Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth Summary

Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric analyzes 18 classical rhetorical devices used by masters like Churchill, Lincoln, and Dickens. It combines over 200 examples from literature, speeches, and religious texts with clear explanations of how these techniques create persuasive, memorable language. The book focuses on principles like repetition, contrast, and suspense to show how aesthetic choices shape effective communication.

Writers, public speakers, and literature enthusiasts will benefit most. The book serves as a practical guide for anyone seeking to improve persuasive writing or understand the mechanics behind iconic speeches and prose. Lawyers and educators also use its insights to refine arguments and teach stylistic precision.

Yes, for its curated examples and actionable analysis. Reviewers praise it as an indispensable resource for decoding rhetorical mastery, though some note its density. It’s particularly valued for linking historical techniques to modern applications, making eloquence accessible without oversimplification.

Key devices include:

• Anaphora (repeating words at sentence starts)
• Antithesis (contrasting ideas in parallel structure)
• Chiasmus (reversing grammatical structures)
• Metaphor (implied comparisons for vividness)
  Farnsworth dissects each with examples like Lincoln’s “government of the people, by the people, for the people”.

Unlike theoretical textbooks, Farnsworth prioritizes examples from canonical authors. It’s often paired with The Elements of Style for its practical focus but stands apart for its historical depth and exclusive use of classical English sources.

Critics suggest the sheer volume of examples may overwhelm casual readers. While ideal for study, some find it less suited for quick reference. However, its structure allows chapter-by-chapter exploration, mitigating this concern.

Absolutely. Farnsworth shows how timeless devices enhance persuasive emails, speeches, and marketing copy. For instance, Churchill’s use of epistrophe (ending sentences with the same word) remains effective in contemporary political rhetoric.

Indirectly. His analytical approach mirrors legal precision, but examples derive solely from literary and political texts. Readers familiar with his legal works (The Legal Analyst) will recognize similar clarity in breaking down complex concepts.

The book deconstructs lines like Melville’s “Call me Ishmael” (delayed naming for intrigue) and Churchill’s “We shall fight on the beaches” (anaphora + climax). These examples demonstrate how structure amplifies meaning.

Three sections focus on:

1. Repetition (e.g., alliteration, epistrophe)
2. Sentence structure (e.g., parallelism, inversion)
3. Dramatic effects (e.g., rhetorical questions, irony)
   Each chapter defines a device, provides multiple examples, and explains variations.

No, but the examples serve as implicit exercises. Writers can reverse-engineer passages or emulate structures. Educators often pair it with composition assignments to apply techniques like litotes (understatement) or hyperbaton (unusual word order).

With attention spans shrinking, Farnsworth’s emphasis on concise, impactful language aligns with social media and branding needs. Techniques like asyndeton (omitting conjunctions) mirror viral phrasing trends, proving classical methods adapt to new mediums.