‘Of Studies’ ~ Francis Bacon Summary, Explanation, Questions Answer, MCQs, Class 11 Semester 2

‘Of Studies’ ~ Francis Bacon

Summary, Explanation, Questions Answer, Class 11 Semester 2

 Introduction to the Essay

Francis Bacon published a series of ten essays in 1597. ‘Of Studies’ is the first essay of the series. It was modified in 1612 by incorporating some more ideas and sentences and changing some words and expressions. It is one of the most popular essays of Bacon. It shows the influence of the Renaissance on the people of Elizabethan age. The Renaissance spirit awakened a desire to know the unknown. As a result, studies became an essential part of daily life. Although the world of knowledge is unlimited, it is not possible to attain limitless knowledge by reading all the books. Only a short-cut method of selective study can enrich us.

So Bacon addresses the issue to facilitate study, deals with the benefits of study and its modes and concludes with the effectiveness of study in curing some mental defects. In the text, Bacon has treated study from various angles. It begins with the purposes served by study. Then, he speaks on the utility of study and how different types of people look upon study. His classification of books into different types shows uses of books in real life. Comparative study on the relative importance of reading, conference and writing is a significant part of the essay. Bacon's observations on the different roles played by various subjects deserve special mention. The essay ends with his suggestion of remedial measures for different types of prejudices. Within a very short length, Bacon has packed a wide range of practical ideas in the essay. Because of its glorious theme and pragmatic outlook, novel ideas and logical treatment enriched Latin vocabulary and dignified style, ‘Of Studies’ is regarded as one of the jewels among Bacon's essays.

Summary of the Essay

Bacon begins his essay with a three-fold purpose of study. He points out studies not only serve the purpose of increasing knowledge, but also they give delight in leisure, improve ability in practical life, and serve for ornament. They make our expressions impressive and sharpen our skill in speech and writing. Studies are helpful in developing natural faculties of the mind. They are perfected by experience. But spending too much time in study is not good. Similarly, to judge everything in the light of bookish knowledge is faulty unless it is supported by experience.

While crafty men condemn studies and simple men admire them, wise men use them in their daily life. Bacon guides us in making use of study. We should read neither to contradict nor to believe. Rather, we should study to weigh and consider. We should accept what is convincing. Bacon classifies books into three categories: some books are to be read in parts, some to be completed, and some others to be read intensively and heartily. There are still some books which are to be read through their summaries and extracts.

Bacon points out the relative importance of reading, conference, and writing in human life. Reading is a means of gathering knowledge. It makes a full man. Conference demands a person to be ready to take part in a conversation. But writing helps a man to attain perfection in assembling ideas and expressing accurately and systematically.

Bacon mentions the impact of different subjects of study on the human mind. Studies contribute to the development of character and formation of personality. The study of history makes one wise. The study of poetry can make one witty. Similarly, the study of natural philosophy imparts deep thinking; logic and rhetoric increases the power of debate; ethics infuses values; and mathematics increases subtlety of mind. Bacon regards study as a mental exercise. Just as physical exercises cure physical disorders, studies have the potential to cure mental defects. The study of mathematics can stabilize wandering wit. Similarly, study of law-cases provides arguments and references to plead for a reason.

Critical Estimate of the Essay

Bacon’s ‘Of Studies’ is one of the most popular and oft-quoted essays ever written. Borrowing the term from Montaigne’s ‘Essais’ (‘Attempts’), Bacon started writing essays in 1597. ‘Of Studies’ was the first essay of the series of essays published in 1597. This particular essay was written to address the rising growth of demand for reading books prompted by the Renaissance spirit. Bacon here presents guidelines for various types of readers and their interests.

Within a very small compass, ‘Of Studies’ deals with a wide range of ideas presented in a very logical manner and condensed form. It reveals Bacon’s insight, good sense, and practical outlook. In this essay, Bacon focuses on the importance of studies in human life, categorizes books, mentions the advantages and disadvantages of study, and attaches distinctive values to different fields of study. His great ideas, clarity of expression, display of practical wisdom, witty arguments, and lucid presentation make this essay a masterpiece for all ages.

