Waqas Ahmad M.

A English 3rd UO

The Writing Style of Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon is often regarded as the ‘Father of English essays’. But it is often argued whether
his essays correspond to the conventional definition of the term. This is because Bacon’s essays
have a certain distinctive characteristics which make us question the classification of their genre.
The most notable feature of Bacon’s essay is his aphoristic style. Aphorisms are straightforward
statements that state a truth. Bacon in his essays writes in an aphoristic style making general
statements. For example, in his essay “Of studies" Bacon states that studies have three purposes -
to delight, for ornament and for ability. Again he says that there are different kinds of books -
some are to be perused lightly, others to be digested and so on. Bacon merely states these facts
almost as if they are established truths. He does not provide his personal opinion or give any
examples as to which books are to be read lightly or which are to be digested. This aphoristic
style in Bacon’s writing leaves the reader to his own interpretations. Bacon uses the aphoristic
style to enable the reader's active participation allowing him to interpret and add to the meaning
of his statements. This is opposed to the magisterial style where the entire information is
provided making the reader lazy and passive.
Another important feature of Bacon’s essays is his impersonality. Bacon’s personal choices and
opinions are not reflected through his writings. His impersonality is aided by his aphoristic style.
By providing the reader with statements of truth Bacon saves himself from revealing his true
personality. He rarely exemplifies his arguments and when he does the examples are usually
drawn from history, such as the example of Julius Caesar and Brutus in the essay “Of
Friendship”, which does not require his personal opinion. Bacon’s personality is detached from
his essays.
Bacon’s essays also display a few other features. His essays are usually short, sometimes shorter
than what the conventional definition of essay suggests. They often lack coherence. This is
mainly because most of his essays are not divided into paragraphs and it is difficult for the reader
to grasp a sudden change from one idea to another. His essays are observational rather than
reflective. His style is very formal.

The various features of Bacon’s essays therefore make it difficult to place his writings under the
genre of essay. But these features also do not suggest otherwise. Thus Bacon’s works are
classified as essays. In conclusion it can be said that the essays of Francis Bacon possess
distinctive features which have served to preserve his works through the ages. His essays are
studied at present not for their content but for their style.

“Part of Bacon’s influence is of course due to

the charm of his style”
F.G. Selby – on prose style of Francis Bacon
 Prose Style of Francis Bacon:
Francis Bacon reformed the English prose style by reducing all above said
shortcomings. It is not wrong to say that Francis Bacon introduced a new style of
prose writing. Following are some stylistic qualities of Bacon’s essays.

 Short and concise sentences.

 No Parenthesis.
 Clarity.
 Rhythm and Coherence.
 Aphoristic style.
 Themes related to worldly wisdom.

Conciseness as one of the major stylistic qualities of Francis

Bacon:
Bacon uses short and concise sentences. His purpose is to explain his philosophy in
lesser words. We hardly find any essay which is too long. It is easier for him to cut
short the long sentences. A message which requires a paragraph, he can convey it in
fewer words and that too without loosing its meanings. Scarcely, any other writer of
his era has this kind of ability. In short, he keeps his subject focused, clear and
concise.

No Parenthesis:
Bacon has also removed parenthesis. He has no sentence that requires explanation;
therefore, he does not need parenthesis. This stylistic quality of Bacon’s essays,
increases interest of readers. Every word is self-explanatory; each sentence explains
itself.

Clarity in Prose Style of Francis Bacon:

Bacon’s words and sentences are lucid and there is no ambiguity in them. There are
allusions in his essays even then there is no vagueness. His style has attraction and it
 appeals to the readers due to clarity. He chooses simple and common words. Like
previous writers, he too uses similes and metaphors but they are not far-fetched. He
also gives examples mostly from everyday life experiences. Even a layman can
understand his philosophy. Clarity, in this way, is another important ingredient of
prose style of Sir Francis Bacon.

Rhythm and Coherence:

Besides, clarity and conciseness, coherence has its own importance. Lack of
coherence in sentences means lack of interest of readers. Bacon knows it; therefore,
there is a kind of rhythm in his essays. He elucidates his philosophy step by step. He
divides subtopics in paragraphs. Several critics appreciate coherence in Bacon’s
essays. Coherence is harmony and harmony increases the interest of readers.

Aphoristic style:
It is an epigrammatic style of writing. All above mentioned qualities fall in it.
Aphoristic style prefers describing facts and truths. We know that Francis Bacon does
not create Utopian world in his essays. He is known for his worldly philosophy. One
can become successful in this wold if he follows him. Hence, his philosophy is based
on truths and facts. He may be the meanest kind of person yet he always speaks the
truth.

Aphoristic style is the combination of following qualities

 Epigram
 Straightforward
 Truthfulness
 Impartiality
 Impersonality

All above qualities are there in his essays. These make prose style of Francis Bacon
charming as pointed out by F.G. Selby.