Rhetoric Definition 2

Throughout English 1900, we have seen rhetoric in many ways from our rhetorical vocabulary list to rhetorical analyses in our blogs. However, my understanding of rhetoric has become much clearer and as Dr. Gideon Burton states it to be “a fundamental division between what is communicated through language and how this is communicated”. I now realize how important the word “fundamental” is in his definition as rhetoric is all around us and not simply in just vocabulary, strategies, and analyses.

The persuasive appeal of logos, pathos, and ethos is one key aspect that illustrates how fundamental rhetoric is. An individual subconsciously incorporates these elements into their daily life, as they are essential in appealing to reason, evoking emotion, and building credibility. These appeals allow for a strengthened argument as each appeal can adhere to different sets of audiences. Utilizing logos, pathos and ethos have been crucial in our writing throughout the semester and specifically in our advocacy papers. After determining our audiences for our proposals, we could then center our argument on the most effective appeal. In addition, it has been crucial in developing and strengthening our arguments as it persuades the audience into reasoning, sympathizing, and trusting the claims in our proposals. The three persuasive appeals demonstrate the importance of rhetoric in voicing an opinion or in convincing an audience. The appeals allow an individual to deepen their argument into a cohesive and strong proposal.

Another aspect that is in the root of rhetoric is of the cannons of rhetoric as according to Dr. Gideon Burton, they “have served both analytical and generative purposes”. In fact, “they provide a template for the criticism of discourse, and they give a pattern for rhetorical education” (Burton). This is important to consider, as rhetoric can be either incredibly complex or seemingly simplistic. The degree of depth comes from the invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. Thus, it indicates how an individual can incorporate rhetoric into a daily conversation as well as a formal analysis. We have seen this in our English 1900 class, as we had to persuade and argue within fight club discussions, but also had to develop a proposal aimed to change or inflict policies. Within both, we had to invent ideas, arrange a specific argument, style the tone and syntax, memorize, but more importantly link all claims, and finally deliver the argument using rhetorical strategies appeals. All five cannons of rhetoric contribute to the strength of the rhetoric and how fundamental is truly is in writing, speaking, and illustrating.

English 1900 has undeniably deepened my understanding of rhetoric whether it is within a discussion such as fight club, a rhetorical analysis such as the bad blood analysis on the blog, or utilizing rhetorical strategies in our proposals that we have been quizzed upon on Thursdays. All of these strategies have deepened my understanding of rhetoric further than any of my past English classes in high school. Rhetoric is truly fundamental to develop an effective argument within any given circumstance.