Bacon begins his essay by enlisting a three-fold function of studies — ‘for delight, for ornament, and for ability’. Only seven words sum up the purposes of study. This sort of precision and compactness, clarity and cadence, wit and lucidity mark the uniqueness of Bacon's style. All through the essay, Bacon maintains a dispassionate neutrality.

Bacon clearly explains the three different situations in which the three distinct purposes of study become effective. In private life and leisure, studies give us delight. In case of discourse, the use of studies is ornamental. But studies serve for ability in judgment and in performing anything skillfully. The learned use studies in handling daily affairs and plotting action plans for executing a task.

But Bacon also warns the readers against spending excessive time in studies. He opines that to spend too much time in studies is sloth. Similarly, too much use of studies for ornament is pretense and for judgment is humorous. Bacon admits that studies perfect human nature. But, along with studies, intervention of experience is essential to purify human nature. He advises us to read neither to contradict nor to believe the ideas presented in a book. Books are to be read for improving our ability to weigh and consider an issue.

Bacon excelled in categorizing books according to their utilitarian value and people according to their attitude to studies. He classifies his target population as crafty, simple and wise. Crafty men are clever people who do not study but criticize studies for moral reasons. Simple men are not good readers but they have admiration for studies and the learned. The learned are the wise people who possess the ability to make good judgments based on a deep understanding and experience.

Bacon classifies books on the basis of their importance in human life:

  Some are to be read in parts.

  Some are to be stored in memory for a particular purpose without going into a detailed understanding.

  A few books are to be read intensively with minute details.

He also makes a comparative study of the three essential linguistic skills—reading, speaking and writing. According to him, reading adds to human knowledge, conference demands a readiness to interact with others, and writing contributes to making a person exact.

Bacon concludes his essay by pointing out various subjects and their positive effect on human life in curing different types of mental sickness:

  History: Wisdom

  Poetry: Wit

  Mathematics: Concentration

  Natural Philosophy: Depth of understanding

  Ethics: Gravity

  Logic and Rhetoric: Skill to debate

He compares study with physical exercises: as physical exercises can cure physical ailments, different types of studies can cure mental diseases. For example, bowling is good for the bladder and kidney, shooting for the lungs and breast, walking for the stomach and riding for the head. Similarly, mathematics is the remedy for a wandering mind.

Bacon uses a number of poetic images to lend a poetic touch. He introduces nature imagery to claim that natural abilities are like natural plants: “for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning, by study”. He also uses food imagery: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”.

Proverbial Quotes from 'Of Studies'

  “Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.”

  “Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them.”

  “Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.”

  “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested;”

  “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.”

  “Distilled books are like common distilled waters.”

  “Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend.”

Defects and Conclusion

Bacon's ‘Of Studies’ has a few of its own defects. His passion for Latin words and phrases makes the essay rather difficult in some parts. He used expressions such as:

  Abeunt studia in mores (Studies pass into and influence manners)

  Cymini sectores (Splitters of hairs)

In the essay ‘Of Studies’, Bacon has achieved a rare success in expressing his ideas about effectiveness of studies in a very comprehensive manner. This essay has exercised tremendous impact upon all discussion on studies in the subsequent period. In 1753, Samuel Johnson wrote an essay entitled ‘On Studies’, paying tribute to Bacon. Bacon's treatment of the subject, his style of expression, and his objectivity lend him an immortal place in the history of English essays.

Short Answer Type Questions (marks 2)

1. What purpose do studies serve?

Ans. According to Francis Bacon, studies serve for delight, ornament and ability.

2. What are the main benefits of studies?

Ans. The main benefits of studies are three-fold. They provide pleasure in leisure, serve as ornament in discussion and improve ability in practical life.

3. What does Bacon mean by 'studies serve for delight'?

Ans. By the expression 'studies serve for delight', Bacon means to say that reading books in leisure time or private life gives pleasure.

4. How, according to Bacon, do studies serve for ornament?

Ans. According to Bacon, a person can make use of a wide range of references in spoken or written discourse. During a conversation or discussion, a person can show off his/her bookish knowledge by using beautiful words in order to impress others. This is how studies serve for ornament.

5. What is meant by 'studies serve for ability'? Or, What does Bacon mean to suggest when he says, "studies serve for ability"?

Ans. Studies improve a person's knowledge and skill in handling practical issues, giving counsels, decision-making and judging situations in daily life. This is how, according to Bacon, studies serve for ability.

