BCA I Yr SEM II English

Of Discourse – Francis Bacon –

Complete Explanation
Of Discourse
by Francis Bacon
Complete explanation of the essay alongside the original text

Original
SOME in their discourse desire rather commendation of wit, in being able to hold all
arguments, than of judgment, in discerning what is true; as if it were a praise to know
what might be said, and not what should be thought.
Explanation
There are some vainglorious speakers, who utilize their opportunity of joining a
discourse to show off their gift of incisive intelligence. They strive to win all their
arguments vis-a-vis other speakers, albeit more through aggression than by the
power of their arguments. In the pursuit to project their mental prowess, they lose
sight of the fact that the sole objective of a discussion is primarily to arrive at a
sound judgment pertaining to an issue, and to discover the truth through careful
participatory analysis. Such assertive and often, over-bearing speakers assume that
the occasion to speak before a gathering is to win acclaim for their ability to guide
others about what should be said and thought on the topic under discussion. They
become the self-appointed ‘moderators’ of the confabulation.
Original
Some have certain common places and themes wherein they are good, and want
variety; which kind of poverty is for the most part tedious, and when it is once
perceived, ridiculous.
Explanation
These individuals, no doubt, have their areas of specialization. A lawyer of eminence
knows about laws much better than a doctor, the same way a doctor knows more
about the human body than a philosopher does. But, the knowledge of these experts
is one -track, and severely limited in scope and depth. This makes their talk lacklustre
and monotonous. Other listeners in the group find such talks to be drab, shallow and
ridiculous.
Original
The honorablest part of talk is to give the occasion; and again to moderate, and pass
to somewhat else; for then a man leads the dance.
Explanation
The model participant in a discussion has to be quite different from the above type
of arrogant speakers. The ideal speaker must not try to steal the glory away by
exhibiting over-bearing attitude. He must yield the floor to other speakers, and play
his part as a polite moderator when the talk meanders away undesirably. He should
lead the discussion to other relevant aspects of the issue, so as to bring forth
different perspectives. For example, a discussion on abortion rights for women has
legal, moral, medical and religious angles. A good speaker could steer the discussion
seamlessly to all these aspects rather than allowing a participant to dominate the
discussion. For example a speaker, who is a lawyer, might try to hammer the legal
side of the matter endlessly. The speaker, who is intelligent, accommodative, and has
the ability to look at an issue from all its angles is the ideal contributor. Such a
person lets the other speakers present their sides with ease, and with no hindrance.
He is the most ideal anchor.
Original
It is good, in discourse and speech of conversation, to vary and intermingle speech of
the present occasion with arguments, tales with reasons, asking of questions with
telling of opinions, and jest with earnest: for it is a dull thing to tire, and, as we say
now, to jade, anything too far.

