Hugh Blair is a prominent rhetorician and author whose influence on both secular and religious literature is very remarkable. The lectures he gave to the students of the University of Edinburgh were compiled into what is called his lectures of rhetoric and belles letters. It is one of the unique language guides with specific attention to written words. The word “belles lettres” itself means beautiful writing (Halloran, 2013).
By Don Allen (MNSU, Moorhead - Advanced Rhetoric, 2020)
“Hugh Blair” – Preacher – Professor
of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres
Blair revered greatly the work of Quintilian and often quotes it in his own writing most especially excerpts from the Quintilian’s institutio oratoria. Blair considers some characteristics of a speech primary and definitive. These characteristics are taste, style, language and eloquence. Cohen in a publication shared with other scholars on the Rhetoric society quarterly believe that the most significant passage in Blair’s lecture is a passage at the beginning of lecture X which is basically about style and language (Einhorn, Cohen, Corbett, Kneupper, Skopec and Warnick, 1987). Of style, Blair says it is not easy to describe it precisely. He however defines it as: “…a peculiar manner in which a man expresses his conceptions by means of language”. Blair emphasized that style is different from ordinary choice of words. He said further that an author’s choice of words may be appropriate and flawless while his style may be riddled with flaws. Blair is of the opinion that style is tightly connected with sentiments and that as a matter of fact they cannot be separated. Blair in his lectures, admonished that author’s should embrace their manners or style and not imitate. This can be viewed as his advocacy for individuality which he believes is very important even in delivery; Blair in his words said that ‘Room must be left for genius.’
According to Blair, in lecture II, “taste is the power of receiving pleasure from the beauties of nature and art”. There are two parts which are involved in the concept of taste according to Blair. They are: the senses and thought processing. The sense organs can be used to feed the taste while thought process is used to discern pleasure derivation. Blair believes that everybody possesses taste as an intuitive faculty and it can be improved. A common assumption Blair shared in is that taste offers the society some benefit. It is believed that taste which is directly related to the appreciation of aesthetics sharpens and enhances the intuition of individuals and causes them to be more virtuous (Agnew, 1998). Blair believes there is a relationship between rhetorical proficiency and moral virtues as the classics have associated them. To Blair, taste is related to developing virtue and its exhibition.Blair
believes that language is a reflection of the values that are inherent in a
culture and that it is instrumental in further developments of the society.
This he demonstrated using the Greek and Roman language. He described language
as a vehicle that is used to transmit the most delicate and refined emotions of
the mind. In lecture XVIII, Blair talks about the use of figurative language
and how its use is a factor of imagination which varies individually. He
defined imagination as a power that must be gotten from nature and should not
be acquired. Use of figurative language generally implies deviation from
simplicity of expression. It is mostly used to make impressions stronger and
clearer. In lectures XIV to XVII of the first volume, Blair explained the
origin and some of the applications of figurative languages. Popular
conclusions are that figures of speech were developed in later periods when
language advanced but this is inaccurate. Humans have used them ever since.
Consider the early periods when humans had no choice than to employ these figures
because expression of meanings were limited due to availability of few words.
So of course, they used comparisons, metaphors, allusions and others which we
came to know as figures of speech. Blair also noted that it is not strange to
see people who have not studied figures of speech make figurative statements.
Blair
describes eloquence as speaking to the purpose. He also pointed out that
regardless of the subject, eloquence is possible. One should be attentive to
the rhetorical situation and the reason behind the subject so that we can say
things that match the situation. Blair also advised that sincerity is important
to attain eloquence. “Nature teaches
every man to be eloquent, when he is much in earnest”. According to Blair,
language employed should be natural and constructed simply. He warned of
garnishment and how it can affect eloquence. Blair in lecture XXVII while
talking about the “eloquence of popular assemblies” advised that one should
never attempt eloquence which one’s genius
is not in support or capable of. Blair
also highlighted the difference between conviction and persuasion. He said “true eloquence is the art of placing truth
in the most advantageous light for conviction and persuasion”. According to
him, conviction of the brain can be done with proofs which make the person
aware or knowledgeable but persuasion of
the will gets him or her to do. Blair said in volume I that “the end of popular speaking is persuasion;
and this must be founded in conviction. Argument and reasoning must be the
basis, if we would be speakers of business, and not mere disclaimers”.
Blair is clearly against the notion that rhetoric does not belong on the
pulpit. As a preacher himself, he believes the conception is inaccurate and
that every sermon should become a persuasive oration since the end of every
sermon aims at persuading men to be good.
Blair’s
writings were timely to the American independence and it encouraged the unity
and adoption of a national language by the Americans. His lectures have over
130 editions and the lectures on rhetoric were the most reproduced and distributed
during its period.
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