6. How, according to Bacon, studies are used in discourse?

Ans. Bacon argues that in discourse, a person can display his/her bookish knowledge gained through study. Thus, studies are used in discourse.

7. What can an expert do?

Ans. An expert is a person skilled in a particular field. So, an expert can execute a task properly and perhaps judge particulars one after the other.

8. What comes best from the learned?

Ans. The learned are people with a lot of knowledge and experience. General advice, design of a plan of action and techniques for monitoring everything in an orderly way come best from the learned.

9. What, according to Bacon, is the difference between an expert and a learned person?

Ans. An expert is skilled in performing a particular job but a learned person has the ability to design a plot, give general advice and handle any complicated situation in an orderly manner. An expert executes what a learned person devises. The learned are good at decision-making while the experts are skilled in executing a specific task.

10. How does Bacon look upon spending too much time in studies?

Ans. Human life is bound by time and routine. As a practical man, Bacon thinks that spending too much time in studies is a mark of laziness and unwillingness to work. Thus, he condemns this bad habit.

11. What is Bacon's opinion about too much use of studies for ornament?

Ans. According to Bacon, too much use of studies for ornament is affectation because such a showing off to impress others makes a discourse, written or spoken, unnatural and artificial.

12. What does Bacon say about making judgement wholly by rules?

Ans. Bacon holds the view that making judgement by fully depending on rules and bookish knowledge makes the judgement scholarly but comic.

13. "They perfect nature and are perfected by experience"—what is meant by this?

Ans. By this, Bacon means to say that studies makes nature perfect to a degree. However, a higher degree of perfection can be achieved only when studies are moderated by experience.

14. How are studies perfected?

Ans. According to Bacon, studies are perfected by experience. Experience is required for moderating studies.

15. "They perfect nature and are perfected by experience."—What does the word 'they' refer to? What is meant by the word 'nature'?

Ans. In Bacon's essay, the word 'they' refers to studies. The word 'nature' refers to the typical qualities and characteristics of a person.

16. What is the relationship between studies and human nature?

Ans. Studies improve human ability, knowledge and skill to a certain degree of perfection.

17. What roles do studies and experience play in shaping human nature?

Ans. Studies contribute to the development of knowledge and skill while experience moderates bookish knowledge to the highest degree of perfection.

18. What does Bacon compare with natural abilities?

Ans. Bacon compares natural abilities with natural plants.

19. What is the similarity between natural abilities and natural plants?

Ans. Natural abilities mean inherited human qualities or potential. Natural plants are the gifts of nature. Natural abilities can be improved by studies in the same way as natural plants are put in order by pruning.

20. What do studies give forth?

Ans. According to Bacon, studies give forth directions to natural abilities which are finally shaped by experience.

21. What do you mean by 'crafty men'? How do they look upon studies?

Ans. The expression 'crafty men' means wicked or deceitful persons. 'Crafty Men' condemn studies because studies help others to identify their devious design.

22. Who are 'simple men'? How do they regard studies?

Ans. The expression 'simple men' refers to common folk who lack education and training. 'Simple men' show high regard for studies because of their shortcomings in education and their dependence on the learned for general counsels.

23. Who are 'wise men'? How do studies help them?

Ans. The expression 'wise men' refers to the people who possess the ability to make good judgements based on a deep understanding and experience of life. Studies enrich the wise by providing them knowledge required for a deeper understanding. On the other side, wide experience moderates their abilities. Studies help them to use their ability, shaped by experience, in decision-making and problem-solving without making a show of their learning.

24. What, according to Bacon, should not be the aim of reading? Or, What warning does Bacon give about the objectives of reading?

Ans. Bacon warns the readers against opposing or challenging the ideas written in print. He advises neither to believe nor to accept printed literature blindly. Rather, he guides us to judge and think about the value of the content impartially.

25. What does Bacon mean by the expression 'some books are to be tasted'?

Ans. By the expression 'some books are to be tasted', Bacon means to say that there are some books which are not to be read from the beginning to the end. They are to be read in parts.

26. What sort of books is to be swallowed?

Ans. According to Bacon, those books which are not read curiously, are to be swallowed. These books are read extensively to get a general understanding of them.

