cong),不(bu)是(shi)要(yao)(yao)(yao)尋找談(tan)資”排列得緊(jin)湊整(zheng)齊,強烈地表達了(le)作者(zhe)否(fou)(fou)定的(de)(de)(de)(de)語(yu)氣和(he)(he)不(bu)贊成的(de)(de)(de)(de)態度。最后以一個(ge)轉折詞(ci)but連(lian)接收尾,簡(jian)潔有力,語(yu)氣上由否(fou)(fou)定轉向肯定,給(gei)人一種(zhong)義正詞(ci)嚴、豁然開朗的(de)(de)(de)(de)感受。由“不(bu)要(yao)(yao)(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)(yao)(yao)”、“不(bu)要(yao)(yao)(yao)”轉為“而要(yao)(yao)(yao)權衡和(he)(he)思考”,給(gei)人留下深(shen)刻的(de)(de)(de)(de)印象,很有說服力。
復合句
復(fu)合(he)句(ju)(ju)的使用(yong)有并列句(ju)(ju)所(suo)(suo)不及的文(wen)體功能,即善于表現事物間的種種復(fu)雜關(guan)系,“在復(fu)合(he)句(ju)(ju)中,主(zhu)句(ju)(ju)結構獨立,從句(ju)(ju)依附于主(zhu)句(ju)(ju);從句(ju)(ju)所(suo)(suo)表達的概念是對主(zhu)句(ju)(ju)意義的補充、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.
這一句(ju)(ju)(ju)中的(de)主(zhu)句(ju)(ju)(ju)后帶(dai)有一個(ge)由(you)連(lian)詞(ci)for引(yin)(yin)導(dao)(dao)的(de)原因(yin)(yin)狀(zhuang)語從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju),從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)中有主(zhu)句(ju)(ju)(ju)、由(you)that引(yin)(yin)導(dao)(dao)的(de)定(ding)語從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)和(he)由(you)except引(yin)(yin)導(dao)(dao)的(de)條件(jian)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)。原因(yin)(yin)狀(zhuang)語從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)用(yong)來解釋讀書和(he)經驗的(de)互補(bu)關系;定(ding)語從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)是補(bu)充說明(ming)“天(tian)生(sheng)的(de)才(cai)干(gan)猶如天(tian)然花木,須靠(kao)讀書修剪(jian)枝葉”。條件(jian)從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)是用(yong)來限(xian)制“讀書如不(bu)(bu)以經驗范之(zhi),則又大而無當”(王佐(zuo)良(liang)譯)。語義(yi)雖然冗繁復雜,但使用(yong)不(bu)(bu)同從(cong)(cong)句(ju)(ju)(ju)的(de)關系連(lian)詞(ci)來引(yin)(yin)導(dao)(dao),則又顯得條理十分清楚。這是并列句(ju)(ju)(ju)乃至其他句(ju)(ju)(ju)式(shi)所不(bu)(bu)能(neng)比擬(ni)的(de)文體功能(neng)優勢。
排比
排(pai)比就是把結構(gou)相同、意(yi)氣(qi)并重(zhong)、語氣(qi)一致的詞組或句子排(pai)列成(cheng)串,形成(cheng)一個整體。《論讀(du)書(shu)》中這樣的結構(gou)隨處可見,而且作者運用得當,很(hen)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(ge)同樣的不(bu)定式(shi)結構語(yu)氣一(yi)致,分析褥淋漓(li)盡致、準確生(sheng)動。這(zhe)種排(pai)比結構用來說明(ming)和定論,不(bu)僅結構嚴(yan)謹整齊,而且(qie)文章的節奏(zou)也勻稱悅耳,大大提高了語(yu)言的表現力。
優(you)美的(de)(de)(de)散文(wen)之(zhi)所以能給人(ren)們(men)的(de)(de)(de)聽覺(jue)帶(dai)來(lai)(lai)(lai)美的(de)(de)(de)享(xiang)受,在(zai)(zai)(zai)很大程度(du)上應歸(gui)功(gong)于其優(you)美的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)。散文(wen)的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)雖(sui)不像詩的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)那(nei)樣有固定的(de)(de)(de)模(mo)式和(he)規律(lv),但作家(jia)總是(shi)注意選(xuan)擇(ze)某種(zhong)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou),使(shi)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)成(cheng)為烘(hong)托語義的(de)(de)(de)一(yi)種(zhong)表達手段;而文(wen)學批評家(jia)則(ze)總是(shi)把節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)看(kan)作“文(wen)體風格的(de)(de)(de)組(zu)成(cheng)部分(fen)(anintegral part of the style)”。S.H. Burton在(zai)(zai)(zai)《The Criticism ofProse》一(yi)書中(zhong)指出(chu):早期英(ying)語散文(wen)的(de)(de)(de)節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)多是(shi)靠排(pai)比結構予(yu)以實現的(de)(de)(de)。