DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18825#0269
LECT. VII.] OF EXPRESSION. 183
infant offspring. But it is very seldom such contra-
dictory motions can be gracefully introduced : the
more kindly combinations rather arise from passions
whose natures are more nearly allied.
I wish likewise to notice that as there is expression
in character, there is also character in expression :
the marks of every passion are not equally strong in
every person, but they appear most conspicuous,
when exhibited by a cast of countenance which agrees
with, or is favourable, as it were, to, that particular
emotion : for the features of a person who is usually
tranquil and calm, will not suddenly assume Rage, or
Fury : neither will the deeply marked visage of an
irascible, and churlish disposition, express (at least
to any advantage) the gentle appearance of Benevo-
lence, Love, or Esteem.
It is not my intention to repeat what I have al-
ready offered on the article character ; I shall
only observe, that many ideas connected with that
article, may be accommodated to our present sub-
ject. Children have expressions peculiar to them-
selves, and not having learnt the art of concealing
them (which is no small part of education in the opi-
nion of some persons) they exhibit them very
strongly. Education renders very different in differ-
ent persons the manner of expressing the same pas-
sion, unless where passion is too powerful for every re-
straint ; there indeed all feel the same sensations, and
Nature rules in spite of art: but, in familiar occur-
rences, the joy of a gentleman is sufficiently distinct
from the haw ! haw ! of a clown ; or the grief of a
liberal
infant offspring. But it is very seldom such contra-
dictory motions can be gracefully introduced : the
more kindly combinations rather arise from passions
whose natures are more nearly allied.
I wish likewise to notice that as there is expression
in character, there is also character in expression :
the marks of every passion are not equally strong in
every person, but they appear most conspicuous,
when exhibited by a cast of countenance which agrees
with, or is favourable, as it were, to, that particular
emotion : for the features of a person who is usually
tranquil and calm, will not suddenly assume Rage, or
Fury : neither will the deeply marked visage of an
irascible, and churlish disposition, express (at least
to any advantage) the gentle appearance of Benevo-
lence, Love, or Esteem.
It is not my intention to repeat what I have al-
ready offered on the article character ; I shall
only observe, that many ideas connected with that
article, may be accommodated to our present sub-
ject. Children have expressions peculiar to them-
selves, and not having learnt the art of concealing
them (which is no small part of education in the opi-
nion of some persons) they exhibit them very
strongly. Education renders very different in differ-
ent persons the manner of expressing the same pas-
sion, unless where passion is too powerful for every re-
straint ; there indeed all feel the same sensations, and
Nature rules in spite of art: but, in familiar occur-
rences, the joy of a gentleman is sufficiently distinct
from the haw ! haw ! of a clown ; or the grief of a
liberal