William Caxton's prose style, when judged by fifteenth-century standards and a descriptive analysis of his syntax, shows that Caxton was consistent in his work. His syntax is associational rather than grammatical, one clause building on another through thematic associations. The prime compositional pattern though is the use of medieval rhetorical figures, especially those which lend themselves to the reinforcement of themes. / Caxton as a stylist was involved in three different activities: as an editor, a translator, and a writer of original compositions--prologues and epilogues to his publications, each of them an essay on a theme. In his translations and edited works, the same stylistic principles are operative. First, Caxton followed as closely as possible the original when it was in the courtly (high) style emphasized by the ethos of the Burgundian Renaissance. This "stencil" activity accounts for much of what critics call Caxton's unidiomatic language. However, this style was deliberate on Caxton's part; he hoped through emulation of the courtly French texts to ennoble English prose. Second, he would alter some details in order to fit his thematic preoccupations. Third, he would occasionally rewrite passages to fit better the courtly style. Radical changes were made only in those texts which were uncourtly: part of the Morte D'Arthur and all of Reynard the Fox. Generally though, he tried to capture the style of the original, changing it only to meet the needs of his readers (through modernization of syntax and vocabulary). / His own prose lies in the middle style, having a familiar and engaging tone. Most of the prologues and epilogues present one dominant theme each, supported and enhanced by satellite themes which recur throughout his works. The most popular themes emphasize chivalric ideals, the commonweal, moral/religious concerns, and the importance of the written word. These themes are reinforced by two devices: doublets, long considered a tautology by many critics; and rhetorical figures, the most popular being character delineation, antithesis, understatement, and frankness of speech. Character delineation usually focuses on those who are chivalric or who are supporters of the commonweal. Antithesis focuses on moral issues. Understatement and frankness of speech usually relate to the author's role and the importance of the written word in inculcating those virtues which Caxton sees as civically desirable. / Caxton's self-deprecation should not be taken too seriously. An examination of his prologues and epilogues shows that he was an extremely conscientious craftsman with definite goals in mind. His prose shows a care and polish which secures his place as one of the progenitors of good English prose style. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 41-03, Section: A, page: 1051. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1980.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74146 |
| Contributors | CHAFFEE, HARRY ALEXANDER., The Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 265 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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