But often a long composition will lack harmony of structure,
a fault very different from any we have mentioned, Hitherto we have
spoken of definite faults that must be cut out. It is as often
necessary to make additions.
In the first place, each paragraph must be balanced within itself.
The language must be fluent and varied, and each thought or suggestion
must flow easily and smoothly into the next, unless abruptness is used
for a definite purpose. Likewise each successive stage of a description
or dialogue must have its relative as well as its intrinsic value.
The writer must study carefully the proportions of the parts,
and nicely adjust and harmonize each to the other. Every paragraph,
every sentence, every phrase and word, should have its own distinct and
clear meaning, and the writer should never allow himself to be in doubt
as to the need or value of this or that.
To secure harmony of style and structure is a matter of personal
judgment and study. Though rules for it cannot be given, it will be
found to be a natural result of following all the principles of grammar,
rhetoric, and composition.
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