Rhetoric Analysis

 The Silva Thetoricae defines rhetoric as the study of effective speaking and writing. After analyzing the website for a bit, I would expand the definition and add that rhetoric would be "the art of persuasive writing or speech, in which one would use compositional figures of speech to create a whole, concise argument.” It kind of brings back the whole "What is eloquence?" question we posed in the last class. What would be considered a strong, valid argument? Are there specific tones, language methods, or philosophies that could create a more persuasive stance in a debate? By using the information in the Silva Rhetoricae and the bolstered definition of rhetoric, we can begin to develop a broader mindset for our class. We can further challenge each other in discussions by curtailing trivial points/ counterpoints and finding a more pursuing point- similar to finding a needle in a haystack. Silva Rhetoricae is helpful in presenting how rhetoric could be displayed. Consider this: a salesman wouldn’t be able to sell much of his product if he were to sound bland or unappealing. His tone and lack of persuasion carries a disinterest that would make customers have a sense of distrust towards the salesman. Why would a customer buy a product if the salesman doesn’t appear happy to sell it? To quote, the Silva Rhetoricae states that “Discerning how language is working in others' or one's own writing and speaking, one must (artificially) divide form and content, what is being said and how this is said.” It further goes on to explain persuasive appeals that Aristotle manifested: logos, pathos, and ethos. Logos and pathos are the appeals to reason and emotion, respectively, and ethos is the persuasive appeal of one’s character. Aristotle also goes on in calling these appeals “artistic” or “intrinsic” proofs. Similar to an artist and his medium, we, as writers/ conversationalists use these persuasive appeals in the art of rhetoric. These appeals are what a defendant in court would solicit to his or her jury, or what a small child begging his or her mother for a toy in a department store would use. If the approach to an argument or debate is adequately related, then the point will stick. Having that certain je ne sais quoi in your writing or speaking style helps your persuasive tone, whether the subject matter is of truth or opinion.

 I didn’t think anything was particularly unhelpful within the website. The website has samples and quotations to back up explanations on the history and how rhetoric is used. The only set back I would have for the website is that it doesn’t fully elaborate their points. They touch on the analysis of rhetorical ability, terms, and persuasive appeals but don’t go any further to demonstrate them. Though, the ideas established within the Silva Rhetoricae paired with the writing styles in Graff’s They Say, I Say will empower us as writers and reinforce our arguments to further disprove the counter argument. Next week’s class will certainly bring a stimulating inflection in our debates and rebuttals.

Burton, Gideon. "The Forest of Rhetoric." Silva Rhetoricae. Brigham Young University, n.d.Web. 04 Sept. 2015. <http://rhetoric.byu.edu>