32. Before dismissing this branch of our subject, it should
be further remarked, that even when addressing the most vigorous
intellects, the direct style is unfit for communicating ideas of
a complex or abstract character. So long as the mind has not much
to do, it may be well able to grasp all the preparatory clauses
of a sentence, and to use them effectively; but if some subtlety
in the argument absorb the attention--if every faculty be strained
in endeavouring to catch the speaker's or writer's drift, it may
happen that the mind, unable to carry on both processes at once,
will break down, and allow the elements of the thought to lapse
into confusion.
iv. The Principle of Economy applied to Figures.
33. Turning now to consider figures of speech, we may equally
discern the same general law of effect. Underlying all the rules
given for the choice and right use of them, we shall find the same
fundamental requirement--economy of attention. It is indeed chiefly
because they so well subserve this requirement, that figures of
speech are employed.
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