Progymnasmata

Definition

A set of rudimentary exercises intended to prepare students of rhetoric for the creation and performance of complete practice orations (gymnasmata or declamations). A crucial component of classical and renaissance rhetorical pedagogy. Many progymnasmata exercises correlate directly with the parts of a classical oration.

The 14 Progymnasmata

Similar progymnasmata are grouped together. The exercises are in general sequential.

1. Fable
2. Narrative
3. Chreia
4. Proverb
5. Refutation
6. Confirmation
7. Commonplace
8. Encomium
9. Vituperation
10. Comparison
11. Impersonation
12. Description
13. Thesis or Theme
14. Defend / Attack a Law

Related Figures

• exergasia
• expolitio
• Figures of Amplification

See Also

• Rhetorical Pedagogy
  • Rhetorical Exercises
• General Rhetorical Strategy: Amplification
• Arrangement
  • Compare the progymnasma "narrative" with narratio
  • Compare the progymnasma "refutation" with refutatio
  • Compare the progymnasma "confirmation" with confirmatio

Internet Resources

• Online English translations of the progymnasmata of Aphthonius and of Libanius

Sources

Ad Alexandrum 1436a26; Theon; Aphthonius; Hermogenes; Quintilian ("primae exercitationes"); Richard Rainolde (1563)