The true northerner., 1876-01-28
The Use of Adyerbs.

Int tSt vi IAuNtiDss
How much does our estimate of edu
cation, intellect and character depend
on the use and abuse of two parts OF
speech-the adjectives and the adverbs
Plain nouns and verbs serve the pur-
poses of dullness and strict common
sense, but, with these exceptions, to all
beneath or above these levels they are
the tests. In the first place, no man can
show himself completely fool without
the lavish use of one or both of them.
Stupidity can impart a sense OF its quail
ity at less expense but it is they that
give the assurance of actual folly. They
give the artist touch, and stamp the
man on the memory with difference,
however. People may convey a keen
sense OF imbecility to their hearers by
the use of epithets, either through the
perpetual application of one to every
subject and every object-calling every
thing peculiar" for example-or by
misapphcation of many but nothing
that an adjective can do-no senseless
repetition, no absurdity of application
imprcsses us so convincingly with the
presence of vacuity, as does the adverb,
single and unassisted. We are speaking
of habits of speech it need not in any
particular instance be permanent vdcu-
ity, only such to us at the moment but
there is no thought at work when adj
verbs are the instructive resource. The
respective value, as measure of capaci-
ty of these two parts of speech, is shown
in the dialogue between a male and fe-
male exquisite recorded in Punch
20 ~ ho1 % "a
wasn't it?'' she remarked to which he
replies, Every quite" The lady has
an idea, but vague one-it required
thought to start it; but the gentle
mans response reminds us too forcibly
of class of conversers incapable of en-
bracing thought in any definite form,
whom civility drives into acquiesence
the more civil, the more emphatic in ac-
quiesence but who can convey the sub
ject in no other way, because they do not
take it in. What depth of emptiness
does the word "indeed !" reveal to us
in some intonations Internationally ap-
piled at stated intervals What spright-
ly insanity expresses itself through cer-
tain infections, what calm irreceptive-
ness i'll others, what quenching power in
every case, where, that is, it is habit of
speech For "indeed" may mean the
hveliest interest, the most awakened
curiosity. But who can talk with q man
who answers "indeed" to every commu-
nication alikel And again, who can
contend against the running accompani-
ment of eyes, passing with the utterer
for sign of attention, but telling either
of incapability or recoil from forced un-
welcome2 Unlike Greatly" &" indeed"
surely" never" and their cognate
forms of assent, which are tokens of sim
pie indifference, eyes" may mean more
active boredom, repulsion against what
calls for exercise of thought. 1t more
lmperiously bids you to have done. In
the same category may be classed that
comprehensive form of assent, "quite
so, which agrees with everything rather
than think about it. If it belongs TO the
man so that he is known by it, how very
few things, we may be sure, does he care
for beyond his own little personal inter-
ests though we have known it used in
stronger hands with most snubbing
effect as a silencer-a convenient and
severely effectual form of repression.
Often adverbs show an eager temper
ament in a hurry to deliver itself, while
thought halts behind $50 very," for
example, does duty unassisted for many
strong sentiment and all weakness
trusts to adverbs as bolster. "Utter-
ly" is word much in favor with excita-
BILE ladies. "Utterly grand, for instance,
not considering how many epithets, as
well as statements, there are that will
not admit of intensifying. Thus, "We
enjoyed ourselves" conveys at least to
our ears, far cheerfuller impression
than the feminine form eve thorough
ly enjoyed ourselves :" and "Thank
you" is really more gracious than the
modern improvement upon the acknowl-
edgment of trivial services, "Thank you
so much" The lady who advertises to
her lover that she is as unchanged as
ever, does not improve the quality of
her constancy by thus clinching its en-
durance. To tell lady that she is look
ing quite handsome, diminishes rather
than adds grace to the compliment. Miss
Squeers' pretty friend was fully aware
OF the force of her reservation when, re-
proving young Nickleby fer his deafness
to that young ladys attractions, she
pleads, $50 beautifully dressed, too
really almost handsome" A bricklayer
arguing against anything but brick
wall, modestly pronounced "sleepers"
ratherly beastily. There are words that
are strongest when let alone, and, in
deed, won't endure any other treatment.
The last days of Pompeii wake tragic
sentiment. The very last days of Pom
peii accentuate to little serious purpose.
On the other hand, the whole force,
whether grave or humorous, often lies
in the intensifying. Late suggests
ideas of inconvenience only but too
late sounds the depths of sadness. In
the same way, what an intensity of de-
termination is expressed in Augustus
Noodles valediction to his expectant
bride" Unalterably never yours %