Rhetoric Essentials (Century Library)

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, while also indicating the direction of their development. Throughout the explanations and descriptions, rich and appropriate examples of vernacular and classical Chinese are cited as evidence. It provides valuable assistance for systematically studying rhetoric, understanding classical literature, and practicing modern Chinese writing. The book is divided into twelve chapters. Chapter 1 gives a general overview of rhetorical phenomena and the 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 distinctions and connections between the two major categories of rhetoric—negative and positive. Chapter 4 covers the general aspects of negative rhetoric. Chapters 5 to 9 are dedicated to positive rhetoric, with chapters 5 to 8 focusing on rhetorical devices (), and chapter 9 discussing rhetorical interest (). Chapter 10 examines how rhetorical phenomena change under different circumstances and their unified thread. Chapter 11 discusses various styles of language, with special emphasis on stylistic aspects. Chapter 12 serves as a conclusion, outlining the evolution and development of rhetoric and highlighting the efforts that should be made in studying it. The first edition was published in 1932, divided into two volumes, and printed successively by Da Jiang Bookstore in Shanghai. It has been reprinted multiple times since then, with the author continuously making revisions. This reprinted edition was proofread and corrected by the Language Research Institute of Fudan University, referring to the author's revised versions from 1962 and 1975, along with minor textual adjustments.