Introductory
Style is a particular way or manner in which something is performed, said, done or written. It is style which makes or mars the visual, as well as the philosophical aspect of a piece of writing. Without style, a piece of writing losses its attraction both philosophically and visually. Sir Francis Bacon is known as the father of English Prose. Bacon implements the style of Montaigne, a French essayist and originator of essays in general. Montaigne was known for his distinctive art of brevity. Bacon adopted Montaigne's style in his essays.
Elements of Bacon's Prose Style
Vocabulary
In terms of vocabulary, Bacon stands on the second number after Shakespeare. Although his reading was only limited to the Latin version of the Bible and the philosophers of medieval ages, yet he introduced their philosophy to the English language by using apt. Vocabulary in his essays.
Quotations
The use of quotation was an order of that day. Bacon, as well, diversified his essays through the use of appropriate quotations. For example in his essay Of Adversity, Bacon quotes a quotation from Seneca
"Good things which belong to prosperity are to be wished, but the good things which belong to adversity are to be admired"
Sentences
The sentences of Bacon Essays are well "balance and point". Unlike other prose writers of the Elizabethan Era, who preferred to structurise their sentences in an old fashion, Bacon preferred to use modern structure.
Figures of Speech
The main crux of Bacon Essays are the use of figure of speech. His essays are loaded with similes, metaphors, analogies, wit & pith, epigrams and aphorism. No other writer has excelled Bacon in terms of superb use of figurative speech. Such elements, collectively make his essays quotable in any form of writing. For example, in his essay Of Studies, he classifies books in following joyful epigram:
"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested;
Qualities of Bacon's Prose Style
Simplicity
Bacon's writings are simple in terms of sentence structure. But this simplicity is deceptive and an eyewash. To understand the entire context of his essays, one must have been acquainted with ancient schools of philosophers and with Latin. But most of the sentences in his essays are easy to grasp. For example, in his essay, Of Expense, he asserts the importance of wealth in a simple manner:
Riches are for spending and spending for honour and for good actions.
Brevity
One of the prominent features of Bacon Prose Style is brevity. Bacon is well versed in the art of building a bridge over the sea. A single sentence carries a sea of meanings in it. His essays can be explained in volumes. Bacon prologues his essay Of Revenge:
Revenge is a wild kind of justice.
This is a beautiful example of brevity.
Strength
The strength of Bacon's Essays, according to critics is intellectual, not emotional. Bacon's Essays make people think of their characters and doings. Bacon says what he has to say in plain words what he observes. His essays are rich in philosophical truth and amoral realities. For instance, in his essay Of Truth, he unveils how people are brave enough to lie in front of God and how they hide themselves from other people:
A lie faces God and shrinks from men.
Conclusion
Bacon's Essays are unique in style and coupled with brevity, epigrammatic terseness, peculiar pithy, wonderful wit, apt. aphorism, alienic quotations, structural simplicity, intense vocabulary and intellectual strength to lucidify his position as the Father of English Prose.
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