Explanation
A model speaker must strive to intersperse his speech with a variety of thoughts,
arguments, and relevant anecdotes. He should try to poke the minds of his listeners
with searching questions followed by suitable and well-reasoned answers. By doing
this, he effectively augments his own opinion. The ideal speaker’s enthusiasm to
enlighten others and bring them on board must be matched with real earnestness to
add value to the discourse. Instead of doing this, if he tries to impose himself on
others by repetitive citation of his own way of thinking, the talk might test the
patience of his listeners. Their reaction would be one of disgust and irritation.
Original
As for jest, there be certain things which ought to be privileged from it; namely,
religion, matters of state, great persons, any man’s present business of importance,
and any case that deserveth pity.
Explanation
A spirited speaker speaking passionately on any matter must not be carried away to
utter anything critical of religions, the royalty and the government, and eminent
people enjoying considerable clout in the society. He should desist from passing
derogatory remarks on anyone else’s profession, or condescendingly show pity on
anyone, however distressed he might be.
During Bacon’s time, freedom of speech was severely restricted. Even mild criticism
of the king or the monarch would incur his wrath resulting in incarceration of the
speaker. Hence Bacon gave such words of caution.
Original
Yet there be some that think their wits have been asleep, except they dart out
somewhat that is piquant, and to the quick.
Explanation
There can, however, be some speakers who have a penchant for being provocative.
[The late Khuswant Singh of India was one such intellectual who reveled in poking
fun of others.] In their irresistible urge to express their inner feelings, they fail to rein
in their sense of wit and humour. They stray to the ‘forbidden’ areas of discourse.
Original
That is a vein which would be bridled: Parce, puer, stimulis, et fortius utere loris.
[Spare, boy, the whip and tighter hold the reins.] And generally, men ought to find
the difference between saltness and bitterness.
Explanation
A judicious person must avoid any propensity to talk indiscreetly. He must hold his
errant tongue with a tight leash. In the quest to lighten up his talk with some banter
and well-meaning criticism, he must be very careful not to embitter others. He may
land himself in considerable trouble by his off-the-cuff remarks or comments.
Original
Certainly, he that hath a satirical vein, as he maketh others afraid of his wit, so he had
need be afraid of others’ memory.
Explanation
A satirist might overawe others by his wit and intrusive insight, but he must
remember that his satire is rarely taken kindly by his targets. They nurse grudge
against the satirist for his barbs and might take revenge against him later out of
malice.
Original
He that questioneth much shall learn much, and content much; but especially if he
apply his questions to the skill of the persons whom he asketh; for he shall give them
occasion to please themselves in speaking, and himself shall continually gather
knowledge.

ALSO READ Of Truth - Francis Bacon - Complete Explanation

Explanation
A speaker, who is inquisitive and knows whom to direct his questions to, is a great
learner and a very desirable listener. For example, when a bubbling listener directs his
questions about heart ailments to a cardiologist [rather than a sociologist], he gets a
treasure house of information from the heart doctor. The latter will willingly talk at
length while answering the question. Finding a receptive and very attentive listener,
the cardiologist will derive great joy from his talk. Thus, it becomes a win-win
situation for both -the knowledge-hungry listener and the erudite speaker.
Original
But let his questions not be troublesome; for that is fit for a poser. And let him be
sure to leave other men their turns to speak. Nay, if there be any that would reign
and take up all the time, let him find means to take them off, and to bring others on;
as musicians use to do with those that dance too long galliards.
Explanation
While asking questions, one should take care to ensure that the process does not
deteriorate to look like interrogation. There should be no overt or covert hostile
intent in the questions. The questions should not aim to test the knowledge of the
person being asked.
Additionally, the speaker must not drag on with his questioning and rob other
speakers of their turn to take part in the discourse. Monopolizing tendencies to
corner time and attention are not the attributes of a good speaker. Bringing in other
speakers to the fore enlivens discourse just as musicians take their designated slots
in appropriate intervals during a concert. For example, in an orchestra, a player of the
sitar comes in and withdraws to give time to a violinist, and a guitarist yields place to
a percussionist in the right moment. Such participative contribution by musicians
gives the desired musical effect. Such planned and voluntary interludes cut
monotony and add quality to the orchestra.
Original
If you dissemble sometimes your knowledge of that you are thought to know, you
shall be thought another time to know that you know not.
Explanation
Allowing gaps during speaking refreshes one’s memory and rekindles one’s ability to
remember and recall. It helps to open new windows to one’s mind, thus, banishing
intellectual arrogance and smugness.
Original
Speech of a man’s self ought to be seldom, and well chosen. I knew one was wont to
say in scorn, He must needs be a wise man, he speaks so much of himself: and there
is but one case wherein a man may commend himself with good grace; and that is in
commending virtue in another; especially if it be such a virtue whereunto himself
pretendeth.
Explanation
One should not take part in discourses too often. Such occasions should be few and
far between. One should decide to speak in the opportune time and in opportune
moments. A person, who grabs every opportunity to speak, invites derision and
ridicule despite being a very wise man.
By praising the talent and virtue in another speaker generously, a speaker elevates,
and never undermines himself. For example, a renowned mathematician will endear
himself to other mathematicians during a discourse by heaping praise on another
mathematician-speaker. Praising others liberally enhances one’s own standing.
Original
Speech of touch towards others should be sparingly used; for discourseought to be
as a field, without coming home to any man.

