2. The subject of each of the four named classes of composition, are the acts, partly true and partly fictitious, of a conspicuous person, who is, therefore, called the hero of the narrative; and also the extraordinary incidents naturally connected with the principal subject.

3. The object of the narrator is triple, viz: the hearer or reader's information, amusement, and instruction; which eomprises the following of virtue, and the shunning of vice.

4. The plot is the plan conceived by the narrator, of relating his tale.

5. The ornaments peculiar to these species of composition, are principally seven, to-wit: Peripetia, Recognition, Episode, Machine, Characters, Epiphonema, Fine Diction.

6. We shall expound the qualities of each head in four separate paragraphs.

¶ I. QUALITIES OF THE SUBJECT.

1. The qualities of the subject of a poem,

(2.) What constitutes the subject of each of the four named classes of composition?

(3.) How many-fold is the object of the narrator in each of them?

(4.) What is the plot?

(5.) How many are the ornaments peculiar to those species of composition?

novel, romance, and drama, are chiefly four: First, unity; second, completeness; third, truth or probability; fourth, successful termination, with respect to the Epic Poem, Novel, Romance, and Comic Drama; and sorrowful termination, with regard to the Tragic Drama.

2. Unity of the subject means, that the principal action of the hero, which forms the main body of the narrative, and is therefore, called the primary action, be one and entire, and well connected with the secondary actions; also, that the hero of the narrative be one. Thus, in the Epic Poem of Virgil, the primary action which forms the main subject of the narrative, is the foundation of a kingdom in Italy by Eneas,, who is, therefore, the hero of the narrative. Although in semi-fictitious narratives, it is not necessary to follow the order of time of events; yet, no integral part of the narrative must be omitted.

3. Completeness of the subject signifies, that its recital must be complete; hence the narration (1.) How many are the qualities which relate to the subject of a poem, novel, romance, and drama?

(2.) What does unity of subject mean?

Give an example?

Is it necessary, in semi-fictitious narrations, to follow the order of time of events?

(3.) What does completeness of the subject mean?

must have three parts, namely: a suitable commencement, or exordium; a full recital of the facts and adjuncts, and an appropriate conclu

sion.

4. Truth and probability of the subject denote, that the substance of the story must be true; and though some of the facts and ornaments may be partly fictitious; yet they must not appear absurd, and impossible, by reason of conflicting adjuncts of time, place, or object.

5. Successful termination of the subject means, that the action of the hero, which constitutes the most conspicuous part of the narrative, should be crowned with success in the Epic Poem, Novel, Romance, and Comic Drama; and in the Tragic Drama, on the contrary, should meet with a fatal result.

¶ II. QUALITIES DEMANDED BY THE OBJECT.

1. Since the object of the narrator in the Epic Poem, Novel, Romance and Drama, is to inform, amuse, instruct, and to incite the hearer, or reader, to follow virtue and shun vice; it fol

(4.) What does the truth and probability of the subject denote?

(5.) What does successful termination of the subject mean? (1.) What are the qualities required by the object of the

writer of an epic poem, novel, romance, and drama?

lows, that the qualities required by the object are, first, perspicuity, as in historical narrations; second, copious use of the ornaments mentioned under No. 5, of this article; third, vivid representations, and strong rhetorical figures, calculated to excite the affections of the mind, in conformity with the object; fourth, freedom from all vulgarity and obscenity, in representations, descriptions and expressions.

¶ III. QUALITIES OF THE PLOT.

I. Plot in a general sense is," the plan conceived by the narrator for reciting his tale; " in a more particular sense is, "the plan of the story or play, comprising a complication of incidents, which are at last unfolded by unexpected means."

2. Hence, the plot must have three parts, viz: the commencement, or first complication of the story or play; the middle, properly termed, "knot, or intrigue;" and the end or solution of the knot.

3. The complication of incidents must be thorough, gradual, and natural; and the solution of the knot must be natural and unexpected.

(1.) Define again the meaning of the word plot, in its general and particular sense.

(2.) How many parts must a plot have?

(3.) How must the complication of facts proceed, and how must be the solution of the knot?

4. Although the complication of incidents must be very thorough; yet, the primary thread of the narrative, marked by the principal action of the hero, must be clear, and easily distinguished from secondary actions, through the whole course of the narrative: like a gold thread interwoven with others of inferior material, which is easily discerned by the eye throughout a whole piece of cloth or silk.

5. But, such a complication of facts, and clear thread of narration, are not easily accomplished; hence, they mark above all the superior ability of a writer. For that purpose, it is very necessary, that the narrative be not encumbered with many and long episodes.

¶ IV. QUALITIES OF THE ORNAMENTS, OF FICTITIOUS AND SEMI-FICTITIOUS NARRATIONS.

1. The ornaments peculiar to the Epic Poem, Novel, Romance, and Drama, are specially seven : FIRST: Peripetia; a Greek word, which,

(4.) What must be observed in regard to the main thread, which marks the action of the hero in a narration?

To what must it be similar?

(5.) Are clearness and complication of facts, requisites easily fulfilled in a fictitious narration ?

What is necessary for that purpose?

(1.) How many are the peculiar ornaments of the Epic poem, Novel, Romance, and Drama?