Rhetoric and Aristotelian Persuasion
ARISTOTLE•(384-322 BCE) was a Greek philosopher who studied under Plato. Aristotle studied and wrote prolifically on subjects from politics to metaphysics. Aristotle's discussion of rhetoric contributed lasting ideas about the methods of persuasion.
Rhetoric
is the art of using language effectively and persuasively.
Persuasion
is an appeal to an audience. ethos logos pathos
were identified by Aristotle as appeals
necessary to effectively persuade an
audience.
Ethos
is the establishment of the credibility of the author or speaker.
An author develops ethos by using objective and fair language, by considering
counterarguments, and by presenting appropriate and credible sources.
Are we not disposed to be the number of those who having eyes see not, and having ears hear not, the things
which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?
Here Henry uses ethos by
using the Biblical allusion
“having eyes . . . hear not
Logos
is an appeal to logic.
An author develops logos by offering credible facts and statistics related to the topic at hand, by using allusion, by using
deductive and inductive reasoning, and by citing credible sources outside the work
itself.
Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the
more specific.
Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and
theories.
We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its
interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot
of the throne.
Man! Look at Henry go. His appeal to logos uses inductive reasoning and then he pulls it around with an
appeal to pathos
Pathos
is an appeal to the emotion of the audience.
An author develops pathos by including figurative language such as metaphor, simile, and vivid
imagery, by including emotional anecdotes, and by offering vivid, connotative language employed to evoke sympathy and emotional interest in the
topic.
We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and
listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into
beasts.
Man, those Limeys are going to turn us into swine, just like Circe did. I’m gettin’ mad now!
For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery;
They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging
until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
There is no retreat but in
submission and slavery! Our chains are
forged! Their clanking may
be heard on the plains of Boston!
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains
and slavery?
HENRY?Isn’t there a
name for that literary
technique you’re using??
Why Yes…It’s called
MOTIF
MOTIF
• A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or literary work. A dominant theme or central idea.
• Music A short rhythmic or melodic passage that is repeated or evoked in various parts of a composition.
• A repeated figure or design in architecture or decoration.
• Theoretical, abstract language
• Denotative meanings/reasons
• Literal and historical analogies
• Definitions • Factual data and statistics
• Quotations • Citations from experts and authorities
• Informed opinions
• Language appropriate to audience and subject
• Restrained, sincere, fair minded presentation
• Appropriate level of vocabulary
• Correct grammar
•Vivid, concrete language
•Emotionally loaded language
•Connotative meanings
•Emotional examples •Vivid descriptions •Narratives of emotional events
•Emotional tone •Figurative language
To Appeal to Logic (logos) To Develop Ethos
To Appeal to Emotion (pathos)
