Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 68, No. 421, November 1850

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 68, No. 421, November 1850

Mr Caxton."Why, indeed, Fielding says very justly that he is not bound to assign any reason; but he does assign a good many, here and thereto find which, I refer you to Tom Jones. I will only observe, that one of his reasons, which is unanswerable, runs to the effect that thus, in every Part or Book, the reader has the advantage of beginning at the fourth or fifth page instead of the first'a matter by no means of trivial consequence,' saith Fielding, 'to persons who read books with no other view than to say they have read thema more general motive to reading than is commonly imagined; and from which not only law books and good books, but the pages of Homer and Virgil, of Swift and Cervantes have been often turned over.' There," cried my father triumphantly, "I will lay a shilling to twopence that I have quoted the very words." Mr Caxton, dogmatically."It is the repose in the pictureFielding calls it 'contrast '(still more dogmatically) I say there can't be a doubt about it. Besides, (added my father after a pause,) besides, this usage gives you opportunities to explain what has gone before, or to prepare for what's coming; or, since Fielding contends with great truth, that some learning is necessary for this kind of historical composition, it allows you, naturally and easily, the introduction of light and pleasant ornaments of that nature. At each flight in the terrace, you may give the eye the relief of an urn or a statue. Moreover, when so inclined, you create proper pausing places for reflection; and complete, by a separate yet harmonious ethical department, the design of a work, which is but a mere Mother Goose's tale if it does not embrace a general view of the thoughts and actions of mankind." ......Buy Now (To Read More)

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Ebook Number: 46659
Author: Various
Release Date: Aug 23, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English