Rhetoric The faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion--Aristotle

Key elements of Rhetoric Listen to Lou Gehrig’s speech Why is this an effective speech? Context=the occasion or the time and place it was written or spoken Purpose=goal that the speaker or writer wants to achieve.

The Rhetorical Triangle Also called the Aristotelian triangle You might think the identity of the speaker in your own writing is obvious, but that’s not necessarily so. Writers often assume what Aristotle called a “persona”-the character the speaker creates when he or she writes or speaks—depending on the context, purpose, subject and audience.

Ethos Ethos=character, to demonstrate that they are credible and trustworthy The speaker’s ethos—expertise and knowledge, experience, training, sincerity or a combination of these—gives the audience a reason for listening. Ethics--morals

Logos Appeals to reason, by offering clear, rational ideas. Means having a clear main idea or thesis with specific details, examples, facts, stats, data or expert testimony as support. Another way to appeal to logos is to acknowledge a counterargument—anticipating objections or opposing views Concede that the opposing may be true, but then you deny (refute) the validity of all or part of the argument.

Pathos Appeal to emotions Although writing relies exclusively on emotional appeals is rarely effective in the long term, choosing language ( such as figurative language or personal anecdotes) that engages the emotions of the audience can add an important dimension Usually include vivid, concrete description and figurative language.

Practice Go to the Gun article and highlight the appeal (s) the author uses.

Visual Rhetoric Visual texts, like political cartoons. Often satiric Look at Rosa Parks cartoon

Assignment Analyze a political cartoon in terms of the rhetorical triangle and its appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos As part of your analysis of audience note where the cartoon first appeared and describe that source’s political leanings. Bring to class

Rhetoric from Literature Rhetoric is by no means limited to nonfiction Listen to example from The Iliad

Arrangement Another element of rhetoric is the organization of a piece, what classical rhetoricians called arrangement. When analyzing a text, consider how the essay and its individual paragraphs or sections are arranged.

The Classical Model The introduction-one or more paragraphs that draw the readers into the text by piquing their interest, challenging them or otherwise getting their attention The narration-provides factual information and background material on the subject at hand or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing.

Classical Cont’d The confirmation-usually the major part of the text, includes the development or the proof needed to make the writer’s case—nuts and bolts of the essay—generally the strongest appeals are to logos. The refutation- which addresses the counterargument-bridge between writer’s proof and conclusion

Classic Cont’d The conclusion-whether it is one paragraph or several—brings the essay to a satisfying close. Here the writer usually appeals to pathos and reminds the reader of the ethos established earlier

Assignment Look at Crack Dealer article and apply the rhetorical triangle, appeals and arrangement.

Patterns of Development Narration Description Process Analysis Exemplification Comparison and Contrast Classification and Division Definition Cause and Effect

Assignment Read the following 4 texts about Princess Diana’s death Explain the purpose of each text and how the interaction of speaker, audience and subject affects the text Consider how effective each text is in achieving its purpose