ALSO READ Of Ambition - Francis Bacon - Complete Explanation

Explanation
While mentioning others individually, one should be very circumspect and cautious.
Discourse should not centre around any specific individual. Keeping the discourse
issue- based and general in nature helps to keep controversies at bay.
Original
I knew two noblemen, of the west part of England, whereof the one was given to
scoff, but kept ever royal cheer in his house; the other would ask of those that had
been at the other’s table, Tell truly was there never a flout or dry blow given? To
which the guest would answer, Such and such a thing passed. The lord would say, I
thought he would mar a good dinner.
Explanation
Here Bacon talks about two noblemen hailing from the western part of England. One
was a boastful, insensitive speaker with a rather abrasive style of speaking. But, he
was a good entertainer too because his barbs were at the cost of others. The other
person, his compatriot, enquired from guests about what his outspoken friend spoke.
In his opinion, passing hurtful comments leaves the listeners jarred. Such inclination
towards satire should, therefore, be shunned in order to maintain the congenial and
joyous atmosphere during dinners and other such get-togethers.
Original
Discretion of speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him with
whom we deal, is more than to speak in good words or in good order.
Explanation
Civility, and discretion during speaking are the hallmarks of a good speaker. A
flamboyant speech interspersed with high-sounding words and stylishly arranged
sentences may get high rating in eloquence contests, but is a poor fit for inter-
personal communication. Articulation and soft-speaking skills prove to be desirable
traits while talking to our near and dear ones, our subordinates, friends and
associates.
Original
A good continued speech, without a good speech of interlocution, shows slowness:
and a good reply or second speech, without a good settled speech, showeth
shallowness and weakness.
Explanation
A long winding speech devoid of style and flourish appears slow, monotonous and
boring. Similarly, a reply, however intelligent and befitting, loses its appeal, if it is low
in oratory skill.
Original
As we see in beasts, that those that are weakest in the course are yet nimblest in the
turn; as it is betwixt the greyhound and the hare. To use too many circumstances ere
one come to the matter, is wearisome; to use none at all, is blunt.
Explanation
In the animal world, a comparison between the greyhound and the hare shows that
the latter, being weak, is slow in taking evasive turns. On the contrary, the greyhound
is both fast and agile making it a very dreaded predator of the hare. In the same vein,
a speaker who gives a lengthy pompous introduction to his speech before formally
starting it, fails to grip the attention of the audience. Similarly, a speaker, who starts
his speech without even a short introduction to the topic, appears to blunt and curt.

Good words and phrases used in this write-up

Pompous, Flourish, Intersperse, Flamboyant, Hallmark, Circumspect, Derision,
Smugness, Interlude, Enliven, Erudite, Incarceration, Confabulation, Condescend,
Meander, Lackluster, Penchant, Yield the floor

OF DISCOURSE SUMMARY
Francis bacon opens the essay by arguing about the narcissistic orators who always
make use of the opportunity of joining a discourse just to show off their sharp
intelligence. They struggle to win all their arguments from other orators though more
by ferociousness than by reasoning. They forget about the sole purpose of the
discussion, which to arrive at a thorough decision of an issue, in addition, to find out
the truth by careful participation, in the search to show off their mental ability.

Such speaker, the self-confident and over-bearing, think that by expressing

themselves before the meeting would help them to win the approval for their aptitude
to direct other of what should be discussed and understood on the subject under
argument. They are a kind of self-appointed “moderator” of the discussion.

