Chapter IVTHE WHOLE COMPOSITION
“Whole composition” is the name given to a completed piece of writing.
Go out and gather the material.
Write the first draft as fast as you can.
Revise everything you have written until the following requirements have been met.
100. Indicate within the first few sentences what the composition is about.
Some of the more common devices used by experienced writers in beginning a composition are listed below. You can begin almost anything you will be called upon to write in one of these ways or in a combination of two or more of them. Use a different beginning for each composition you write until you have tried a considerable number of them. After some practice you can quickly select the one beginning that is most appropriate both to your material and to your reader.
101. Keep the same point of view throughout.
Wrong.If one wishes to enter a canoe safely, he should grasp both gunwales and lower himself to the seat. You should then push off from the shore.Better.To enter a canoe safely, grasp both gunwales and lower yourself to the seat before pushing off from the shore.Wrong.As he stood looking down the river he saw a house-boat plowing along; while behind him a fleet of coal barges sent ripples toward the shore.Better.As he stood looking down the river he saw a house-boat plowing along. Turning around he noticed a fleet of coal barges sending ripples toward the shore.Wrong.The taxi driver has an excellent opportunity to observe the life about him. All kinds and conditions of men and women make use of him at all hours of the day and night. Some think him merely a part of the machine he drives, some consider him no betterthan the dirt under their feet, and some—to be sure they are not many—treat him as if he were a living, breathing human being like themselves.Better.The taxi driver has an excellent opportunity to observe the life about him. All kinds and conditions of men and women make use of him at all hours during the day and night. He finds that some treat him as if he were no better than the dirt under their feet, and some—to be sure they are not many—as if he were a living, breathing human being like themselves.
Wrong.If one wishes to enter a canoe safely, he should grasp both gunwales and lower himself to the seat. You should then push off from the shore.
Better.To enter a canoe safely, grasp both gunwales and lower yourself to the seat before pushing off from the shore.
Wrong.As he stood looking down the river he saw a house-boat plowing along; while behind him a fleet of coal barges sent ripples toward the shore.
Better.As he stood looking down the river he saw a house-boat plowing along. Turning around he noticed a fleet of coal barges sending ripples toward the shore.
Wrong.The taxi driver has an excellent opportunity to observe the life about him. All kinds and conditions of men and women make use of him at all hours of the day and night. Some think him merely a part of the machine he drives, some consider him no betterthan the dirt under their feet, and some—to be sure they are not many—treat him as if he were a living, breathing human being like themselves.
Better.The taxi driver has an excellent opportunity to observe the life about him. All kinds and conditions of men and women make use of him at all hours during the day and night. He finds that some treat him as if he were no better than the dirt under their feet, and some—to be sure they are not many—as if he were a living, breathing human being like themselves.
102. Include everything that the reader will need for a thorough understanding of your subject.
Wrong.The Theater in AmericaBetween the years 1750 and 1814 many events took place which either helped or hindered the establishment of a permanent theater in America.One of the big events that helped establish the theater in America was the coming of the Hallam company of actors. This company was made up of English actors who came from the West Indies. The company consisted of twelve adult members and three children. Every member of the group had ability as an actor, and, consequently, the company was successful. They first played at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1752. Then, after a season in Philadelphia, they went to New York. After a three months’ stay in New York, they returned to the West Indies, where Mr. Hallam died. Here a Mr. Douglas reorganized the company and with them returned to this country.Douglas, often called the “theater builder,” did much for the future theater. He was a man of great strength and courage. Besides being a capable manager, he was also a good actor. Douglas built the first theater in America at Williamsburg, Virginia, and the first permanent theater at Philadelphia. He also built theaters at Annapolis and at Newport.The greatest difficulty which the play companies had to overcome was the increasing opposition of some ofthe people toward the theater. Throughout the country people were fighting against the theater. Especially was this true of the people of the North. The Southerners were fun-loving and pleasure-seeking, and the theater offered them a place of amusement. In many towns, however, laws were passed against acting. The opposition of the people was not directed so much toward the theater itself as toward the gambling and immorality which accompanied the theater of that day. Folders were distributed among the people explaining why the theater was not approved of and gradually the gambling and immorality disappeared. After this the theater improved and theater-going became better thought of throughout the country.Better.An Early Influence in the American TheaterIn the year 1752 the theater in America received a great aid through the coming of the Hallam company of actors....The condition of the theater prior to this time left much to be desired....The nature of the company was such that its influence was decidedly good....Naturally the effect of this kind of player was toward the betterment of the theater....
