Rhetoric Essentials - Century

Author: Chen Wangdao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-07-01
Features: This book systematically explains various rhetorical methods, approaches, and the principles of applying these methods and approaches in Chinese language and literature, and points out its development direction. Throughout the explanations and descriptions, rich and appropriate examples of vernacular and classical Chinese are cited as evidence. It provides certain help for systematically studying rhetoric, understanding classical literature, and practicing modern Chinese writing. The book is divided into twelve chapters. Chapter 1 gives a general account of rhetorical phenomena and the overall scope of rhetoric. It points out that rhetorical phenomena fall into two major categories—negative and positive—and also highlights the possibilities of language and characters that rhetoric can utilize, as well as the themes and contexts it must suit. Chapter 2 discusses the possibilities of language and characters that rhetoric can utilize. Chapter 3 explains the differences and connections between the two major categories of rhetoric—negative and positive. Chapter 4 describes the general situation of negative rhetoric. Chapters 5 to 9 are all about positive rhetoric, with chapters 5 to 8 focusing on rhetorical figures, and chapter 9 on rhetorical charm. Chapter 10 discusses how rhetorical phenomena change under various circumstances and their unified thread. Chapter 11 describes the various styles of language and literature, with special emphasis on stylistic aspects. Chapter 12 concludes by discussing the evolution and development of rhetoric and points out the efforts that should be made in studying it. The first edition was published in 1932, divided into two volumes, and printed successively in Shanghai by Da Jiang Bookstore. It has been reprinted many times since then, with the author continuously making revisions. This reprinted edition was proofread and corrected by the Language Research Institute of Fudan University based on the author's revised editions of 1962 and 1975, with minor textual corrections.