A GRAMMAR OF MOTIVES

by Kenneth Burke ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 10, 1945

A psycho-socio-philosophical etymology which arrives at the conclusion that language is subjective. Burke superimposes on his analysis his own system of thought dramatism which has as a generating principle, the concepts of act, cen, agency, purpose. Section two considers seven primary philosophies, and their outstanding proponents (Bobbes, Spinoza, Darwin, Marx, Santayana, Hume, Kant, etc.) fall under his scrutiny, somewhat superficially. Illustrating his theory are passages from Ibn, Shakespeare, the Lake poets, O'Neill, Dostoevsky -- reflections of a superior literary judgment. A thoughtful, perceptive consideration of motives behind human language, acts, institutions --- at times too intent on propounding a thesis. Stimulating mental cal sthenice for the dilettante. Limited market.

Pub Date: Dec. 10, 1945

ISBN: 0520015444

Page Count: -

Publisher: Prentice-Hall

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1945

Categories: NONFICTION