Wrong.
The Theater in America
Between the years 1750 and 1814 many events took place which either helped or hindered the establishment of a permanent theater in America.
One of the big events that helped establish the theater in America was the coming of the Hallam company of actors. This company was made up of English actors who came from the West Indies. The company consisted of twelve adult members and three children. Every member of the group had ability as an actor, and, consequently, the company was successful. They first played at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1752. Then, after a season in Philadelphia, they went to New York. After a three months’ stay in New York, they returned to the West Indies, where Mr. Hallam died. Here a Mr. Douglas reorganized the company and with them returned to this country.
Douglas, often called the “theater builder,” did much for the future theater. He was a man of great strength and courage. Besides being a capable manager, he was also a good actor. Douglas built the first theater in America at Williamsburg, Virginia, and the first permanent theater at Philadelphia. He also built theaters at Annapolis and at Newport.
The greatest difficulty which the play companies had to overcome was the increasing opposition of some ofthe people toward the theater. Throughout the country people were fighting against the theater. Especially was this true of the people of the North. The Southerners were fun-loving and pleasure-seeking, and the theater offered them a place of amusement. In many towns, however, laws were passed against acting. The opposition of the people was not directed so much toward the theater itself as toward the gambling and immorality which accompanied the theater of that day. Folders were distributed among the people explaining why the theater was not approved of and gradually the gambling and immorality disappeared. After this the theater improved and theater-going became better thought of throughout the country.
Better.
An Early Influence in the American Theater
In the year 1752 the theater in America received a great aid through the coming of the Hallam company of actors....
The condition of the theater prior to this time left much to be desired....
The nature of the company was such that its influence was decidedly good....
Naturally the effect of this kind of player was toward the betterment of the theater....
103. Omit anything that will distract the reader’s attention.
Wrong.Scoring in BasketballA score in basketball is made every time a player throws the ball into one of the baskets placed at each end of the court. In the West Branch High School the gymnasium is well equipped with everything the students need for their athletic contests....Better.A score is made in basketball every time a player succeeds in throwing the ball into the basket guarded by his opponents. If this goal, as it is called, is made from the field, it counts two points. Sometimes, however, one team is given a free throw at the basket as the result of a foul’s being made. If the ball is caged under this circumstance, the foul goal, as it is called, counts one point.
Wrong.
Scoring in Basketball
A score in basketball is made every time a player throws the ball into one of the baskets placed at each end of the court. In the West Branch High School the gymnasium is well equipped with everything the students need for their athletic contests....
Better.A score is made in basketball every time a player succeeds in throwing the ball into the basket guarded by his opponents. If this goal, as it is called, is made from the field, it counts two points. Sometimes, however, one team is given a free throw at the basket as the result of a foul’s being made. If the ball is caged under this circumstance, the foul goal, as it is called, counts one point.
104. Writing that is serious in tone or purpose should include nothing that will destroy its seriousness.
Wrong.Gypsies are a peculiar, wandering race of people that appeared in eastern Europe in the fourteenth century and that has now spread out into Asia, America, and parts of Africa. These people are easily distinguished from those among whom they rove by appearance, by language, and by behavior. In appearance they are slight, though very strong; in color, somewhat tawny. In language they are thought to resemble some long-lost Hindu tribe. In behavior they aresneaky, and a number of them are not abovechicken stealing.Better.Gypsies are a peculiar, wandering race of people.... In behavior they areuntrustworthy, and a number of them are not abovepetty thievery.
