Note 4 — INTRODUCTION.
Reading edition
The following is Mr. J. Sheridan Knowles’s account of emphasis:—“Emphasis is of two kinds, absolute and relative. Relative emphasis has always an antithesis expressed or implied: absolute emphasis takes place when the peculiar eminence of the thought is solely, singly considered.
’Twas base and poor, unworthy of a peasant, To forge a scroll so villainous and loose, And mark it with a noble lady’s name.
Here we have an example of relative emphasis; for, if the thought were expressed at full, it would stand thus:—Unworthy not only of a gentleman, but of a peasant.
’Twas base and poor, unworthy of a man, To forge a scroll so villainous and loose, And mark it with a noble lady’s name.
Here we have an example of absolute emphasis; for, if the thought were expressed at full, it would stand thus:—Unworthy a being composed of such perfections as constitute a man.” Mr. Knowles adds: “I apprehend that, notwithstanding all that has been written on the subject, the true definition of emphasis remains still to be discovered.”