XIX. Poetic genius, firmness

Mr Activity

Mr Poet

I n this physiognomy we distinguish taste, acuteness and sensibility. Should a man of this description become an author, his style will be florid, and he will describe the beauties of nature and the pleasures of friendship: but he will avoid the discussion of scientific subjects, and sometimes turn away from philosophical argument as dry and boring. His features would seem to indicate a genius for poetry and great aptness for mental effort. The chin denotes a character possessed of firmness and energy. We may conclude that a man who bears a physiognomy like this is highly gifted; it distinctly presents the impress of genius.

XXXII. Love of quiet, daydreaming

Mr Sluggish

Here are collected the features of a character of extraordinary melancholy, discontented and sluggish disposition. The eyes, eyebrows and lips mark the intermixture of a phlegmatic tint. The elongation of the nose, as well as the forehead, declares no want of judgement and gives it its pensive air. The features of this face, taken in connection, exhibit a tranquil mind, fond of accuracy, especially of quiet.

Exercises

44. The text contains quite a few words whose pronunciation could pose difficulty. Transcribe the following words to avoid possible mispronunciation and miscommunication in future.

forte, unwearied, sanguine, benevolence, voluptuous, rectitude, persevering, conspicuous, transcend, choler, egotism, evince, awe, impress

45. Explain the meanings and give examples of usage of the following words from the text above. Use the chart below.

#

Word

Meaning(s)

Example of usage other than in the text

aversion, forte, sanguine, benevolence, gravity, discretion, reserve, tint, docility, voluptuous, composed, prone, inconstancy, evince, rectitude, persevering, discerning, conspicuous, integrity, sedateness, choler, egotistical, treachery, brood, fraught, aptness, sluggish

46. Find less formal synonyms for the words in the left column and find appropriate synonyms for the words in the right column, contained in the text.

In the Text	Synonym	In the Text	Synonym	In the Text	Synonym
aversion	…………..	s…………..	firmness	persevering	…………..
e…………..	eliminate	h…………..	severity	resolute	…………..
p…………..	meticulousness	docility	…………..	c…………..	prominent
r…………..	morality	v…………..	sensitive	s…………..	calm
f…………..	strong point	c…………..	self-possessed	f…………..	determination
unwearied	…………..	i…………..	infidelity	choler	…………..
s…………..	optimistic	capacity	…………..	e…………..	narcissistic
benevolence	…………..	r…………..	decency	treachery	…………..
g…………..	seriousness	obstinacy	…………..	f…………..	extravagant
d…………..	good judgement	prudent	…………..	aptness	…………..
r…………..	modesty	d…………..	shrewd	s…………..	inactive
irritation	…………..

47. Fill in the gaps with the words from the list below to restore the collocations as they appear in the previous tasks and character descriptions. Then, give the context where they are used.This can be done in pairs in the form of a conversation.

e. g.	- Do you remember the context of…/Can you cite the context of …
	- Of course. We come across this expression in the description of…It says…

prejudices, heart, good sense, irritation, characteristic, mind, features, resentment, obstinacy, countenances, trust, atmosphere, emotions, genius (2), inconstancy, awe, friendships, aversion, honour, effort, temper, face, outlines, application, useful, confidence, temperament

durable and divine ………..	explode ………..	benevolent ………..	fiery ………..
fair ………..	trace upon the ………..	passing ………..	a fund of ………..
noble ………..	unerring ………..	continued ………..	degenerate into ………..
certain ………..	deep-thinking ………..	prone to ………..	violating a ………..
chilly ………..	unwearied ………..	accuse of ………..	entrust ………..
blank ………..	sanguine ………..	false notions of ………..	extraordinary ………..
ground for ………..	mental ………..	impress of ………..	essentially ………..

48. Above, you read about different human archetypes. In the textbook, they have been given some names for easy reference. Below are some questions, which have no correct answers, but invite opinions. Answer the questions based on the information you have.

1. Are you likely to come across Mr Diligence-type of person among army ranks? Explain why/why not?

2. Does Mr Benevolence qualify for a judge in a court of law? Why/why not?

3. Will Mr Gravity make a better accountant or manager? Why/why not?

4. If Mr Firmness were a politician, would you ballot for him? Give reasons for your decision.

5. If Mr Reflection were a member of your group community, what role would he play? Share your guesses.

6. Imagine you meet Mr Romantic very upset. What do you think has happened?

7. You are a teacher and Mr Heroism is one of your pupils in the class of 11-formers. What is your main concern about this boy?

8. Will you be happy to have Mr Perseverance as your work mate and mentor in your new job?

9. If Mr Integrity were your uncle, would you heed his occasional advice or would you defy it?

10. Will Mr Miser be the right person, when help and solidarity are expected? Why/Why not?

11. Mr Activity’s characteristic may well be matching Ms Activity. Would you fancy to have him/her for a friend or spouse?

12. Imagine, Mr Poet is a group-mate of yours, and you are the group monitor. You come to the dean’s office, and there’s something you have to listen about him. What might that be?

13. What career would you recommend for Mr Sluggish? Give reasons.