Wrong.Gypsies are a peculiar, wandering race of people that appeared in eastern Europe in the fourteenth century and that has now spread out into Asia, America, and parts of Africa. These people are easily distinguished from those among whom they rove by appearance, by language, and by behavior. In appearance they are slight, though very strong; in color, somewhat tawny. In language they are thought to resemble some long-lost Hindu tribe. In behavior they aresneaky, and a number of them are not abovechicken stealing.
Better.Gypsies are a peculiar, wandering race of people.... In behavior they areuntrustworthy, and a number of them are not abovepetty thievery.
105. Writing that is light in tone or purpose should include nothing that will destroy its lightness.
Wrong.Many different types are in evidence around Fitzgerald’s boathouse in the spring. The type most frequently discovered, perhaps, is the lover. He comes, accompanied by his inamorata, in quest of a canoe, in which presently the two are drifting idly upon the ample bosom of Turtle creek. It is strange that lovers should sojourn here, for Turtle creek is anything rather than a background for romance.Better.Many different types are in evidence around Fitzgerald’s boathouse in spring.... Muddy water, sand dredges, a railway construction gang at work near at hand, the whole background is unheeded by the lovers—romance needs no setting.
Wrong.Many different types are in evidence around Fitzgerald’s boathouse in the spring. The type most frequently discovered, perhaps, is the lover. He comes, accompanied by his inamorata, in quest of a canoe, in which presently the two are drifting idly upon the ample bosom of Turtle creek. It is strange that lovers should sojourn here, for Turtle creek is anything rather than a background for romance.
Better.Many different types are in evidence around Fitzgerald’s boathouse in spring.... Muddy water, sand dredges, a railway construction gang at work near at hand, the whole background is unheeded by the lovers—romance needs no setting.
106. Arrange your ideas in some orderly sequence.
Following are various kinds of sequence.
107. Arrange ideas in chronological order.
All day long we were happy as a wedding party.... Early in the morning.... When noon came.... At night....
All day long we were happy as a wedding party.... Early in the morning.... When noon came.... At night....
108. Arrange the divisions of the composition according to the relative position of the objects treated.
As we entered the garden.... On the right.... On the left.... Directly before us.... Upon going into the house....
As we entered the garden.... On the right.... On the left.... Directly before us.... Upon going into the house....
109. Work from the abstract to the concrete.
Freedom may be defined as the state of being free, but to how many of us is this actually illuminating? Let us take, for example, a man who has just been released from prison, where he has been closely guarded for more than ten years. What would be his idea of freedom?
Freedom may be defined as the state of being free, but to how many of us is this actually illuminating? Let us take, for example, a man who has just been released from prison, where he has been closely guarded for more than ten years. What would be his idea of freedom?
110. Work from summary to detail.
When once the mania for news gathering claims its victim, everything he sees becomes potential news.He looks for it on his way down town in the morning....The restaurant at which he lunches is combed unconsciously for items....In the lobby of hotels and theaters....Even his relatives and close friends become his prey....
When once the mania for news gathering claims its victim, everything he sees becomes potential news.
He looks for it on his way down town in the morning....
The restaurant at which he lunches is combed unconsciously for items....
In the lobby of hotels and theaters....
Even his relatives and close friends become his prey....
111. Work from what is of most importance to what is less so.
Mohammed VI, the Turkish sultan, fled from Constantinople on a British warship, bound for Malta, today. The sultan declared he was not abdicating, but was merely removing himself from immediate danger. He was accompanied by....
Mohammed VI, the Turkish sultan, fled from Constantinople on a British warship, bound for Malta, today. The sultan declared he was not abdicating, but was merely removing himself from immediate danger. He was accompanied by....