27. What sort of books are to be chewed and digested?

Ans. According to Bacon, there are some books which demand intensive reading to gain an understanding of the minute details in them. Those books are to be read attentively and diligently.

28. Which books does Bacon prescribe for the deputy?

Ans. According to Bacon, there are some huge books, only summaries and extracts of which are important as reference for arguments. Bacon prescribes those books for the deputy.

29. What does Bacon mean by 'meaner sort of books'? How do they appear?

Ans. By the expression 'meaner sort of books', Bacon refers to less important books or books of little practical utility. These books appear to be attractive and bright.

30. What are 'distilled books'? What has been compared to distilled books?

Ans. 'Distilled books' are books containing only facts and information and no interpretation. These are free from the contamination of thoughts and ideas. Distilled water, meaning pure water, has been compared to distilled books.

31. Why does Bacon say 'reading maketh a full man'?

Ans. Human beings are born with some inherited abilities. These are improved and sharpened by reading. Reading makes a person complete by developing and perfecting their natural abilities in the right direction. That is why Bacon says that 'reading maketh a full man'.

32. What role does conference play in human life?

Ans. Conference extends the scope of discussion and exchange of ideas. A person who attends conferences becomes fully prepared for all seasons. Thus, conference makes a 'ready man'.

33. What is the importance of writing in human life?

Ans. Writing is a productive skill. It involves an in-depth understanding of the topic, a systematic arrangement of parts, a wide range of vocabulary, a sense of accuracy, and logical presentation. It makes a person precise and perfect.

34. Who needs to have a great memory?

Ans. A person who writes a little, needs to have a great memory to compensate for his/her shortcomings in reading.

35. Who needs to have a present wit?

Ans. A person who talks little, must have a present wit to face others in conference or discussion.

36. Who needs to have much cunningness?

Ans. A person who reads little, must be cunning enough to pretend to be a learned man.

37. What is the impact of history on human

life?

Ans. History, as Bacon says, makes a person wise by providing records of the past events. It teaches lessons to the present.

38. How can poetry influence a person?

Ans. From the Elizabethan Age, poetry is full of witty expressions. That is how it makes a person witty.

39. What is the impact of mathematics in human life?

Ans. Mathematics is helpful in developing concentration and subtlety. It makes a person stable enough to focus on a particular issue and not get distracted.

40. What is the utility of natural philosophy?

Ans. Natural philosophy helps us in developing a deep understanding of nature and our existence.

41. What is the importance of moral?

Ans. Moral is helpful in developing an ethical sense and integrating values with personality. It makes a person ethically strong and serious.

42. What is the importance of logic and rhetoric?

Ans. Logic improves our rational thinking and rhetoric modifies our art of expression. Together, logic and rhetoric enhance a person's skill in debate and argumentation.

43. What does the expression 'abeunt studia in mores' mean? Or, Explain the phrase—'abeunt studia in mores'.

Ans. The Latin expression 'abeunt studia in mores' means studies pass into character and influence manners in social interaction.

44. What hinders wit? How can it be overcome?

Ans. The only hindrance or difficulty in the way of acquiring knowledge and wit is the wrong choice of subjects. Only an appropriate subject can help us to become learned and witty.

45. What analogy does Bacon use in highlighting the healing effects of studies?

Ans. In highlighting the healing effect of studies, Bacon draws an analogy between appropriate exercises and appropriate studies. Defects of the mind can be cured by the appropriate choice of studies in the same way as the diseases of the body are cured by appropriate exercises.

46. What is the utility of bowling?

Ans. According to Bacon, bowling is good for the kidney and bladder.

47. What is the benefit of shooting?

Ans. In the opinion of Bacon, shooting is good for the lungs and breast.

48. What is the usefulness of gentle walking?

Ans. According to Bacon, gentle walking is good for the stomach.

49. What is the benefit of riding?

Ans. Bacon thinks that riding is good for the head.

50. What mental defect can be cured by studying mathematics?

Ans. According to Bacon, the study of mathematics is effective in stabilizing wandering wit. It develops concentration. Thus, it prevents the distraction of mind.

51. What is the 'Schoolmen'? Whom can the

study of the Schoolmen help?

