PROGYMNASMATAFrom Greek pro meaning “before”

and gymnasmata meaning “exercise”

A set of rudimentary writing exercises intended to prepare students for the

creation and performance of complete practice orations.

What is the progymnasmata???

A set of rudimentary writing exercises intended to prepare students for the

creation and performance of complete practice orations.

Translation: a series of writing exercises designed to help the

beginning student learn how to write and perform an essay

What is the progymnasmata???

What are the components or parts that make up the progymnasmata???

There are 14 different stages of the

progymnasmata: beginning with the 1st exercise which is the most basic and ending with the 14th exercise which

is the most difficult.

Number 1: The Fable

What is a fable??? It is a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters.

Number 1: The FableStudents were given a fable, typically one of Aesop’s, which they would amplify and abbreviate. Or, they would write a new fable in close imitation of Aesop. It was specifically recommended that students turn indirect discourse into direct discourse.

Translation: make the characters talk to one another.

Number 1: The FableInstead of Aesop’s fables, you will complete this exercise with Native American Origin Myths and Fables.

Number 2: The Narrative

Telling narratives was one of the first exercises in a rhetorical education and included students retelling a story from the end to the beginning, or from the middle backwards or forwards. (In other words, being able to manipulate a story beyond the basic linear timeline.) Students were also expected to tell the same narrative in several different modes. Specifically, use different types of writing to alter the mood and tone of the piece. In doing so, you as the writer influence the reader’s perceptions and opinions . The point of this exercise is to provide students with an initial experience in expression.

Number 2: The NarrativeFor starters ensure that you cover all the basic questions that every good narrative should answer, while attempting to be clear as possible with the facts:

•Who did it?

•What was done?

•When it was done?

•Where it was done?

•How it was done?

•Why it was done?

Number 3: The Anecdote

What is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or event in a funny,

serious, or ironical way. (Reminiscence)

Number 3: The Anecdote

What is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

3. Say why this was said or done.

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

3. Say why this was said or done.

4. Introduce a contrast (something different).

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

3. Say why this was said or done.

4. Introduce a contrast (something different).

5. Introduce a comparison (something the same).

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

3. Say why this was said or done.

4. Introduce a contrast (something different).

5. Introduce a comparison (something the same).

6. Give an example of the meaning.

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

3. Say why this was said or done.

4. Introduce a contrast (something different).

5. Introduce a comparison (something the same).

6. Give an example of the meaning.

7. Support the saying/action with testimony of others.

Number 3: The AnecdoteWhat is an anecdote??? When you reflect back on a certain person or

event in a funny, serious, or ironical way.

Directions for Composition: Amplify a brief account of what someone has said or done, using these steps:

1. Praise the sayer or doer, (or praise the anecdote itself).

2. Give a paraphrase of the theme/saying.

3. Say why this was said or done.

4. Introduce a contrast (something different).

5. Introduce a comparison (something the same).

6. Give an example of the meaning.

7. Support the saying/action with testimony of others.

8. Conclude with a brief epilog or conclusion (gift-wrapped with a bow).

Number 4: The Proverb

What is an proverb??? A short, wise saying, usually of unknown or ancient origin, that recommends or condemns something.

Similar to the Anecdote because you follow the same directions for

composition; however, the difference is that you must choose a moralistic saying

to use when writing the pattern.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Say why it was said/done

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Say why it was said/done

CONTRAST

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Say why it was said/done

CONTRAST

COMPARISON

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Say why it was said/done

CONTRAST

COMPARISON

Give an example

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Say why it was said/done

CONTRAST

COMPARISON

Give an example

Give another’s testimony

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Praise of the sayer or saying

Put into your own words

Say why it was said/done

CONTRAST

COMPARISON

Give an example

Give another’s testimony

Conclude or conclusion

Example:  If one were to begin with this proverb from the Bible:

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." —Proverbs 21: 9

One could amplify it using the steps mentioned above as follows:

Soloman, that paragon (god) of wisdom, did indeed show his acumen (knowledge) when he stated in Proverbs that it would be better to live in a tiny and insignificant dwelling than to have a mansion but share it with a cantankerous wife. A man of so many wives must have known this from experience, yet he gave this proverb as a caution both to wives and their husbands and for their mutual benefit. It is indeed better to have domestic harmony than to have that discord (hostility) that comes when one spouse rails against the other. Living with a nagging, brawling wife is like living with the TV forever tuned to Rosie O’Donnell on a cranky day. For example, I knew of one man who had great potential for politics; he won over everyone except for that one someone at his house. There, his wife seemed to have the power of veto over everything, and none of his ideas were ever listened to or heeded. He became so discouraged that he gave up his political ambitions and now sweeps floors at Taco Bell. Experts in family science have cautioned us to maintain peace in the home. We cannot hope to follow these experts or the older and wiser Soloman, if we do not take the advice of the latter and so avoid the unhappy scene described of the former.