112. Work from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
Everybody has noticed the way a cat’s claws are incased in tiny sheaths, but how many of us know why they should be? In the first place, the cat is descended from a wild animal whose way of obtaining food was to kill its prey and then tear it to pieces. Naturally when this animal struck into the dead body with its claws, the claws, being hook-like, would tend to remain fast. But nature found a way of overcoming the difficulty by incasing the claws in sheaths so that while the paw of the animal is still inside the carcass, the claw can be withdrawn into the sheath and the paw removed without hindrance. Perfection in nature extends even to such trifles as this.
Everybody has noticed the way a cat’s claws are incased in tiny sheaths, but how many of us know why they should be? In the first place, the cat is descended from a wild animal whose way of obtaining food was to kill its prey and then tear it to pieces. Naturally when this animal struck into the dead body with its claws, the claws, being hook-like, would tend to remain fast. But nature found a way of overcoming the difficulty by incasing the claws in sheaths so that while the paw of the animal is still inside the carcass, the claw can be withdrawn into the sheath and the paw removed without hindrance. Perfection in nature extends even to such trifles as this.
113. Work up to a climax.
Now, as always before, it is the custom to give way to great manifestations of joy when the football team wins over a university that is much older and much better established. Just as soon as the report comes in that Drake is gaining, feeling begins to run high; when it is said that Drake is ahead, we begin to hold our breath; but when the report spreads that Drake has won, excitement breaks out like a vast tidal wave and sweeps everything before it.
Now, as always before, it is the custom to give way to great manifestations of joy when the football team wins over a university that is much older and much better established. Just as soon as the report comes in that Drake is gaining, feeling begins to run high; when it is said that Drake is ahead, we begin to hold our breath; but when the report spreads that Drake has won, excitement breaks out like a vast tidal wave and sweeps everything before it.
114. Weld paragraph to paragraph so that they will obviously be parts of the whole instead of separate units.
Following are various methods of accomplishing this welding:
115. Weld paragraph to paragraph by word connectives.
On a summer evening the shores of Lake Tiberias are thronged with strange and interesting people.Here are caravans from across the Arabian desert....Above them a Bedouin drives his flocks....Not far away a rich Arabian farmer....Around him, around everyone, in fact, little Arabian boys....Then, as the last rays of the sun disappear behind the Mountain of Beatitudes, ...
On a summer evening the shores of Lake Tiberias are thronged with strange and interesting people.
Here are caravans from across the Arabian desert....
Above them a Bedouin drives his flocks....
Not far away a rich Arabian farmer....
Around him, around everyone, in fact, little Arabian boys....
Then, as the last rays of the sun disappear behind the Mountain of Beatitudes, ...
116. Weld paragraph to paragraph by repetition.
... Thus it is that I came to believe in ghosts.But ghosts are not all that I came to believe in that summer....
... Thus it is that I came to believe in ghosts.
But ghosts are not all that I came to believe in that summer....
117. Weld paragraph to paragraph by recapitulation.
... Guns, horses, motors, men, all thundered along the road, then, like dogs of war let loose at Armageddon.The hunt was up; the scent was on the air—Germany was unchained....
... Guns, horses, motors, men, all thundered along the road, then, like dogs of war let loose at Armageddon.
The hunt was up; the scent was on the air—Germany was unchained....
118. Weld paragraph to paragraph by announcing the divisions.
The most attractive flower to me among all those that grow in my garden is the sweet pea, chiefly, I think, because of the delicacy of its color, form, and fragrance.
The most attractive flower to me among all those that grow in my garden is the sweet pea, chiefly, I think, because of the delicacy of its color, form, and fragrance.