在(zai)(zai)(zai)《論(lun)讀(du)書》這(zhe)篇散文(wen)中(zhong),培根就十分(fen)注重使(shi)用排(pai)比結構來(lai)(lai)(lai)實現節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(zou)(zou)(zou)美,還注意交替使(shi)用并列(lie)句和(he)復合句來(lai)(lai)(lai)體現節(jie)(jie)(jie)奏(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(pei)根(gen)善用形(xing)象的(de)(de)比喻(yu)深(shen)入(ru)淺(qian)出地(di)說明(ming)一個(ge)道理,因而文中充滿了諸如(ru)taste, swallow, chew, digest等比喻(yu)。“Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study”,是(shi)說天生的(de)(de)才干需要知識來磨(mo)練就(jiu)像(xiang)草木需要修枝(zhi)剪葉一樣;“some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”,是(shi)說讀書猶如(ru)吃食物,“有的(de)(de)書淺(qian)嘗即可(ke),有的(de)(de)書可(ke)以狼(lang)吞(tun)虎咽,少數則須(xu)咀嚼消化(hua)”(王楫 譯(yi))。“else distilled books are, likecommon distilled waters, flashy things”,這(zhe)一句是(shi)說“書經提煉猶如(ru)水經蒸餾,淡而無味(wei)矣”(王佐良譯(yi))。這(zhe)些深(shen)刻的(de)(de)讀書之道,若不(bu)是(shi)用這(zhe)么形(xing)象的(de)(de)比喻(yu),很難達到這(zhe)么通俗易懂的(de)(de)效果(guo),形(xing)象的(de)(de)比喻(yu)用得恰到好(hao)處,令人信服(fu)。
《論讀(du)書(shu)》全文沒有分(fen)段,一(yi)(yi)氣呵(he)成。文中(zhong)短句多,并列(lie)句多,標點(dian)多。像培根(gen)這樣的(de)文風在當時被稱(cheng)為“松散、自由(you)的(de)風格(loose and free style)”(1987: 340)。文中(zhong)不大使用(yong)復合結構,并列(lie)句中(zhong)各個意思(si)都處于(yu)平等(deng)的(de)地位,一(yi)(yi)個接一(yi)(yi)個說下去,逐步深(shen)入。因此,并列(lie)連詞(ci)(and, but, for, nor 等(deng))遠遠多于(yu)主從連詞(ci)(as, smce, because等(deng))。“這類文章(zhang),雖(sui)則是(shi)(shi)松散自由(you)的(de),它(ta)還(huan)是(shi)(shi)很講究修辭(ci)”,排比和比喻隨(sui)處可見。
全(quan)篇(pian)文(wen)章旨在(zai)強調讀(du)書的(de)(de)功效,作者相信人們頭(tou)腦中一切病(bing)端(duan)都有(you)辦(ban)法救治,而(er)讀(du)書就是一劑萬能的(de)(de)良藥。這(zhe)種對人的(de)(de)自我完善(shan)的(de)(de)渴求及確信必達目的(de)(de)之抱負,反映了文(wen)藝復興(xing)時代崇尚理性、相信人的(de)(de)力(li)量(liang)和(he)人具有(you)無(wu)限潛力(li)的(de)(de)“人文(wen)主義精神”。
為反映作者(zhe)的(de)冷靜、理(li)性和自信的(de)態度(du),文(wen)章也(ye)采用簡潔這一風格。“簡潔就是言簡意賅。文(wen)章沒有(you)多余的(de)詞,沒有(you)多余的(de)句,但內(nei)容又(you)很豐(feng)富,含義也(ye)很深刻(ke)。”例(li)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(jing)利落,讓人聽(ting)來仿佛覺得(de)作(zuo)者在述說一條(tiao)千真(zhen)萬確的真(zhen)理,語氣肯定,絲毫未表現謙遜、遲疑和含混的語氣。
天(tian)文(wen)(wen)學家、科普作家卞毓麟(lin)《恬(tian)淡悠(you)閱(yue)——卞毓麟(lin)書事選錄》:“英國(guo)思想(xiang)家、哲(zhe)學家、實驗科學的(de)先(xian)(xian)驅者弗朗(lang)西斯·培根的(de)一篇(pian)Of Studies,400年來引得世上多少讀者競折腰。數(shu)十年前讀王佐良先(xian)(xian)生(sheng)的(de)譯(yi)文(wen)(wen)(篇(pian)名譯(yi)為《談讀書》),唯覺(jue)詞清句(ju)麗(li),妙不可言。……”
上海(hai)師范(fan)大(da)學(xue)人文與傳播學(xue)院教授(shou)劉文榮《經典作家談(tan)書(shu)(shu)與讀書(shu)(shu)》:“全文不足(zu)兩千(qian)字,卻(que)將讀書(shu)(shu)之功用(yong)、讀書(shu)(shu)之方法及讀書(shu)(shu)與性(xing)格之關系一(yi)一(yi)道(dao)來,且(qie)句句有理,實為言簡意(yi)賅之典范(fan)。”
天津外國(guo)語(yu)大學教授馬鐘元(yuan)《每天讀點英文(wen)(wen)英美文(wen)(wen)化常識全(quan)集 超值白金版(ban)》:“《論(lun)(lun)讀書(shu)(shu)》是(shi)弗朗西斯·培(pei)根(gen)的(de)《散文(wen)(wen)集》中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)一(yi)篇,其文(wen)(wen)風以簡(jian)潔(jie)、緊湊和有力而著(zhu)稱(cheng)。其中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),《論(lun)(lun)讀書(shu)(shu)》是(shi)最膾炙人口的(de)一(yi)篇。在文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong),培(pei)根(gen)分析了讀書(shu)(shu)的(de)主要目的(de)、讀書(shu)(shu)所應采用(yong)的(de)不(bu)同方(fang)式(shi)以及(ji)讀書(shu)(shu)對人的(de)性格的(de)影響。文(wen)(wen)章最精彩的(de)地方(fang)不(bu)僅在于其論(lun)(lun)據(ju)具有說服(fu)力,而且(qie)在于遣詞造句(ju)、句(ju)型和結(jie)構的(de)優美。……總之,本文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)運用(yong)了許多寫作技巧。整體行文(wen)(wen)語(yu)句(ju)優美,用(yong)詞準確,令人信服(fu)。《論(lun)(lun)讀書(shu)(shu)》是(shi)一(yi)篇優美散文(wen)(wen)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)的(de)典(dian)范(fan),值得仔細咀嚼。”