Ans. The 'Schoolmen' are the books written by medieval scholars skilled in academic disputation. If a person cannot distinguish between two things, the study of the 'Schoolmen' may be effective.

52. What is meant by the phrase 'cymini

sectores'?

Ans. The Latin phrase 'cymini sectores' literally means hair-splitters. In its general sense, it refers to experts who make fine distinctions. Specifically, this phrase is applied to the philosophers of the Middle Ages.

53. For whom does Bacon advise the study

of the lawyers' cases? Why?

Ans. A person who wants to justify a point or an issue should study the lawyers' cases. Study of the lawyers' cases can help them to justify a point or an issue by illustrating and referencing.

54. Why does Bacon say, 'every defect of the mind may have a special receipt'?

Ans. According to Bacon, every ailment of the mind has its own remedy. It can be cured by choosing the study that acts as a remedy for that particular mental defect.

Descriptive Type Questions (marks 6)

1. What is the use of studies, as propagated by Bacon in his 'Of Studies'? Or, How does Bacon explain the chief benefits of studies in his 'Of Studies'?

Ans. In the opening line of the essay 'Of Studies', Francis Bacon classifies the benefits of studies under three distinctly different and well-defined heads. According to him, the uses of studies are three-fold: they serve for delight, ornament and ability. Studies give joy in private life and leisure. People derive pleasure out of studying interesting books and journals. The entertaining value of books attracts the readers to be absorbed in studies. The second use of studies is concerned with their ornamental value . some readers study to make a show of their learned self. They use studies to beautify both their character and discourse in the eyes of others. But the most significant of the uses is the functional values of studies. Studies improve skill and sharpen natural abilities. They enable us to get a deeper understanding of our problems and solve those efficiently. It helps us in giving counsels, in judgement, in decision - making and conducting all sorts of business. Moderated by experience, studies perfect human nature. Apart from these uses, studies also serve as a remedy for mental defects.

2. How does Bacon categorise people on the basis of their attitude to studies?

 

Ans. In the essay 'Of Studies' Francis Bacon categorises people on the basis of his practical knowledge and observation. Bacon classifies the whole population into three types on the basis of their attitude to studies. He argues that wicked people ('crafty men') oppose studies. They criticize and condemn studies to conceal their deceitful nature and devious designs. Apparently they condemn studies on moral grounds. But they actually have a clever intention. On the other hand, ordinary people ('simple men') show admiration for studies and the learned people simply because of their weakness for studies and shortcomings in learning. Only the wise know how to make use of knowledge and skill gained through studies. They use studies in practical life. Studies improve their ability to observe and judge everything in the light of their knowledge and experience. Their deeper understanding helps them in counseling, decision-making, and problem-solving. They do not indulge in teaching how to use studies, nor do they make a show of their wisdom.

 

3. How does Bacon classify books from the practical point of view?

 

Ans. Using his observational skills and experience, Francis Bacon skillfully divides the uses of studies, the people and books in his essay. According to him, there are three main types of books. He uses a metaphoric language and some poetic images of different manners of consuming food. He argues that there are some books which are to be tasted. It implies that books belonging to this category are to be read in parts. Books of the second category are to be swallowed. These books are to be read extensively for a general understanding. They are studied neither curiously nor seriously. But there are few books which are to be chewed and digested. While eating, people chew to grind the food for digestion. Similarly, such books are for intensive reading that requires diligence and attention. There is another kind which may be read by deputy, i.e., through others. Books which contain pure information, as Bacon thinks, are distilled books. Such books are termed to be 'flashy things' because they may look attractive but are not of good quality. Bacon's use of analogy between eating food and reading books beautifully explains his intention and makes his classification impressive.

 

4. What are the warnings that Bacon gives us in the essay 'Of Studies'?

 

Ans. Francis Bacon, in his essay 'Of Studies', warns the readers against various aspects of studies. He thinks that spending too much time on studies is 'sloth'—a mark of idleness and self-indulgence. Every reader should maintain a balance between reading and doing other jobs. Then he passes onto the decorative value of studies and advises us not to beautify our discourse, either spoken or written, with ornaments of references. Excessive use of bookish knowledge to impress others makes our language artificial and less convincing. He calls this habit 'affectation'. Similarly, judging everything by applying bookish knowledge and rules may sound scholarly but in reality, it is a comic display of scholarship. In fact, Bacon puts a limit on the amount of time that studies should be given and the functions they serve. Additionally, he advises against accepting things blindly from what is printed and reading just to refute the opinions that are stated there. Analysing and evaluating any text's worth is the proper goal of reading.