119. Give each idea the space it deserves.
Wrong.As the sun climbed higher, the spell of the dawn was broken, and the camp came to life. Soon the surface of the lake was dotted with bobbing heads. Upon the crests of the low hills farmers were seen beginning to plow. Milk carts rattled along the roads toward the creamery. All was in harmony to foretell a perfect day.Better.As the sun climbed higher, the spell of the dawn was broken, and the camp began to come to life. Soon the surface of the lake was dotted with bobbing heads as the campers splashed about taking their dip before breakfast. There was much laughter and merry shouting; everybody was ready to have as much fun as he could. Across the lake the farmers were commencing to plow. And from the road behind came the rattle of milk carts on their way to the creamery. It was morning; the world was awake.
Wrong.As the sun climbed higher, the spell of the dawn was broken, and the camp came to life. Soon the surface of the lake was dotted with bobbing heads. Upon the crests of the low hills farmers were seen beginning to plow. Milk carts rattled along the roads toward the creamery. All was in harmony to foretell a perfect day.
Better.As the sun climbed higher, the spell of the dawn was broken, and the camp began to come to life. Soon the surface of the lake was dotted with bobbing heads as the campers splashed about taking their dip before breakfast. There was much laughter and merry shouting; everybody was ready to have as much fun as he could. Across the lake the farmers were commencing to plow. And from the road behind came the rattle of milk carts on their way to the creamery. It was morning; the world was awake.
120. Give each idea the position it deserves.
Wrong.Here and there the long, shiny body of a fish shot out of the water and fell back with a faint splash. The lake changed from the deep blue reflected from the clear sky to all the brilliant colors of the sunset. The sun began to set long before it should have, according to the campers’ ideas. Canoes crept out without a sound from the shore, and the campers enjoyed to the fullest their favorite time of the day. Gulls called back and forth and settled for the night on jutting sand bars.Better.The sun began to set long before it should have, according to the campers’ ideas. The lake changed in color from the deep blue that had been reflected from the clear sky to all the brilliance of the sunset. Here and there the long, shiny body of a fish shot out of the water and fell back with a gentle splash. Gulls called back and forth to one another and began to settle for the night on jutting sand bars. Now canoes crept from the shore without a sound, and the campers enjoyed to the full this their favorite hour of the day.
Wrong.Here and there the long, shiny body of a fish shot out of the water and fell back with a faint splash. The lake changed from the deep blue reflected from the clear sky to all the brilliant colors of the sunset. The sun began to set long before it should have, according to the campers’ ideas. Canoes crept out without a sound from the shore, and the campers enjoyed to the fullest their favorite time of the day. Gulls called back and forth and settled for the night on jutting sand bars.
Better.The sun began to set long before it should have, according to the campers’ ideas. The lake changed in color from the deep blue that had been reflected from the clear sky to all the brilliance of the sunset. Here and there the long, shiny body of a fish shot out of the water and fell back with a gentle splash. Gulls called back and forth to one another and began to settle for the night on jutting sand bars. Now canoes crept from the shore without a sound, and the campers enjoyed to the full this their favorite hour of the day.
121. End with whatever will give an impression of a well-rounded whole.
... With all these hints of prospective fun, how easy it is to bang the books back upon the table and let the world go hang—on Friday night.
... With all these hints of prospective fun, how easy it is to bang the books back upon the table and let the world go hang—on Friday night.
122. Choose a title that will indicate in a word or a phrase what the composition is about. Be sure not to refer to the title in the body of the composition as if it were an integral part of the composition.
Wrong.Friday NightThis is the night of all the week to which I looked forward with the most pleasure.Better.The Best Night in the WeekThere is one night in the week that is, to me, more pleasant than any other. You know which one it is as well as I do, for it is your best friend, too.
Wrong.
Friday Night
This is the night of all the week to which I looked forward with the most pleasure.
Better.
The Best Night in the Week
There is one night in the week that is, to me, more pleasant than any other. You know which one it is as well as I do, for it is your best friend, too.
