Of Studies Questions and Answers Class 11 English Second Semester
1. What do you mean by ‘full man’, ‘ready man’ and ‘exact man’? What does Bacon say about the func- tions of ‘reading’, ‘conference’ and ‘writing’
For first part see Annotations.
Bacon states that reading makes a full man, i.e. fills him with various kinds of knowledge and information. Reading increases a man’s thinking power and ability to correlate the things on earth. The essayist further says that conference or discourse makes a person ready, i.e. quick tongued. The person has never to wait for suitable words. For this he feels very confident and comfortable in any discussion or conversation.
Finally Bacon is truly conscious of the need of being an exact man in writing. When one wants to write something, he needs gathering of knowledge and accuracy in language. The person has to express his ideas precisely and logically. Therefore an exact man has total control over the daily affairs of life.
2. Using your observation of ‘Of Studies’ prove that Bacon was a Renaissance thinker
Renaissance is originally a French word meaning ‘rebirth’. In English literature, it refers to a period that marked the resurgence of the classical mode of learning and wisdom. Francis Bacon is a renowned English philosopher who played a significant role in shaping the Renaissance landscape and his essay ‘Of Studies’ offers a glance into that thought.
‘Of Studies’ demonstrates a belief in the potential of an individual to gather knowledge and understanding. Bacon emphasizes the practical benefits that study can offer and its ability to develop reason and understanding in an individual. Bacon focuses on the practical applications of learning and the belief that knowledge can be used to bring advancements in society. This essay aligns with the Renaissance spirit of maintaining originality, questioning the authorities and attaining knowledge through enquiry.
‘Of Studies’ prioritises humanism, scientific enquiry, pragmatism and critical thinking – all of which reflect the values of the era of Renaissance.
3. How does Bacon present the abuses of study? How are the various subjects of study perfected by experience
Bacon says that studies enrich a man if are used properly, but abuses of studies lead to chaotic situations. First he says that spending too much time in study is a sign of laziness. The person can’t give time to his action. Studies become fruitless in such case. In the second case Bacon says that to use bookish knowledge frequently in discourse is an affectation or artificiality of manners. In a third Bacon warns that over-dependence on book may create obsession. If a man likes to judge all the wordly affairs by the strict rules and regulations of study then it is the eccentricity of a scholar.
Bacon says that various subjects can’t stand alone to equip men to face the challenge of life. So academic learning or bookish knowledge should be supplemented by the direct experience of life. On the other hand Bacon also hints that studies must be controlled by the experienced men.
4. What are the recommended exercises for different types of diseases mentioned by Bacon in his essay ‘Of Studies’? How does Bacon describe the therapeutic or medicinal effect of studies on human mind
In the essay ‘Of Studies’ Bacon prescribes some of the exercises for healing diverese ailments. He says that bowling is good for the renal stone, shooting for the lungs, gentle walking for digestion and riding for the neck and head.
The last line of the essay encompasses how study on different subjects can remove diverse mental defects. If a man’s wit wander i.e. his mind is diverted or distracted he should study mathematics. Study of mathematics enhances his concentration power, patience, perseverance level, sharp intellect and clear vision. In the second case, if a man is unable to distinguish between related things, studying the philosophy of schoolmen or medieval theologians would be of great help.
Such philosophers were well known for their ability to differentiate two things or ideas. Finally Bacon suggests that the person who fails to recollect similar examples or information in the hour of need should study the lawyers’ cases. In this way Bacon certifies that imperfections of the mind can be corrected and cured by appropriate studies.
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