Learning Paths » 5C Interacting
| statement (lines 1, 2) | The English language is the richest for poetry. |
| qualification of statement (lines 3-10) | This doesn't mean that England has produced the greatest poets or amount of poetry. |
| clarification (lines 11-14) | English is the richest language for poetry because it has the largest vocabulary. |
| supporting statement + examples (lines 14-29) | This richness is due to the variety of elements of which English is made of : 1. Germanic foundation 2. Scandinavian elements 3. Norman french elements 4. French elements 5. Increase of Latin words 6. Celtic influence |
| further clarification + examples (lines 29-40) | The English language is also rich in its rhythmic variety. The elements are: 1. Variety of material elements 2. Rhythm of early Saxon 3. Rhythm of Norman French and French 4. Rhythm of Welsh 5. Influence of Greek and Latin 6. Constant possibilities or refreshments from its several centres |
| first restatement (lines 41-44) | English is a good language for poetry because it is derived from so many linguistic sources. |
| second restatement (lines 44-48) | England has not necessarily produced the greatest poets. |
| statement + examples (lines 49-51) | It is generally thought that the greatest peoples excel in one art. Examples: 1. Italy and France in painting 2. Germany in music 3. England in poetry |
| refutation + example (lines 52-68) | This is not correct because: 1. No arts has ever been the exclusive possession of any one country of Europe 2. There have been periods in which some other country than English has taken the lead in poetry Example: in eighteen century Romantic movement in English poetry dominated, but in nineteenth century the greatest contribution to English poetry was made in France |
| Further refutation + example (lines 68-76) | A nation which leads in a particular art form in a particular period does not necessarily produce the greatest artists. Example:the Romantic movement in England |
| Statement (lines 77-86) | No European nation would have accomplished what it has, as far as culture is concerned, if other countries had not developed the same art forms. |
| Statement (lines 86-99) | The ability of European literature to renew itself depends on two factors: 1. Its ability to receive and assimilate influences from abroad 2. Its ability to go back and learn from its own sourc |
In the following table you find:
- a description of the steps followed by the writer in developing his argument
- notes focussing on the main points of the content. Read the text again and complete the notes.
Now consider the personal pronouns you have ringed in the text.
Find out:
a) Whether / always refers to the same person. (I, you)
b) Whether you always refers to the same people. (We)
The pronoun we refers to two different groups of people. On the first occasion (line 19) we is used to refer to the English speaking people in opposition to you, the German speaking people. On all other occasions we equals one or people in general.
IV The personal pronouns / and we are accompanied by verbs used to:
- show logical sequence (e.g. 'I have been leading up to...')
- give evidence (e.g. 'I refer to...')
- express opinion.
Now provide as many examples as you can of verbs used in the text to express opinion.
V - The exercises you have done so far should enable you to identify some aspects of the essay. First of all answer these questions on Eliot's essay.
A Who is the essayist addressing? He’s addressing to a large public because he’s broadcasting his essay.
B Whose opinions are put forward in the essay? The first opinion is the essayist’s one.
C What is the writer's main intention? The writer man’s intention is to convince people that English is the richest language for purposes of writing poetry.
D How does the essayist substantiate his statements? He points out a statement and he supports it with examples and also sayings.
Now let us generalize from what you have found out about this particular essay. It seems that:
- an essayist speaks directly to an audience
- an essayist presents his/her personal experience and outlook
- an essayist has a point to make
- an essayist tries to persuade his/her audience to accept his/her point of view. Please note that an essay writer can make his/her point in different ways. In the essay you have just read Eliot tries to demonstrate his ideas by developing an argument. He makes a point and then provides evidence to support it taking into account and refuting possible objections.