123. Plan long compositions as you gather the material.
Use cards or slips of paper of uniform size for making notes while reading. During the early stages of your reading, the various topics which you will discuss will begin to make their appearance. Make only one note on each card. After writing the note, write one or two words in the upper left-hand corner to indicate the topic treated in that note. As you accumulate notes, keep them sorted according to the topics.
When all the available sources of material have been utilized and all the notes taken, arrange the various stacks—one stack for each topic—by first spreading them out upon a table so that you can see readily all the topics at once. Then move the stacks about, thus trying out various arrangements until you have made one which seems logical and complete. You will then have a plan for your composition.
124. Revise for arrangement and development by making a plan of the composition after it is finished.
By outlining the composition you have written, you will be able to see just how certain ideas bear upon the subject and are related to one another. Again, the outline will show you whether or not the ideas follow any orderly sequence. But best of all, perhaps, it will enable you to judge whether the composition omits anything that is vital for complete understanding, or contains something that distracts the reader’s attention.
Following is a method for making a plan of the composition:
Strokes Most Commonly Used in TennisIdea to be developed: In order to be a good tennis player one must master certain strokes.I. The service strokeA. Position of body1. Poised so that weight be added to strokea. Leans away from tossb. Follows racket in strikingB. Tossing ball1. Ball at arm’s length from shoulder2. Held somewhat before body3. Thrown lightly three or four feet in airC. Striking ball1. Racket raised to strike as ball descends2. Force necessary3. Accuracy necessarya. Ball must strike court within boundsI´. Dimensions of receiver’s court.Etc.
Strokes Most Commonly Used in Tennis
Idea to be developed: In order to be a good tennis player one must master certain strokes.
Etc.
125. Exercise.
Following is a composition that is very poorly put together.
1. Make an outline of the whole, using only the topic sentence in each paragraph.
2. Strike out any topic which does not help to expressthe central idea. Reword any topic which can be made to serve its purpose better. Add any other topics which will aid in developing more fully the central idea. Combine topics that explain almost the same thing.
3. Make changes in the arrangement of topics so that each topic will stand in its proper relationship to every other.
4. Make an outline of every paragraph, using every sentence.
5. Shift sentences into positions where they will serve better to develop the topic. Strike out any that do not directly apply. Reword any that can be improved by rewording. Insert additional sentences where they are needed.
6. Shift sentences from one paragraph to another if they can thus be made to serve their purpose better.
7. Copy the material in the regulation form for a composition, taking care that there is proper transition from sentence to sentence, and from paragraph to paragraph.
8. Apply these admonitions to one of your own compositions and rewrite accordingly.
Why Take Boxing?Boxing is a very interesting sport. When the child of kindergarten age first attends school he has his first experience with fighting. This happens at every meeting of boys and continues into the teens. Nearly every real American boy wants to learn how to protect himself, and a course in boxing is the best way to learn defense. In boxing, the individual learns where the best blows are planted and also how to ward off these blows. If a boy knows these punches he will not be imposed upon by his companions. Even in later life men often become quarrelsome and come to blows, but the manwho has learned the fundamentals of boxing always comes out in the lead. If every man knew how to box, robberies would be less frequent because the victims would be less timid and would give battle to the bandits instead of allowing themselves to be held up by highwaymen. Thus, defense is an important element in boxing.Moreover, boxing, besides aiding in defense, is a healthful sport. The body is developed greatly after one goes out for boxing as is shown by the increase or decrease in weight, as the case may be. The weight decreases if one has been in the habit of taking no exercise as he begins training, but the weight soon increases again as the body makes the proper readjustments. Persons who are fleshy soon lose their superfluous fat. With the adjustment of weight the muscles are developed. The arms and shoulders with their continuous exercise in delivering punches and warding off blows are highly developed. The muscles of the body are developed to a great extent by the continuous twisting and bending of the body. The legs become firmer and carry the body with ease after practice in boxing because of the rapid forward, backward, and side movements necessary.Again, the body is developed in quickness by the practice