Bacon, moreover, mentions that these orators are specialized only in their particular
areas. A famous lawyer will only know laws and much better than any doctor,
similarly, a doctor will know much better about the human body than any
philosopher. However, the understanding of such specialists is only unidirectional
plus limited, which makes their conversation uninspiring and boring. Consequently,
the other participants in the discussion find their arguments to be dull, narrow, and
absurd (ridiculous).
The exemplary member in a conversation or debate has to be fairly diverse from the
big-headed speakers, as mention before. Such an ideal orator should not attempt to
pinch his grandeur away by showing an overbearing attitude. He must participate as
a polite moderator whenever the discussion wanders away disagreeably and should
allow the other participants to talk. In this way, a true speaker/ orator can lead the
discussion.

An ideal orator should struggle to interpose his speech on the issue with various
thoughts, arguments, and relevant stories. He must attempt to stab the minds of
other participants with incisive questions tracked by rational answers. Through such
an act, he can easily present his opinion and argue about it. An ideal speaker’s
eagerness to instruct others and attempt to bring them on the single point should
accord with the sincerity to add worth to the discourse.

While on the other hand, if the speaker tries to execute himself on other, his talk
might bet over-bearing. Consequently, the listener would react in disgust and
irritation.

Bacon, furthermore, adds that a determined speaker would speak keenly on any
issue should not speak anything perilous about religions, the government, the
monarchs, and the eminent people. He should not be carried away to utter anything
critical of religions, the royalty and the government, the monarchs, and eminent
people enjoying considerable clout in the society. He must abstain from passing
offensive remarks on someone else’s occupation or scornfully show pity on anyone.

In addition to this, Bacon mentions another kind of speaker who has a desire for
being provoking. In order to express their feelings, they remain unsuccessful to
restrain their sense of wittiness and humor. They wandered in the ‘forbidden’ zones
of discourse.

Similarly, a sensible individual should restrain himself from taking recklessly. He

should grip his wayward tongue with a tight string. In order to lighten up his talk with
some meaning reasonable disapproval, he should take care not to embitter others.
By presenting his off-the-cuff remarks, he might put himself in substantial trouble.

Moreover, a satirist might intimidate other by his skillful wit and invasive vision,
however, he should keep that thing in his mind that others memory is working and
his satire is not taken kindly.

Bacon, once more, argues about the qualities of an ideal speaker who always know
from whom he should ask his question. Such speakers are prodigious learners and
most desired listeners. Such speakers ask questions from those who have a
particular specialization in the matter regarding which the question is being asked.

By doing so, the speaker is giving them the opportunity to express themselves
happily; simultaneously, the questioner will gain better knowledge about the issue.
Moreover, Bacon argues that by asking questions, one should not test the
knowledge of other as this will leave an impression of interrogation.
Additionally, a speaker should not put one question after another but also allows
other to speak to take part in discourse. Dominating propensities to seek time and
attention is not the characteristics of a good speaker. To bring other participants to
the front brightens the discourse just as the musician do with those who dance for
the long triple time in two.

Bacon argues that if the speaker allows himself to take gaps between his
argumentation, it will refresh his memory and restores his ability to recall. Moreover,
a speaker should not take part in every discourse. He should choose a few relevant
occasions to express himself. By availing every opportunity offers scorn and ridicule
than appreciation. Similarly, by admiring the endowment of other speakers makes a
speaker to evaluate himself.

One must be very careful and judicious while referring to someone in arguments.
Discourse should not be based upon the particular individual rather one should keep
the discourse issue-based and broad in nature.

Bacon talks about the two great men from the west part of England. One of these
was arrogant, an oblivious speaker with harsh speaking style. However, he was also
a good comedian as his points were at other. While the other person would inquire
from the guest that what the former person spoke. He gave his opinion that such
hurtful remarks leave the hearer shaken. Bacon argues that such talks and satire
should be avoided in order to maintain the cheerful atmosphere during the meeting.

Bacon argues that discreetness and courtesy in speaking are the great
characteristics of the good speaker. Speaking someone in a good manner and in
agreement with them is far better than using good words and sentences to speak. In
addition to, a long speech without a good conversation or interruption is useless;
similarly, a reply, no matter how intelligent and benefitting, losses its charm, if it is
short in debating abilities.

