Evolution of Expression — Volume 1Emerson, Charles Wesley
Science
Evolution of Expression — Volume 1
Emerson, Charles Wesley
Elocution; Recitations
The criterion of Chapter I. does not demand an interpretation
based upon the complete analysis given above, which is intended as
an illustration of all analysis; if all the relationships
suggested above be reflected through an oral reading of "The
Cheerful Locksmith," the reader has attained the steps of
development embodied in Volume IV. However, in drill on the
selections in Volume I., the teacher should never think of
limiting the pupil to the significance of that volume; every
student should be encouraged to reflect as much of the truth,
literal and suggestive, as his degree of discernment and of
freedom will allow.
The immediate aim of drill on "The Cheerful Locksmith" should be a
hearty response to the spirit of the Whole, however much beyond
that may be achieved. The student must be inspired by an ardent
desire to awaken the interest of his audience in "The Cheerful
Locksmith," as does one who through introductory remarks presents
the "speaker of the evening."
It is to be thoughtfully noted that all the selections in this and
the three succeeding chapters have been chosen for their easy
adaptability to use in the first natural period of art--
expression, the Colossal period. They are selections with an
easily distinguishable theme. Throughout these chapters the mind
of the student should be engaged with the motif of the selection
as it first catches the mind. Nothing in later study can make up
for the loss of the first glow, the undefined answering response
to the animating spirit of a writer's message. His differentiated
meanings, his elaborations of theme for the purpose of increased
force, intensity or suggestion are but useless lumber to a mind
that has not throbbed in sympathy, scarce knowing why. It is just
here that almost all teaching in both literature and its
expression fails; there is not enough browsing--knee-deep, waist-
deep,--for the pure joy of it.
CHAPTER II.
SMOOTHNESS.
At first, the student may find it difficult to concentrate the
minds of his hearers upon his theme steadily and continuously. His
ability to do this may come spasmodically. This irregular mental
activity reports itself in unevenness of delivery; life appears in
gleams not in steady shining. But with continued effort to
concentrate other minds upon his subject, this unevenness gives
place to ease in delivery, to smoothness of voice. Continuity of
thought impels smoothness of expression. When a thought is held
steadily in the mind of the pupil, together with a dominating
purpose to communicate that thought to others, the tones of his
voice become evenly sustained and smooth.
Smoothness may be said to result from a sense of oneness with the
audience. So long as there is a gulf between the speaker and
audience, there is conscious and apparent effort in the address.
It is a growing love, a vital sympathy with the audience that
manifests itself in smoothness.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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