 

5. "They perfect nature and are perfected by experience."—Who is referred to by 'they'? How do they perfect nature? What is the role of experience?

Ans. The pronoun 'they' refers to studies.

 Studies not only give delight but also improve ability. Every person is born with an innate potential which is nourished and nurtured by studies and experience. Studies enrich us by

providing knowledge and skill. They perfect human nature by developing and sharpening our natural abilities.

 

Experience is the continuous process of gaining knowledge and skill through seeing and doing things rather than through studying. While studies improve our bookish knowledge and understanding, experience plays a significant role in moderating and shaping that knowledge. Experience adds pragmatic value to studies and transforms acquired knowledge to practical ability.

 

6. What are the basic language skills that Bacon deals with for comparison and contrast?

 

Ans. Except for listening, Bacon deals with three basic language skills in his essay: reading, speaking and writing. A larger part of the essay is devoted to revealing the importance of reading in life. While he makes a comparative study on the importance of the three, he argues that reading makes a man complete. A person achieves this virtue of completeness by reading books judiciously. Reading is essential for sharpening natural abilities and skills. It makes one fit for the world. Conference, on the other hand, makes a person fully prepared for all seasons. It is helpful in developing competency for speaking. Writing is considered to be the most important skill for learners. Bacon rightly says that 'writing' makes an 'exact' man. Writing involves assimilation of ideas, choice of appropriate words, accuracy in spelling and grammar and artistic presentation. A lot of practice is required to achieve the dignity of a writer. Writing, in contrast to the two other skills, makes a person proficient, precise and perfect.

 

7. What are the impacts of different subjects on human life?

 

Ans. Francis Bacon holds the view that every subject has its distinctive impact on the human mind. He categorically mentions the impacts:

i. Histories: History, as we know, is the study of past events of a particular country, period or subject. According to Bacon, histories make people wise.

ii. Poetry: It is a form of literature. Bacon thinks that poetry makes people witty.

iii. Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes and space using reason. Usually, a special system of symbols and rules are used for organizing them. Bacon holds the view that mathematics makes a person subtle. Mathematics is helpful in stabilizing a wandering wit.

iv. Natural philosophy: This subject is concerned with the use of reason in understanding the nature of reality and existence. Bacon conceives that natural philosophy promotes a deeper understanding of the world and our existence.

v. Moral: Moral is the study of ethics and value-system. Morals make a person serious in all affairs by developing ethical sense and infusing values.

vi. Logic and rhetoric: Logic is a way of thinking rationally and rhetoric is the art of using language effectively. Logic and rhetoric improve the ability to argue convincingly.

 

8. What does Bacon say about the healing effect of studies?

Ans. Bacon, in his essay 'Of Studies', makes observations on the healing effects of the different fields of studies. He draws an analogy between the effect of exercise in curing diseases of the body and the study of appropriate subjects for curing mental weakness. According to Bacon, the study of mathematics is effective in stabilizing wandering wit. It develops concentration and thereby prevents distraction of mind. The 'Schoolmen' are scholars skilled in academic disputation. If a person fails to distinguish between two things, the study of the 'Schoolmen' may be effective. For a person who wants to justify a point or an issue by illustrating and referencing, he/she should study the lawyers' cases for ready reference. Thus, Bacon justifies his claim that every psychological condition may have a special remedy in the form of study. Different subjects play a significant role in healing different mental defects.

 

9. Who is an expert? What can an expert do? How can we distinguish between an expert and a learned person?

 

Ans. An expert is a person with special knowledge, skill or training in a particular field.

 An expert can execute a specific task and judge particulars one by one. An expert is able to employ specific knowledge and skill in performing a job.

 

 A learned person differs from an expert in terms of general knowledge and abilities. The learned acquire a lot of knowledge by study. Although an expert can perform a specific task skillfully, the learned are good at counseling in general, designing a plan of action, monitoring, decision-making, and problem-solving.