Bacon closes the essay by comparing the greyhound and the hare to the two types
of orators. Hare, being slow and weak, takes an ambiguous turn while greyhound,
being strong and fast, makes very deadly predator of the hare. Bacon argues that in
the same way, we have two type of speakers. One who starts the speech with a long
pompous introduction to the subject matter fails to clasp the attention of the audience
while the other, who starts without a brief introduction to subject matter appear to be
blunt.

OF DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
GENRE
Of Discourse by Francis bacon is a rhetorical argumentative essay in which he
argues about how an ideal speaker should act in a discourse and compares him to a
shrewd speaker who shows off his knowledge by over-bearing the audience.

OF DISCOURSE CRITICAL APPRECIATION

Bacon, by drawing the comparison between two types of speaker, intelligently
argues about how a discourse should be carried out. Rather than calling the
speakers who amazed the audience with their skillful tongue, one should call the
speakers who are not only well educated but well-mannered as well. By arguing
about such shrewd speakers, bacon says that they are just availing the opportunity
for the sake of showing off their wit and intelligence. These speakers are just like the
self-appointed moderator of discourse. When they ask questions, it is merely to test
their knowledge.

While on the hand bacon argues about an ideal speaker, who not only presents his
viewpoints in the essay but also allows other to speak. When such a person asks the
question, he merely asks for the sake of enlightening.

Moreover, Bacon argues that the subject matter of the discourse shouldn’t be bound
to a specific individual rather it should be a general topic. Similarly, one should
abstain oneself from talking ill about religion, rulers, government, and nobilities.
Bacon lived in an era where there was restriction on a freedom of speech. This
essay reflects his spirit of the time. No one would dare to speak against the rulers or
monarchs.

Bacon ends the essay by using simile to compare the two animals, greyhound and
hare, with the two types of speaker. He argues that one should be relevant and well-
prepared about the subject matter under analysis. This will not only make the
audience less boring but also to appreciate.

Critical Analysis of Bacon's Of

Discourse
Ardhendu De
" A good continued speech, without a good speech of
interlocution, shows slowness: and a good reply or
second speech, without a good settled speech, showeth
shallowness and weakness."-Of Discourse

There can be no doubt about Bacon’s greatness as an essayist or a prose

artist. The essay Of Discourseclearly demonstrates Bacon’s powers and
talents. Of Discourse is the second group of Bacon’s Essays that
describe man in his intellectual and moral relations with others. Of
Discourse is an essay on perfect oratory. Bacon has given a combative
study between the traits and characteristics, virtues and vices etc of
different modes of discourse.

Of Discourse prioritizes a practical Baconian guide to fluent, flowing,

graceful and effective communication which would definitely enrich the
course of living. Being a Renaissance courtier Bacon is familiar with the
skill of speaking and alike Castiglione’s Book of The Courtier he
accomplishes an utilitarian guide to his readers for their betterment of
conversation or speech. In the Indian Alankara School of criticism
Bhamaha, Jayadeva and Keshava have discussed the art of speech or
rhetoric as the essential elements of Indian poetics. Bacon too in his
essay Of Discourse classifies the soul of conversation as a constitution of
three major divisions of rhetoric – inventio, dispositio and elocution.
‘Inventio’ or invention of points, reasons, logic and arguments is the key
to discussion. The other two important ingredients of a conversation are
‘disposition’ i.e. the arrangement of the above argument and elocution i.e.
the use of apt expression and ornament. Bacon thus says: “Discretion of
speech is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him, with
whom we deal, is more than to speak in good words, or in good order”.

Alike Bacon’s pragmatism and aphorism in of Praise, Of Ambition, Of

Truth and other essays, Of Discourse is a compendium of scholarly
learning and practicality. Bacon initiates his topic with a warning that
‘commendation of wit’ is worthless unless the thought is clear on the
speaker lacks the proper judgement. According to Bacon a pleasing
speech is that which has a variety in its nature of topic and articulation
“which kind of poverty is far the most part tedious and when it is once
perceived, ridiculous”.

