The next and 7th stage in the Progym system is:
Commonplace: in which the writer aims to highlight or amplify the inherent evils of a common vice, such as theft, adultery, tyranny... actions that are commonly viewed as evil, regardless of the perpetrator; it can also be used to amplify the inherent good of a particular virtue, such as selflessness, charity, or patience. Commonplace is invoked to persuade for/against an ACTION or CLASS of persons (i.e. murder/murderers, lying/liars, drunkenness/drunkards, etc.), not a particular person or his particular crime/sin.
Mode: Narrative, Exposition, Argumentation
Means: All used previously, plus:
Prologue - identifies the commonplace and calls for punishment (i.e. anyone who murders a child should receive the harshest penalty)
Amplifying Topics/Heads:
Contrast - this wrongful act with a noble one
Comparison - a wrongful act with this greater wrong
Intent - demonstrate that the act was willful; establish motive
Defamation - reproach the past life of the accused
Rejection of Pity - clarify the absurdity of showing pity for this act
Heads of Purpose - argue from 2-3 of these heads:
Legality
Justice
Expediency
Possibility
Decency
Epilogue - Illuminate the negative consequences of failure to act or the positive consequences of inflicting punishment.
This exercise requires the students to "isolate an idea" in their minds, and it demands they think clearly and judicially.
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