CHAPTER II.

SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS OF PERIODS.

We will divide this chapter into two articles. In the first we will expound the synthesis and analysis of periods with some special rules; in the second we will give the praxis for the composition of periods.

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITION, QUALITIES AND RULES CONCERNING THE SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS OF PERIODS.

1. Formation or synthesis of a period is the combination of one or more members which form a period.

2. As the combination of the elements of a sentence constitutes what we termed in Part I, Chap. IV, No. 5, first formation of a literary composition, namely; a sentence; and as the combination of simple sentences constitutes the second formation of a literary composition, name

Q. What does synthesis of the period mean?' (1.)

A. The combination of one or more members which form a

period.

Q. What constitutes the third formation of a literary composition? (2.)

A. The period.

ly: a compound sentence or member of the period; so, the combination of one or more compound sentences forming a distinct and integral part, constitutes what we shall call the third formation of a literary composition, namely; the period.

3. For the synthesis or formation of periods it is necessary to know, first, the nature and number of the compound elements; second, the mode of combining them; third, the mode of imparting variety of arrangement and government, together with some special rules; all which we will here briefly consider.

4. From what has been said, we learn that the elements of periods are members, or compound sentences, the nature of which has been explained in the first part.

5. The number of members which compose a period may vary from one to six and more members, but perfect periods will not admit of more than four nor less than two members.

6. The mode of combining members of the period, is the same as that of combining senQ. What is necessary to know for the formation of periods. (3.) A. The nature and number of the component elements; their mode of combination; the mode of imparting to them variety of arrangement and government, and some special rules.

Q. What are the component elements of the period? (4.)
A. Compound sentences called members.

Q. How many members will a good period admit? (5.)

A. Not more than four, nor less than two members.

tences, of which we have treated in Article III, Chapter IV, Part I, and to which the learner must refer. We shall only observe here, that the members of a period are principally connected; first, by the use of participles; as, "having, being, having been," etc.; second, by conjunctive adverbs; as, "after, again, also, as, nevertheless, since, until, when, while," etc.; third, by conjunctions; as, “for, if, even, because, either—or, neither-nor, though—yet, as--as, as-so," etc.; fourth, by prepositions; as, “before, beside, concerning, notwithstanding.'

7. The mode of imparting variety of arrangement and government is identical with that of sentences, spoken of in Art. IV, Chapter IV, Part I, which therefore must be reviewed; and here we will only add that a transposition of members in a period is always allowed when compatible with the sense and grammatical construction.

8. The special rules for the formation or synthesis of periods are, first, the members must be

Q. How are the members of the period combined? (6.)

A. In the same manner as simple sentences.

Q. How is their connection made? (6.)

A. By the use of participles, by conjunctions, and prepositions. Q. How may variety of arrangement and government be imparted to members of the period? (7.)

A. In the same manner as in regard to compound sentences.
Q. Is a transposition of members always allowed in a period? (7.)
A. Yes, when it is compatible with the sense and grammatical
construction.

well connected; second, the meaning of the speaker or writer must be full and complete, only at the close of the last member; third, the collocation of words at the close of the period, must be such as to make it harmonious.

9. The points to be examined in the analysis of a period are as follows: first, state whether it is a period; second, whether it is a period of one, two, three, four, or more members; third, point out each member in order, remarking when an ellipsis occurs; fourth, show by what particles or words members are connected; fifth, mark the protasis and apodosis.

In making this exercise the rules to be observed are, to stop at every point; and, first, to give a definition or quotation of a rule; second, to apply the definition or rule to the subject in question; Q. What are the special rules for the formation of periods? (8.) A. They are three. First, the members must be well connected;

second, the meaning of the writer or speaker must be complete at the close only of the last member; third, the period must be harmonious.

Q. What are the points to be expounded in the analysis of a period? (9.)

A. Four points. First, whether it is a period; second, how many members it contains, and what they are; third, how the members are connected; fourth, the rising and falling part, or its Protasis and Apodosis.

Q. What are the rules to be observed in the analysis of pe

riods? (9.)

A. Three. For each point stated, first, give a definition or quotation of a rule; second, apply the definition or rule to the subject in question; third, draw the conclusion, following the same method as in the analysis of sentences.

third, to draw the conclusion, following the same method as above indicated in the analysis of sentences.

I.-EXERCISE.

Make a full analysis of the following extract from Mr. Hayne's speech, according to the above directions.

NOTE. The small numbers indicate the members; the acute accent, the protasis, and the grave accent, the apodosis of the periods.

EULOGIUM ON THE SOUTH.

1If there be one State in the Union, Mr. President (and I say it not in a boastful spirit), that may challenge comparison with any other for a uniform, zealous, ardent, and uncalculating devotion to the Union, that State is South Carolina.

1Sír, from the very commencement of the Revolution up to this hour, there is no sacrifice, however great, she has not cheerfully made; 2nò service she has ever hesitated to perform.

1Shé has adhered to you in your prosperity; 2but in your adversity she has clung to you with more than filial affection.

1Nó matter what was the condition of her domestic affairs, though deprived of her resources, divided by parties, or surrounded by difficulties, 3 thè call of the country has been to her as the voice of God.

1 Dómestic discord ceased at the sound; every man became at once reconciled to his brethren, 2ànd the sons