Bacon finds the start of the conversation as the honourable part and both
in sustained, formal be added with present references, stories, questions,
jesting: “It is good, in discourse and speech of conversation, to vary and
intermingle speech of the present occasion with arguments; tales with
reasons; asking of questions with telling of opinions; and jest with
earnest”.

In matter of adding humour or joke, Bacon is cautious. Being an

utilitarian guide Bacon advises his readers to omit the jest from ‘religion,
matters of state, great persons, any man’s present business of
importance, and any case that deserveth pity’. These are the privileged
fields of affairs which must be taken into serious consideration. A frequent
display of wit with a quick stinging is the other mode of discourse
which Bacon explains through a Latinism. According to Bacon, running a
conversation is alike riding a horse which needs both the speed and
control: “Spare the spur, boy, and use the reins more strongly: (Ovid
Metamorphoses 11,127). Wit is like spur a sharp pointed object that the
riders sometimes wear on the heels of their boots and use to encourage
their horse to go faster. In an argument we should exercise the reins in
order to control the galloping horse of speech rather than run it wildly.

Bacon advocates a healthy argument where one should question to the

skill of the persons whom he asks. And even who makes satirical witty
remark must get prepared to receive the same. There are some who are
talkative and eager to preside the discourse. Bacon gives them a treat of
faster music which will dislodge their dance rhythm.

Bacon is an objective writer and rightly so he argues in support of

impersonal view. According to him “speech of a man’s self ought to be
seldom and well chosen”. Further, he says, that the speech of touch
towards others should be carefully used. “For discourse ought to be as a
field, without coming home to any man”. Bacon also gives stress on
interlocution or brief exchanges of words. A good long speech must
contain brief exchanges of words on questions and a reply must be a
settled topic with a rightful arrangement of propositions. Different men
have different skill and orientation – if one is faster in straight argument,
the other is subtle in twists and turns.

Bacon has the rare talent of discussing everything from various angles
and points of view. In Of Discourse he expresses his ideas and
observations effectively and forcefully. His arguments are logical and
convincing most of them are drawn from everyday life. His illustrations
and discussions are so powerful that they never fail to achieve their
purpose. Bacon is a scholar and a practical philosopher who speculates
about commonplace subjects and makes them elevate and exalted with
his treatment.

Question and answers:

1.What is of discourse Francis Bacon about?

Basically these essays communicate precepts for the guidance of personal

conduct in public affairs, based on Bacon's own political experience. In the
essay titled "Of Discourse," Bacon explains how a person can "lead the dance"
without appearing to dominate a conversation.02-Jan-2020

2.What is the concept of discourse?

In the humanities and social sciences, discourse describes a formal way of
thinking that can be expressed through language. Discourse is a social boundary
that defines what statements can be said about a topic. Many definitions of discourse
are largely derived from the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault.

3.What are the elements of discourse?

The primary features of discourse structure are time, space, and class. Time is an
obvious element in all kinds of discourses involving a sequence of related events—
as in novels, short stories, dramas, epic poetry, history, how-to-do-it manuals, and
even genealogies.

4.Why is it called discourse?

The word discourse is derived from the latin prefix dis- meaning "away" and the
root word currere meaning "to run". Discourse, therefore, translates to "run away"
and refers to the way that conversations flow. To study discourse is to analyze the
use of spoken or written language in a social context.

5.What is of discourse by Francis Bacon about?

Basically these essays communicate precepts for the guidance of personal

conduct in public affairs, based on Bacon's own political experience. In the
essay titled "Of Discourse," Bacon explains how a person can "lead the dance"
without appearing to dominate a conversation.02-Jan-2020

6.What is the main purpose of discourse?

The four primary aims of discourse are to persuade, to inform, to discover for
one's own needs, and to create.