Page 150 - DENG105_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_II

Unit 11: Of Revenge by Francis Bacon

What is gained by using one paragraph is a non-stop idea that love is both embracing Notes
yet also dangerous, and overall more complex than what it appears to be.
• If Bacon had eliminated the contradictions and qualifications of love, he would also be
guiding the reader too much on how he perceived love’s effects. Therefore, he would
rid of the reader’s ability to incorporate experience with theory and come about with
a revelation on the subject as he has. Love is both a blessing and a punishment at the
same time yet its proper universal usage allows for the world to unite in a way beyond
that which we may perceive. “Of Youth and Age”.
• Bacon starts off each essay in the form of a continuous thought which evolves through
the possibilities which branch off from this thought. He utilizes contradictory views
towards the issue in order to permit a state of uncertainty and to ultimately allow for
the reader to believe in a guided point of view. As well he uses quotes and examples
to illustrate his point.
• The structure of all of Bacon’s essays are relatively the same. He begins with a general
statement and gradually begins to present contradictory views. This can be seen in “Of
Youth and Age” when Bacon says, “Generally youth is like ... not so wise as the
second...And yet the invention of young men is more lively than that of the old...”. He
then uses quotes and examples to prove his theories in order to come to a conclusion.
Diction plays a vital role in assisting Bacon to portray both the time period of the
writing as well as further persuasive techniques. His use of “innovate”, “mediocrity”,
and “preeminence” stress meaning into the words of the writing to help support his
theories. Imagery lightens the perception of the issue in question by illuminating actions
in order to portray them persuasively to the reader. Bacon uses examples in particular
through his preplanned word choice. Syntax of his essays include complex sentences
which elaborates thoroughly on his opinions and thoughts on the issue. Organization
is key to Bacon’s essays by setting up the writing by maintaining a consistent position
to the issue and its faults. Then, the use of examples such as the passage from Job in
“Of Revenge.”

11.6 Keywords

Pec”cant, : 1. Sinning; guilty of transgression; criminal; Morbid; corrupt; as, peccant
humours, Wrong; defective; faulty.
Mediocrity : The state or quality of being mediocre, Mediocre ability, achievement,
or performance.
Diction : The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, the
style of enunciation in speaking or singing.

Answers: Self Assessment

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d)

11.7 Review Questions

1. Why can revenge be defined as “a kind of wild justice”? What is wild about revenge?
What about it is just?

2. Does Bacon contradict himself? Does he give evidence to support his argument? Give
examples of both.

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