Rhetorical Analysis and Synthesis [pp. 456-483]

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS.
(1.) Concrete themes are analyzed with direct reference to
space. They are viewed in their relations to some one of its
three dimensions. Thus a tree analyzed into roots, trunk,
branches and leaves, is viewed in its length, from one extremity
of which to the other there is a mental movement in the process. But if it be analyzed into bark, wood and pith, it is
viewed in its depth, or horizontally, and the movement of the
mind is from the exterior to the interior. These two views of
the tree with direct reference to space, are two diverse principles of analysis, yielding entirely different sets of parts. Again,
in the analysis of a house into foundation, walls, roof, and into
anterior, central and posterior compartments, there is a direct
reference to the space which it occupies in two different directions. In all cases of the analysis of concrete themes there is a
similar reference to the manner in which the object is conceived
of as occupying space.
(2.) Abstract individual themes are analyzed with analogical
reference to space. This reference is not so obvious as the
former, but it is always implied. For it is impossible to conceive of any such abstract or spiritual object otherwise than
under the conditions of space, although it does not actually occupy any portion of it to the exclusion of other things. For
example, if the object be a relation, it must be conceived of as
subsisting between the things which are connected by it; and
there lies in this word, between, a necessary reference to space,
though by way of analogy. In like manner, a human soul analyzed into intellect, sensibility, and will, or a moral act, into
intelligence, freedom, motives and choice, is viewed as if it occupied space, and these parts as if they were its several compartments. In the analysis of a duty, also, into its relations to
God, to our neighbors, and to ourselves, these relations must be
conceived of as extending in these three different directions.
A clear and strong conception of this analogical reference to
space, in the analysis of this class of themes, is of very great
importance. Hence the following extended example, which is
taken from Professor Day, though introduced by him in a different connection, and for a different purpose.* Dr. Barrow, in
his sermon on "Contentedness," analyzes his theme into three
*Day's Elements of the Art of Rhetoric, p. 68.
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