DESIGNED AS A PRACTICAL TREATISE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN Vocal Training Articulation, Physical Culture AND Gesture BY MRS. J. W. SHOEMAKER Principal of The National School of Elocution and Oratory AIDED BY GEORGE B. HYNSON AND JOHN H. BECHTEL "Art does not pervert, but refines and exalts Nature, and it is only by a combination Philadelphia The Penn Publishing Company PREFACE In these latter days much interest has been manifested in the subject of Elocution. To know what is the natural as well as the artistic way of expressing one's self, either by the voice or in gesture, is rapidly becoming a demand of the American people. This interest is seen and felt in colleges, in schools, and even in society. It is greater than any which has pertained to delivery since the days of Grecian and Roman oratory and acting. Truly it may be said that this is the Renaissance period in the history of Elocution, and the outlook is hopeful and enJouraging. It is evident also that teachers, however their methods may differ, are to-day centralizing about this objective point-the enlargement and elevation of human personality through the proper cultivation of the power of expression. This book is not intended to introduce any new system, but simply to present in a more modern form, thoughts that are believed to be in touch with all that has proved to be of value in things both new and old. In some degree it is a synthetization of the inheritance of the past and of the wealth of thought of the present, the latter crystallized from such writers and philosophers as Austin, Rush, Darwin, Delsarte, Engel, Brown, and others. Upon such a foundation, aided by an experience obtained in schoolroom and platform work, as well as in the everyday walks of life, has been framed a system or method which has proved to be helpful to the many pupils who have been under our special training. It is believed that this advanced method will prove no less valuable to all who may be inclined to study these pages. At least it will be as valuable to a student as any work on a similar topic is, in the absence of the living instructor. Elocution is the art of speaking naturally and artistically. Training supplies to others that which the born orator possesses under all circumstances, but which few persons ever indicate the possession of, until they have been taught what their resources are and have acquired skill to use these in their own delivery. It is true that in the matter of public speaking or delivery, as in all other pursuits, some will excel, but culture in this, as in all branches of education, is helpful to every one, and there is no person, unless he is physically disabled, who cannot be trained away from indistinct or defective enunciation, faulty tones, or ungainly, meaningless movements and attitudes. Any one who will make the effort may come to possess a pleasantly modulated and resonant voice, a distinct articulation, and ease and grace of bearing, which if utilized only in the quieter walks of life, are in themselves an accomplishment greatly to be desired. In regard to the selections contained in this volume, it has been the aim to choose such as are classic or standard, and at the same time interesting. They are divided into didactic, dramatic, oratoric, epic, lyric, grave and gay, and are suitable for reading, recital, declamation, and colloquy. Grateful acknowledgments are due to authors and publishers for their courteous permission to use many of the selections. Acknowledgment is also made for the valuable assistance furnished by Professors John H. Bechtel and George B. Hynson. The former, from his careful study and his experience in teaching Orthoëpy, has most acceptably prepared the department of Articulation; and the latter has no less ably prepared the department of Voice Culture. |