Confirmation is the simple attempt to prove a given point of view. This is typical done by arguing the credibility (truth) of an idea or action.

Number 5: The Confirmation

1. Praise the idea or action

2. Give a summary of the idea or action.

3. Confirm the idea as being:

• Probable

• Possible

• Logical

• Fitting

• Profitable

• Manifest (Meant to be)

A refutation is simply an attack on an opposite view point. The exercise is typically practiced by attacking the credibility (truth) of an idea or action.

Number 6: The Refutation

1. Blame the idea or action.

2. Give a summary of the idea or action.

3. Attack it as being:

• Obscure (Unclear)

• Incredible

• Impossible

• Illogical

• Unfitting

• Unprofitable

Commonplace is a composition that amplifies inherent evils or basic

virtues.

Number 7: The Commonplace

Commonplace is a composition that amplifies inherent evils or basic virtues.

Number 7: The Commonplace

The commonplace is different from the other exercises because you are considering a general vice or virtue, rather than the specific qualities or thoughts of a single person.

Some examples of vice are: gambling, theft, cowardice, lying, adultery, murder, etc…

Number 7: The Commonplace

Some examples of virtue are: honesty, loyalty, bravery, patience, diligence, kindness, charity, etc…

Number 7: The Commonplace

Number 7: The CommonplaceDirections for Composition: Argue for or against a general (common) virtue or vice of human

nature, using these steps:

1. Begin with the contrary (Explain the opposite of what you are writing about).

2. Discuss the nature of the deed itself. (Make clear either its despicable nature or its virtuous nature).

3. Introduce a comparison (Compare something that is better than the vice or something that is equal to the virtue).

4. Introduce a proverb or a quote (This should highlight the vice or virtue you are writing about).

5. Repudiate pity or extol virtue – considering equity, justice, decency, and propriety (Negate the idea of taking pity on such a person; or confirm why such a person should be praised

6. Description of the crime as it was actually committed or was likely to have been committed; or description of the virtue and how it was implemented or was likely implemented

7. Somewhere above include a defamatory conjecture or an illustrious praise (Make up a story about the past-life of this individual that shows an example of his/her vice or virtue

8. Enumeration – a brief summary or conclusion that decisively condemns or praises the actions in question

Number 7: The CommonplaceDirections for Composition: Argue for or against a general (common) virtue or vice of human

nature, using these steps:

Consider the following headings in discussing this vice or virtue:

• Legality (Is it legal?)

• Justice (Is it fair?)

• Expediency (Is it appropriate?)

• Practicability (How easy is it to do?)

• Decency (Is it respectable?)

• Consequences (Could there be positive or negative consequences for this common trait?)

Encomium is a composition in which you praise something for being excellent.

Number 8: Encomium

Subjects are usually persons, but can also include things (such as abstract ideas), times (such as the seasons), places, animals, etc…

Number 8: EncomiumDirections for Composition: Praise a person of thing for being virtuous (good). Use the following steps:1. Give a very brief introduction (exordium) about the person… How are you going to introduce this individual in an

innovative and imaginative way? How are your first sentences going to pack a punch and impact your reader? How are you going to draw your reader in and interest them further in what you have to say?

• If you are opting to expound upon an idea, then you must briefly introduce this abstract notion. The same questions apply to any abstract idea. What do you have to say initially that will prompt your reader to continue on and inspire them to care about your thoughts and opinions?

2. Describe the stock (heritage/history) the person comes from (birth, etc…):• What people?• What country?• What ancestors?• What parents?

• For an idea… Ask yourself, how does this idea enhance the human condition? How is this idea a shining example of what all people should strive to be?

• What is the history behind this idea?3. Describe the person’s upbringing:• Education• Wealth• Friends

• For an idea, then you must describe how your “thing” can contribute to the overall wellness of humanity…• How does the perception of this “thing” alter a person’s outlook on education; wealth, friends, etc…

4. Describe the person’s deeds, which should be described as the results of:• His/her excellencies of mind (such as intelligence, courage, fortitude, patience, or prudence)

• For a “thing”, how would the reflection upon this thing or idea contribute to a person’s excellencies of mind• His/her excellencies of body (such as beauty, speed, or health)

• For a “thing”, how would the reflection upon this thing or idea contribute to a person’s excellencies of body• His/her excellencies of fortune (such as high position, power, wealth, friends)

• For a “thing”, how would the reflection upon this thing or idea contribute to a person’s excellencies of fortune5. Time (long or short life)…OR longevity of idea 6. Manner of death, including an honors the individual has been bestowed or should be bestowed7. Make a favorable comparison to someone or something else to heighten your praise.8. Epilogue - Conclude with a statement, which tells your reader or listener that they should try to imitate this person’s

behavior or which tells your reader that this particular abstract idea is worthy of praise, merit, and consideration.

