subjects that are definite and specific, rather than those that are abstract and general. Subjects of the latter sort, while seemingly easy, are really much more unsatisfactory and difficult of treatment. They present so many lines of thought that the mind cannot readily take them in; they require, too, a wide range of information and an exact knowledge of the facts from which generalizations may be drawn. It is almost impossible to add anything fresh or original to the discussion of such subjects. They, therefore, offer more difficulties. to the writer, and have less interest for the general reader. 66 Fiction" would be an uninteresting subject, or at least a subject that could be made interesting only by one who had read widely and thought much; it could not be treated properly in the short space of a theme; but George Eliot's greatest novel might be made. the subject of an interesting paper by one whose knowledge of the world of books was much less extended. Even this subject, properly treated, would be much too abstract for most of us. A book is rarely a fit subject for themes to be written by high-school pupils; since they have not the requisite critical judgment to treat it properly, and ordinarily make their writing on such a subject mere catalogues of the facts of which the book makes record.

3. Narrowing the Subject. The space that is to be given to a subject will affect somewhat the statement of the subject and title. A essay upon the earth might fill a volume, and leave all but a fraction of the subject

untouched. If by some additional word or phrase of limitation the subject be so narrowed, that the earth is to be considered simply in its astronomical relations as a member of the solar system, much less can be written; and if the subject be further narrowed, so that only the size of the earth in relation to that of other members of the solar system is to be considered, there will be still less to be said. Finally, the subject may be so narrowed that the theme will contain no more than a

paragraph.

As we observed above, general subjects do not ordinarily offer much opportunity for the writer. Save for the experienced author who has a mass of facts at his command, and is able to employ these in such fashion as to make his generalization almost concrete, subjects that are tangible, subjects upon which the mind. can take firm hold, are best. Certainly we should begin our composition work with such subjects, so training ourselves to habits of sure mastery of whatever we have in hand. It will be best, then, when a subject suggests itself to us, to consider carefully whether it is not too general and vague, whether we may not be more successful if we treat but one of the subjects which it includes. “Manual Training," for instance, would be altogether too large a subject for an ordinary school theme. It may include, however, a number of subjects upon which we could write acceptably. Limiting it with respect to the character of the discussion we may get the "Practical Utility of Manual Training," and further

with respect to place, "The Practical Utility of Manual Training in High Schools," and with respect to those concerned, "The Practical Utility of Manual Training in High Schools for Poor Boys."

14. Selection of Title. We must distinguish between the general subject and the distinctive title. Evidently the last subject in the preceding paragraph would not do for a title. It is too diffuse and unattractive. The title must be compact yet comprehensive. It must tersely suggest all that we are writing about, and would better not contain more than four or five words. If the title suggests itself along with the prospective subject matter and the manner of treatment, that is well; but often this is not the case, and the title becomes our first care. It should generally be determined before we begin to write, for we are thereby better able to preserve the unity of the theme and to avoid rambling. Besides, it is usually easier to make the theme conform to the title than the title to the theme. We should think first of what we wish to say, - subject, point of view, length of treatment, etc., and govern ourselves accordingly.

The title should have a very definite relation to what it introduces; it should appeal to the curiosity of the reader, but should not tell too much. "Prohibition does not Prohibit" is very faulty as a title, since it betrays at once the partisanship of the writer; and those whom the article is written to convince will look no further. "Why prohibition does not prohibit" is better, since it

leaves the point of view of the writer uncertain.

The

use of hackneyed expressions in the title is peculiarly open to objection, since it gives place to the whole production. Fantastic Toe" we know to be

the color of common"Tripping the Light merely an account of a

dancing-party, and it awakens in us no further interest. A title should be brief to catch the attention of the reader, and clear, that he may see quickly the character of the article. 66 Victorious yet Skunked," a title recently given by a schoolboy to his theme, would hardly suggest that the boy was narrating the incidents of a fox-hunt. A title should attract attention, but when it has too obviously been chosen for that purpose the impression upon the reader is unpleasant. It savors of affectation on the part of the writer. This is the case with a great many of the titles found in the newspapers and cheap works of fiction of the present day, the object being, no doubt, to attract readers by novel or startling headlines. Such devices should be avoided. With the help of a proper title, however, we may hope to get the reader interested in our theme.

EXERCISES.

1. Bring to the class five subjects which you have found of interest to you in the newspapers and the maga zines you have recently read. Select from your own observations five subjects suitable for themes. Select a similar list from your school courses. Choose a proper title for each of your subjects. Give your reasons for thinking each title appropriate.

2. Which of the following subjects would be of interest to you, and which would be of general interest? Which of them should you criticise as being too abstract or general?

3. Narrow four of the following themes by making limitations of place, time, kind, either one or all, till they are so far reduced that each may be treated within the compass of a paragraph.

Nar

4. Narrow four of the following subjects so as to make them interesting to four different classes of readers. row at least two of the subjects so that the theme may be interesting to readers for whom the subject as a whole might not be attractive. In each case state to what particular class of readers the theme is intended to appeal, and be prepared to say why it should have interest for readers of that class.