The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-30
THE ENGLISH SECTION.
Miss Dyes Paper on the study of Fic-
ton in the Schools.


Two papers of interest to all students of
literature were read yesterday in the Eng
Iish section of the Teachers Association.
The first was by Prof Charles ]. Sembew-
er on 1.-The Study of Plot in Literature"
This paper was quite generally discussed,
and the speaker was called upon to answer
many questions in regard to the points
brought out.
The other paper was by Miss Charity Dye,
of this city. Her subject was Power
Gained by the Study of Fiction in Second
airy Schools" Like the former speaker. she
also had to stand heavy fire Of questions
after she had finished reading. Her paper
was discussed to some extent, nut most
of those present seemed to prefer that she
continue the discussion by answering their
questions. In part, Miss Dye said:
IAN intensive study of fiction, as of 9TH
er forms of literature, leads to a conscious
acquisition of power; power used in the
sense that it is in physics, the ability to
do work in a given time; power not only
to handle book and tell what is IN it IN
the terms of SELF but power to do this
promptly easily and in pleasing manner.
Power through the study OF literature, in
Guiding fiction, may be consciously in
creased along the lines of acquisition, in
depreciation and expression.
Fiction stands peculiarly related to the
cultivation of power along the lines just
mentioned. Examine its possibilities for
moment: 1t not only furnishes the mate
rails offered by other species OF literature,
but combines them all into one organic
whole. lust as they are combined IN life.
Every form of discourse is supplied by
fiction. At one moment narration IS en-
ployed, at another description. The ;uthor
comments, and it is exposition. lie naSeS
two characters try to establish opposing
views, and ii is the simpler form OF algu-
mentation. He makes a Robert E.smtre or
a Felix Holt address an audi ence, anu IL is
oratory On the specific form side thefe are
dialogue. mOnologue, soliloquy %hd COM
ment The form of fiction Is also rhythmic
in the rise and fall of episode ana III lts
progress to and from turning points ~
is furthermore artistic in its proportion, IN
it's perspective or shading to and rom cri-
SEES in it's summary and in its repetition OF
counter-plots and byplays.
I'm it's content fiction includes more than
any other single form of literature except
the drama-whch is also fiction. For the
intellect there is plot or design applied d 20
life motive to be traced TO deed and deed
to be resolved back TO motlVe. CharectCr'
in all it's varieties. is held up for cOnsidera-
ton and with this one ADVANTAGE over
Iife-that the reader can live with the char
acter long enough 20 see the outcome,
which he is not often permitted TO DO IN the
real world. ,...
and pathos. draws forth love for one char
acter and disgust for another. 1T puriiles
of sympathy for all souls The ethical in
terest Is usually set forth. as 1t is i'm life,
nv the 'unsermonzed' acts Of individuals
i'm relation to themselves and to their Find
'"The aesthetic interest Is univ srSal III us
appeal: il is felt rather than defined. Par
ticular artistic touches may be cited. but it
Is as a whole that fiction. as art, appeals
TO the aesthetic sense. 1t is in its combina-
ton of setting with scenery. its correspond
ence between character and colorlng ana
it's atmosphere and perspective that this
appeal is made.
'Fiction as a transcript of lie has pc
culiar fascination for the growing mine or
youth eager to enter life. Through II they
take part in the institutional world ana
submit TO the conditions belonging thereto.
They become acquainted with The Shaplpg
forces that make men and measures. They
get insight into tendencies and come 10
an enlargement of views that could re
gained In other way.
large a part of a students mental activity
makes II a splendid means for cultivating
that power which in it's continuous process
first gathers then transmutes and then eX-
presses what is gathered. Since II Is ex-
nression that gives evidence of acquisition
and Interpretation, a consideration of ex-
preston will cover the ground OF this
paper
IAN approach to fiction on its content
side makes expression easy The form be-
comes Identical with the thought, and in so
FAR as this Is true 1t Is artistic When the
content Is mastered the student thinks the
form. He is the questioner, the explalner:
ne is party To the dialogue. The fatal
step Is about 10 be taken by him. and he
naturally soliloquizes. He lives the ORA