 

Number 9: VituperationVituperation, or an invective, is a composition in

which you denounce an individual as evil and is a companion to the previous exercise, the Encomium. It also compares to the Commonplace exercise, but differs in speaking against not general vices or types of persons, but a specific individual. As the encomium, the Vituperation includes as subjects chiefly persons, but also can take up things (such as abstract ideas), times (as the seasons), places, or animals.

Number 9: Vituperation1. Give a very brief introduction (exordium) about the person… How are you going to introduce this individual in an

innovative and imaginative way? How are your first sentences going to pack a punch and impact your reader? How are you going to draw your reader in and interest them further in what you have to say?

• If you are opting to expound upon an idea, then you must briefly introduce this abstract notion. The same questions apply to any abstract idea. What do you have to say initially that will prompt your reader to continue on and inspire them to care about your thoughts and opinions?

2. Describe the stock (heritage/history) the person comes from (birth, etc…):• What people?• What country?• What ancestors?• What parents?

• For an idea… Ask yourself, how does this idea vilify the human condition? How is this idea an evil example of what all people should resist being?

• What is the history behind this idea?3. Describe the person’s upbringing:• Education• Wealth• Friends

• For an idea, then you must describe how your “thing” detracts from the overall wellness of humanity…• How does the perception of this “thing” alter a person’s outlook on education; wealth, friends, etc…

4. Describe the person’s deeds, which should be described as the results of:• His/her evils of mind (such as weakness or indiscretion)

• For a “thing”, how would the reflection upon this thing or idea contribute to a person’s villainy of mind• His/her evils of body (such as plainness, lethargy, or lack of vigor)

• For a “thing”, how would the reflection upon this thing or idea contribute to a person’s villainy of body• His/her evils of fortune (such as lack of or corruption of high position, power, wealth, friends)

• For a “thing”, how would the reflection upon this thing or idea contribute to a person’s villainy of fortune5. Time (long or short life)…OR longevity of idea 6. Manner of death, violent nature or abuse 7. Make a disfavorable comparison to someone else to escalate your vituperation8. Make a defamatory conjecture (Make up a story about the past-life of this individual that illustrates their vileness or

evil).9. Epilogue - Conclude with a statement, which tells your reader or listener that they should never imitate this person’s

behavior or which tells your reader that this particular abstract idea vile and revolting.

Number 10: The ComparisonThe Comparison is a composition, setting something

greater or equal side by side with the subject. Building on the previous two exercises, this is either a double encomium or an encomium paired with a vituperation. Students were instructed to make a forceful effect. Subject matter is the same as in the prior two exercises, but often included historical, legendary, or fictitious characters.

Number 10: The ComparisonDirections for Composition Praise two people (or things) in close comparison, or praise one and vituperate

against the other. Be certain not to treat them separately, but together, in parallel fashion. After composing an exordium (introduction), follow these steps:

Describe the stock each person comes from: • what people • what country • what ancestors • what parents

Describe each person's upbringing • education • instruction in art • training in laws • Time• Manner of death• Any other facets of each that many occur to you

Describe each person's deeds, which should be described as the results of • his/her excellencies or evils of mind (such as fortitude/weakness or

prudence/indiscretion) • his/her excellencies or evils of body (such as beauty/plainness,

speed/lethargy, or vigor/lack of vigor) • his/her excellencies or evils of fortune (good/ill use of high position, power,

wealth, or friends) Conclude with an epilogue including either an exhortation to your hearers to/not to

emulate either person, or a prayer.

Number 11: The ImpersonationThe Impersonation or Personification is "an imitation of

the ethos [character] of a person chosen to be portrayed." It is comparable to the modern "dramatic monologue." Like the encomium, the subject could be an historical, legendary, or fictitious character. Unlike any exercise so far, as an "imitation" the impersonation is dramatic in form, often employing dialogue.

Number 11: The ImpersonationDirections for Composition

Compose lines for a person, real or imaginary, dead or living, to speak under given circumstances. Dramatize through direct speech, using description and emotional language where appropriate, fitting the speech to the character of the speaker and the circumstances.

One should compose the impersonation in the style in which the character would speak, Considering: • Diction• Syntax and Style• Tone• Clarity • Conciseness • Floridity • Lack of finish • Absence of figures of speech

Consider also aspects of: • Past • Present • Future