DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.48956#0069
Ch. XV. EMOTIONS AND PASSIONS. 63.
dark and more delicate expressions. Where then
shall we apply for a solution of this intricate pro-
blem , which seems to penetrate deep into human
nature? In my mind it will be convenient to sus-
pend the inquiry, till we are better acquainted
with the nature os external signs, and with their
operations. These articles therefore lhall be pre-
mised.
The external signs of passion are of two kinds 3
voluntary and involuntary. The voluntary signs
are also of two kinds: seme are arbitrary, sorce
natural. Words are obviously voluntary signs:
and they are also arbitrary ; excepting a few sim-
ple sounds expressive of certain internal emotions,,
which sounds being the same in all languages,
mull be the work of nature: thus the unpremedi-
tated tones os admiration are the same in all men;
as also os compasiion, resentment, and despair.
Dramatic writers ought to be well acquainted with
this natural language of passion : the chief talent
ofsuch a writer, is a ready command of the ex-
pressions that nature diDates to every person , when
any vivid emotion struggles for utterance, and the
chies talent of a sine reader, is a ready command
of tones suited to thefe expressions.
1 he other kind of voluntary signs, comprehends
certainattitudes and gestures that naturally accom-
pany certain emotions with a surprising uniformity.
excessive joy is expressed by leaping , dancing , or
some elevation of the body; excessive grief, by
dark and more delicate expressions. Where then
shall we apply for a solution of this intricate pro-
blem , which seems to penetrate deep into human
nature? In my mind it will be convenient to sus-
pend the inquiry, till we are better acquainted
with the nature os external signs, and with their
operations. These articles therefore lhall be pre-
mised.
The external signs of passion are of two kinds 3
voluntary and involuntary. The voluntary signs
are also of two kinds: seme are arbitrary, sorce
natural. Words are obviously voluntary signs:
and they are also arbitrary ; excepting a few sim-
ple sounds expressive of certain internal emotions,,
which sounds being the same in all languages,
mull be the work of nature: thus the unpremedi-
tated tones os admiration are the same in all men;
as also os compasiion, resentment, and despair.
Dramatic writers ought to be well acquainted with
this natural language of passion : the chief talent
ofsuch a writer, is a ready command of the ex-
pressions that nature diDates to every person , when
any vivid emotion struggles for utterance, and the
chies talent of a sine reader, is a ready command
of tones suited to thefe expressions.
1 he other kind of voluntary signs, comprehends
certainattitudes and gestures that naturally accom-
pany certain emotions with a surprising uniformity.
excessive joy is expressed by leaping , dancing , or
some elevation of the body; excessive grief, by