 

10. What is analogy? How does Bacon use analogy in his essay 'Of Studies'?

Ans. Analogy is a comparison between things which have similar features. It is often used to explain an unfamiliar idea or concept in terms of a similar and familiar one. In his essay

'Of Studies', Bacon uses analogy to convey his ideas on the importance of studies. First, Bacon draws an analogy between natural abilities and natural plants. Natural plants grow in nature. They need to be shaped by pruning. Similarly, knowledge gained through studies needs trimming by experience. Secondly, he finds similarities between eating food and reading books. He uses tasting, swallowing, chewing and digesting as metaphors for reading different types of books. He says, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." Thirdly, Bacon describes a type of book in terms of distilled water and calls those 'distilled books'. Finally Bacon, in the concluding part of the essay, draws an analogy between physical exercises and studies. While appropriate physical exercise cures a particular disease of the body, choice of appropriate subject may cure a specific mental defect. In this way, Bacon uses analogy as a vehicle of his ideas.

 

11. What is illustration? How does Bacon use illustration in the concluding part of his essay?

Ans. Illustration is the art of giving examples to explain or prove something. In essays, illustration helps an author to explain an idea in concrete terms.

 

In the concluding part of his essay, Bacon uses illustration to justify his argument that defects of the mind can be cured by appropriate studies in the same way as diseases of the body can be cured by physical exercises. The analogy he draws between physical exercises and studies has been explained with examples. According to him, bowling is good for the kidney, shooting for the lungs and breast, gentle walking for the stomach, and riding for the head. Similarly, mathematics may serve as a remedy for wandering wit, the 'Schoolmen' for teaching how to distinguish between two things, and lawyers' cases for ready reference and illustration to prove something. Thus, Bacon uses illustration to justify his analogy.

 

12. Comment on the style of the essay 'Of Studies'.

Ans. Style is the man and it is Bacon's style that distinguishes him from others. His essay, 'Of Studies' is a brilliant example of condensed style. Bacon remains unrivaled till date because of his style. The novelty of his style lies in the economy of words. This essay is particularly marked by brevity and terseness. Some of his sentences are proverbs today. The following examples from this essay illustrate Bacon's pithy and pointed style:

i. "Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability."

ii. "Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them."

iii. "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested."

iv. "Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man." All the four sentences cited above follow a three-part pattern. Each part contains a singular idea. All the parts are presented in connection with relevant ideas. Each part is compact and distinctly different from the other two parts. Bacon uses appropriate similes to convey his ideas. For example, he says, "distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things". He uses images to add a poetic flavour to his prose. For instance, he writes, "for natural abilities are like natural plants that need pruning by study". To classify

books, Bacon uses food imagery, as in the third example cited above. His essays show his fascination for Latin expressions. In 'Of Studies', Bacon uses two Latin expressions:

i. "Abeunt studia in mores" (studies pass into character)

ii. "cymini sectores" (hair-splitters) 

Bacon's prose style has lent him an immortal place in the history of English literature and he is rightly regarded as the 'Father of English Prose'.

 

13. Establish Bacon as a Renaissance thinker from your observation of 'Of Studies'.

Ans. Bacon's 'Of Studies' reveals his Renaissance thinking in several ways. He chooses the topic following the craving for knowledge awakened by the Renaissance. At the beginning of the essay, he clarifies the purpose of study. He says, "Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability". He also explains how those purposes are served. He pleads for a balance between intellectual pursuits and practical application. His art of categorising books reflects his Renaissance spirit that classifies knowledge into various categories. Guided by Renaissance humanism, he focuses on the importance of studies in developing human potential. But he gives importance to both reason and experience. He encourages critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. As a Renaissance thinker, he knows the boundaries and limitations of studies. So he takes into account the effectiveness of conference and writing and determines the place of reading with respect to those skills. He presents a clear idea about how different types of people look upon studies. He says, "Crafty men condemn studies; simple men admire them; and wise men use them." He urges his readers to read to "weigh and consider". Being a Renaissance thinker Bacon advocates interdisciplinary studies and a holistic understanding. He shows that different subjects have different impacts on the reader. In all, Bacon's 'Of Studies' embodies Renaissance values and establishes Bacon as a powerful Renaissance thinker.