The professional world. (Columbia, Mo.) 1901-192?, 1903-02-20
STYLE IN WRITING AND
SPEAKING.

al III IN NrNhbNo hlND
SPEAKING.
THE word Style has various
(signifcations. AS used however
in this paper it refers primarily
and chiefly to mode of expressing
Thought in language whether oral
'pr written, especially-to adopt the
Tdefnition of the lexicons-such
use of language in the expression
Nof thought as exhibits the spirit
hnj faculty of an artist in ex-
pression; chosen arrangement of
words in discourse. Or, according
to.Chesterfeld, Style is the dress
of thoughts" or according to Swift
proper words in proper places
make the true definition of Style"
1t is derived from the Latin
word "stilus," a style or writing
instrument; manner of writing or
mode of expression.
The general outline or contour of
the human face in all nations and
ages has been the same. Yet
there are lines and lineaments and
facial expressions in the countless
millions of human beings that
enable the beholder to distinguish
one person from another. Although
alike they present the marvellous
paradox of not being alike or
precisely the same.
In like and for like
reasons, the Style of speakers and
writers, although in many respects
similar or even alike are dis
tinguishable from each other by
artists in expression. They are
susceptible of subdivisions,
analyses and classifcations.
Having neither space nor pur-
pose to trace ever in outline all the
phases of the subject which invite
statement and discussion, we must
be content with a single classified
ton of Style, namely, Fact and
Fancy, by which is meant that the
Style of many writers and speakers
of our own and former generations
may be classified as belonging to
one or the other of these SUBJ
/ divisions.
Fact is logical and argumenta-
tive, and is addressed to the judg-
ment. Fancy is sentimental,
rhetorical, air-built castle, such
stuff as dreams are made of" and
is addressed to the emotions or
sense of the beautiful in art or
nature rather than to the powers
of reason or analysis. Fact draws
daggers from real scabbards. Fancy
from air. Fact is history. Fancy
is fiction. Fact is a veritable event.
Fancy is an idealism. The one
instructs, guides and determines the
judgment. The other entertains,
delights and enchants. This is
its function and mission.
Primarily it is not a teacher, but q
musician, a word and picture
painter who is often clothed in red
plush, and deems it no offence
to leave the reader or nearer nc
wiser, no better provided with
knowledge for the battles of life
and the problems of practical bust
ness or official duty. Fact is actual
history teaching by example.
Fancy teaches in hyperbole, often
IN unnatural and impossible posi-.
tions and circumstances. Fact is
fact, to be relied upon in forming
correct judgments of men anc
things, issues of daily life, and the
multiplied and intricate questions
which oncern the duty and destiny
of churches, states and nations,
Fancy, or the fancy in style o.
writing or speaking is highly.
suberbly, emotional and rhetorical,
luxuriant in hounces and furbelow:
and in airy and beautiful nothings,
Devotees of this style dwell il
fragrant gardens of orchids ano
not Of carnation roses or lilies oi
the valley which are too common
and too well known to the masse:
of men. Usually they are prolix
verbose, wordy, and can easily fiji
a column with a single idea. They
are skilled chemists who by tn
processes of electro plating are abb
to thinly spread a snall bit of golC
over space the size of a ten acre field
Coolest of the Year.