How to analyze a Passage effectively?

In an argumentative paragraph one aspect of the problem is discussed by the writer. He may adopt various methods to drive at the conclusion or the topic point. The various ways to argue a point are :

(1) Inductive method of reasoning—it means general inference from particular instances. According to L.S. Stebbing “when the premises do not suffice to imply! the conclusion but nevertheless have some weight as evidence in favor of it the argument is said to be inductive.” For example :

“A baby money was reared with a group of human children. At first the monkey’s intelligence developed as fast as the children’s. Only as they began to talk did the children leap ahead. Talk, therefore, is what makes us human.”

(2) Deductive method of reasoning—It implies proceeding from general to the particular. Mrs. L. S. Stebbing says, “when the conclusion is implied by the premises “the argument is deductive”. For example :

“All men are moral, but Peter is a man ; therefore Peter is moral.”

(3) Giving illustrations from the different sources to come to a definite conclusion. For example :

He has been hoodwinking his superiors, telling lies to his friends and deserting his relatives. How can one depend on him.

(4) Quoting authorities in support of statements. For example : “Democracy will not suit Asians”, Churchill once said.

“Democracy is not a harlot to be picked up by anybody in the street.”

Whatever method the writer may adopt he gives three things : (i) premises of the argument, (ii) argument, (iii) conclusion, though in some cases he confines his attention to the last two.

After reading the whole of the paragraph one should ask oneself : (i) What the writer is discussing about, (ii) Which aspect of the topic is he discussing, (iii) Which arguments does he give to come to a conclusion.

Clearly in the inductive method of reasoning conclusion is generally given in the beginning of the paragraph. In the second type (deductive) paragraph’s conclusion is towards the close of the passage. In the third and fourth types of paragraphs if we eliminate examples or quotations conclusions will be left.

But the paragraphs are not so chaste as we have made them in the foregoing discussion. Paragraphs contain illustrations, quotations- and arguments all together. These lead to a definite conclusion which is the topic point of the paragraph.

Solved Examples

Passage 1.

The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast—all clashing of opinions or collision of feeling, all restraint or suspicion or gloom or resentment, his great concern being to make every one at their case and at their home. He has his eyes on all his company ; he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant and merciful towards the absurd ; he can recollect to whom he is speaking. (Newman)

Analysis

Topic point. The true gentleman is the best social being.

Supporting Arguments. (i) He does not injure others’ feelings through clash of opinions or resentment or suspicion, (ii) He talks according to the nature of others.

Passage 2.

When I took upon the tombs of the great, every emotion of envy dies in me ; when I read the epitaphs of the beauti­ful, every inordinate desire goes out; when I meet with the grief of parents upon a tombstone, my heart melts with compassion ; when I see the tomb of the parents themselves, I consider the vanity of grieving for those whom we must quickly follow ; when I fee kings lying by those who deposed them, when I consider rival wits placed side by side, or the holy men that divided the world with their contests and disputes, I reflect with sorrow and astonishment on the little competitions, factors, factions and debates of mankind.

(Addison)-

Analysis

Topic point. Different emotions are aroused by looking at the tombs.

Supporting Arguments, (i) Inordinate desires die by looking at the epitaphs of the beautiful, (ii) Compassion is aroused when grief of parents is seen on tombstones, (iii) Considers all faction useless when all, big or small, friends and foes lie together.

Passage 3.

Is not a Patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help ? The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labors, had it been early, had been kind ; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot import it; till I am known and do not want it. I hope it is not very cynical asperity not to confess obligation where no benefit has been received or to be un­willing that the public should consider me as owing that to a patron which Providence has enabled me to do for myself. (Johnson)

Analysis

Topic point. The help is unwanted ; it would have been bene­ficial and enjoyable had it come earlier.

Supporting Argument. (i) The help is neither timely nor kindly, (ii) He does not want to be obliged to another when God has enabled him to do himself.