of boxing. The boxer’s mind is made more alert by the habitual practice. The muscles of the body also increase in quickness. They respond instantly to the will of the mind and thereby increase the ability to advance and retreat rapidly, to deliver and ward off punches. When the boxer has developed this quickness of sensory and muscular organs, he can grasp the intent of his opponent’s actions more quickly and govern himself accordingly.Boxing is a very well-known sport. It is widely popular both in Europe and in America. It originated several centuries ago. The main reason for the popularity of boxing is that it is a very interesting sport. The spectator is held by the rapid action of the boxers. In the early days of boxing the men were slow and relied chiefly upon strength, but the modern boxer has developed speed and uses short, quick blows. If the boxer of the past should fight the boxer of the present, the affair would be very one-sided, because the latter would soon tire out his opponent by his quickness.Besides being interesting because of the violent action that is a natural part of the sport, it is also interesting from the point of view of the money-maker. Thousands of dollars are spent every year in developing winners. This was shown in our latest match, the Dempsey-Carpentier fight, in which many thousands of dollars were involved. An international spirit also prevails when boxers from two countries meet. This was indicated in the same match when all the Americans yelled for Jack and all the foreigners for Georges.Boxing has grown in popularity through the ages because of its aid to health and because of its interesting features.
Why Take Boxing?
Boxing is a very interesting sport. When the child of kindergarten age first attends school he has his first experience with fighting. This happens at every meeting of boys and continues into the teens. Nearly every real American boy wants to learn how to protect himself, and a course in boxing is the best way to learn defense. In boxing, the individual learns where the best blows are planted and also how to ward off these blows. If a boy knows these punches he will not be imposed upon by his companions. Even in later life men often become quarrelsome and come to blows, but the manwho has learned the fundamentals of boxing always comes out in the lead. If every man knew how to box, robberies would be less frequent because the victims would be less timid and would give battle to the bandits instead of allowing themselves to be held up by highwaymen. Thus, defense is an important element in boxing.
Moreover, boxing, besides aiding in defense, is a healthful sport. The body is developed greatly after one goes out for boxing as is shown by the increase or decrease in weight, as the case may be. The weight decreases if one has been in the habit of taking no exercise as he begins training, but the weight soon increases again as the body makes the proper readjustments. Persons who are fleshy soon lose their superfluous fat. With the adjustment of weight the muscles are developed. The arms and shoulders with their continuous exercise in delivering punches and warding off blows are highly developed. The muscles of the body are developed to a great extent by the continuous twisting and bending of the body. The legs become firmer and carry the body with ease after practice in boxing because of the rapid forward, backward, and side movements necessary.
Again, the body is developed in quickness by the practice of boxing. The boxer’s mind is made more alert by the habitual practice. The muscles of the body also increase in quickness. They respond instantly to the will of the mind and thereby increase the ability to advance and retreat rapidly, to deliver and ward off punches. When the boxer has developed this quickness of sensory and muscular organs, he can grasp the intent of his opponent’s actions more quickly and govern himself accordingly.
Boxing is a very well-known sport. It is widely popular both in Europe and in America. It originated several centuries ago. The main reason for the popularity of boxing is that it is a very interesting sport. The spectator is held by the rapid action of the boxers. In the early days of boxing the men were slow and relied chiefly upon strength, but the modern boxer has developed speed and uses short, quick blows. If the boxer of the past should fight the boxer of the present, the affair would be very one-sided, because the latter would soon tire out his opponent by his quickness.
Besides being interesting because of the violent action that is a natural part of the sport, it is also interesting from the point of view of the money-maker. Thousands of dollars are spent every year in developing winners. This was shown in our latest match, the Dempsey-Carpentier fight, in which many thousands of dollars were involved. An international spirit also prevails when boxers from two countries meet. This was indicated in the same match when all the Americans yelled for Jack and all the foreigners for Georges.
Boxing has grown in popularity through the ages because of its aid to health and because of its interesting features.