Audible thought as a device.

Fundamental Device.— USE OF AUDIBLE THOUGHT.

By audible thought is meant inward questioning or debating. It is especially effective in describing what is mysterious or perplexing. Audible thought as a descriptive device must not be confused with the description-motive.

A. MODEL.

Nothing could be more perplexing or enigmatical than the sumptuous beauties of the cavern. Enchant¬ment reigned over all Was it daylight which entered by this casement beneath the sea ? Was it indeed water which trembled in this dusky pool ? Were not those arched roofs and porches fashioned out of sun¬set clouds to imitate a cavern to men's eyes ? What stone was that beneath the feet ? Was not this solid shaft about to melt and pass into thin air ? What was that cunning jewelry of glittering shells, half seen beneath the wave ? How far away were life, and the green earth, and human faces ? What strange enchant¬ment haunted that mystic twilight? What blind emotion, mingling its sympathies with the uneasy restlessness of plants beneath the wave ? —VICTOR Hugo, Toilers of the Sea. SUGGESTIONS.—What description-motive is this ? What is the fundamental quality? Where does audible thought appear in the form of question ?

B. • EXAMPLE FOR ANALYSIS.

Alas ! (thought I, and my heart beat loud) How fast she nears and nears ! Are those her sails that glance in the Sun Like restless gossameres ? Are those her ribs through which the Sun Did peer, as through a grate ? And is that Woman all her crew ? Is that a Death ? and are there two ? Is Death that woman's mate ?

—SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE, The Ancient Mariner.

SUGGESTIONS.—What description-motive is used in this example? What details are mentioned in the form of audible thought ? What is the fundamental quality? Is audible thought here given in the form of questions and exclamations? Is the object described mys¬terious? Minor devices used. simile ; metaphor.