Addison opens the article “method gives light” by explaining there are two different types of writing:
- · Those that have been planned
- · Those that have been thrown together with a few thoughts on one subject
The second kind of writing Addison calls ‘Essays’. He goes on to say writers Seneca and Michel de Montaigne use the second method for their writing and writer Tully and Aristotle use the first method to write. He explains that when he reads a piece that hasn’t been planned or is without method, he goes into some sort of state of confusion and disorder, too many thoughts grow from another. This can be found even now, with us when reading something with no structure or fluidity. We can become lost or distanced from the material in front of us. However, when reading a piece constructed with method he can clearly see all points addressed and confusion is never an occurrence. In a methodical discourse, your eye commands what you understand from it. Addison says men who do not write with method are men of high learning and knowledge. This can make them too exact, making them feel the need to throw down all their ideas at once rather than separate and organise them.
As well as discussing method in writing, he discusses the idea of method within conversation. A person can have a conversation without method as it mostly spontaneous. Addison however felt that a person who cannot or is unaware of how to organise their thoughts before conversation may as well be lost. I fully agree that to make a successful piece of writing, a structure or method needs to be announced and clear but conversation should stay spontaneous without a ‘plan’ as it is usually drawn from what is in our head. This article by Addison seems somewhat pointless because he has basically explained that it’s okay to write with two different procedures but its better if you plan it.
