Rhetorical Analysis and Synthesis [pp. 456-483]

RHETOERICAL ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS.
proposition, upon the principle of its logical or gtammatical character, into subject, predicate and copula, the principle of contiguity would require that the order should be subject, copula
and predicate, because the copala immediately follows the
subject, both in the ju,Igment and in the proposition. Yet this
arrangement would be incorrect because both the subject and
the predicate must necessarily be conceived of before the copula,
which, also, is equally dependent upon both the other parts, and
consequently the true order is that of subject, predicate and
copula. The same principle requires that the piarts of an army
should be arranged in the order of right wing,, left wing, centre
and reserve corps. For the conception of the centre is dependent upon that of the two wings, and that of the reserve
corps upon all the other parts.
XV. The order of discussion depends ultimately upon the
character and object of the discourse.
The order in which the parts obtained by analysis are to be
discussed may be entirely different from that of the analysis itself. For the nature or object of the discourse may require that
the most important, or prominent, or interesting part should
close the discussion, in which case the parts should be taken up
and treated in the reverse order of the analysis. Thus, if the
special object of a discourse on the languages of mankind be to
explain the affinities of the Sanscritic family, having analyzed
the theme as above, we should begin with such remarks upon
the Turanean group as may seem to be required; next we should
take up the Arabic family, and treat them in a similar manner,
and come last to the Sanscritic, in order to give their affinities a
thorough discussion. If the subject of discourse be a proposition to be proved, whatever arrangement the analysis may require, often it will be indispensable that the closing arguments
should be the strongest. If the discourse be upon a duty, with
the main object of enforcing it, the motives must come last,
wherever they may stand as a part of the analysis. And, in
fine, whenever the discussion of any part will save time, or throw
light upon, or add force to, or in any way facilitate the discus.
sion of the others, it should alwa.ys be taken up first, and the
other parts in the order prescribed by this principle.
XVI. The tests of analysis are the equality of the parts to the
whole, and their exclusiveness of each other.
1874.]
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