Progymnasmata
Encyclopedia
Progymnasmata are rhetorical exercises
gradually leading the student to familiarity with the elements of rhetoric
, in preparation for their own practice speeches (gymnasmata, "exercises") and ultimately their own orations.
Both Hermogenes of Tarsus
and Aelius Festus Aphthonius
wrote treatises containing progymnasmata (in the second and third century CE, respectively).
The traditional course of rhetoric gave the progymnasmata in this order:
Once these exercises were mastered, the student would begin preparation of a gymnasmatum, a full oration on a topic given a specific context.
Progymnasmata is now taught in today's Classical
Christian
Academies and teaches the student how to write these works so they may go on to Gymnasmatum.
Rhetorical exercises
In late classical, medieval, and Renaissance rhetorical teaching, rhetorical exercises were used to prepare the student for the real work of persuasion. These fell into two categories:...
gradually leading the student to familiarity with the elements of rhetoric
Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of discourse, an art that aims to improve the facility of speakers or writers who attempt to inform, persuade, or motivate particular audiences in specific situations. As a subject of formal study and a productive civic practice, rhetoric has played a central role in the Western...
, in preparation for their own practice speeches (gymnasmata, "exercises") and ultimately their own orations.
Both Hermogenes of Tarsus
Hermogenes of Tarsus
Hermogenes of Tarsus was a Greek rhetorician, surnamed the polisher . He flourished in the reign of Marcus Aurelius ....
and Aelius Festus Aphthonius
Aelius Festus Aphthonius
Aelius Festus Aphthonius was a Latin grammarian of the 3rd or 4th century, possibly of African origin, and considered to be one of the most important classical rhetoricians....
wrote treatises containing progymnasmata (in the second and third century CE, respectively).
The traditional course of rhetoric gave the progymnasmata in this order:
- FableFableA fable is a succinct fictional story, in prose or verse, that features animals, mythical creatures, plants, inanimate objects or forces of nature which are anthropomorphized , and that illustrates a moral lesson , which may at the end be expressed explicitly in a pithy maxim.A fable differs from...
- Narrative
- ChreiaChreiaThe chreia was, in antiquity and the Byzantine Empire, both a genre of literature and one of the progymnasmata.-Definition:...
- ProverbProverbA proverb is a simple and concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth, based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity. They are often metaphorical. A proverb that describes a basic rule of conduct may also be known as a maxim...
- Refutation
- Confirmation
- Commonplace
- EncomiumEncomiumEncomium is a Latin word deriving from the Classical Greek ἐγκώμιον meaning the praise of a person or thing. "Encomium" also refers to several distinct aspects of rhetoric:* A general category of oratory* A method within rhetorical pedagogy...
- Vituperation
- Comparison
- Impersonation
- Description
- ThesisThesisA dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
- Defend or attack a law
Once these exercises were mastered, the student would begin preparation of a gymnasmatum, a full oration on a topic given a specific context.
Progymnasmata is now taught in today's Classical
Classical Christian education
Classical Christian education is an approach to learning which emphasizes biblical teachings and incorporates a teaching model known as the Trivium, consisting of three parts: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. According to Douglas Wilson, this method of instruction was developed by early Christians as...
Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
Academies and teaches the student how to write these works so they may go on to Gymnasmatum.