Rhetoric

The Language of Rhetoric

Rhetoric is the language of persuasion. Authors use rhetoric as a means of convincing the reader of the intended message. Some common users of rhetoric are: 

• politicians

• teachers

• experts on certain topics

According to the Oxford dictionary "rhetoric is the art of using words impressively, especially in public Speaking". An expert in the use of rhetoric is called a rhetorician. 

In literature rhetoric is used for a number of reasons: 

• to convince the reader of an argument

• to embellish the piece in order to impress

• to sway the reader-into a certain way of thinking / feeling

• to make the reader question ideas

Rhetoric makes two appeals in literature: 

1. Emotional - affecting the emotions and attitudes of the reader

2. Intellectual - affecting the logic and intellect of the reader.

There are a number of "rhetorical devices" used in literature, some of which are: 

1. EXAGGERATION - exaggerating a point for emphasis (usually appeals to the memory, emotional)

2. REPETITION - common in speeches and is the consistent repetition of key phrases/quotes (usually appeals to the memory, emotional and is used for emphasis)

3. FACTUAL INFORMATION - sources from other authors are used to validate the argument - an appeal to logic - intellectual

4. RHETORICAL QUESTION - a question without a direct answer – designed to appeal to the logic and make the reader think about the addressed further.

5. EXAMPLE - provided for intellectual and emotional appeal (can be either) and is used for emphasis. Examples can come from other sources or from the main text of the essay.

6. ANALOGY - the use of a story for explanatory reasons. Can appeal to the emotion or logic depending on the nature of the analogy (can be humorous or serious).

7. QUOTATIONS - quotations from other people add validity to an argument and are a strong method or emotional appeal. For example in an essay on racism a quote from Martin Luther King would have a distinct emotional appeal. A quote from Statistics Canada would definitely add to the validity of the main argument.

8. ANECDOTE - the use of short, humorous stories for explanatory reasons. Usually appeals to emotion and is designed to add emphasis - sometimes used as a means of introducing a topic.

9. ALLUSION - the use of past events, ideas, or thoughts in order to create an image and add validity to an argument.

Rhetorical Devices and Style

Rhetorical devices are techniques that you can use to create a certain stylistic characteristic. When used with discretion, rhetorical devices can help achieve your purpose; that is, to emphasize, to shock, to add humour, to draw attention to word choice, to create suspense, and so on. 

The list of rhetorical devices illustrated in this exercise is not exhaustive; many others are dealt with in other parts of The Process of Writing. (See the index for other references.) 

Follow these instructions for each example: 

1. Read through each rhetorical device with your partner.

2. Discuss what purpose it serves.

3. Take turns thinking of a new example of each rhetorical device before you go on to the next one.

1. Use a rhetorical question when you want to ask a question to which the answer is implied: 

Shouldn't Canadians know more about their home-grown stars? 

2. Use abnormal word order when you want to vary and emphasize an idea: 

Formal Word Order: Subject, Then Verb 

The Kiss starring Canada's Mav Irwin, was condemned as immoral in 1896. 

Abnormal Word Order: Verb, Then Subject 

Condemned as immoral in 1896 was The Kiss, starring Canada's May Irwin. 

Normal Word Order: Adjectives, Then Noun 

Talented, vivacious, spirited, Winnipeg-horn Deanna Durbin made films that saved a movie studio from bankruptcy in the late 1930s. 

Abnormal Word Order: Noun, Then Adjectives 

Winnipeg-born Deanna Durbin - talented, vivacious, spirited - made films that saved a movie studio from bankruptcy in the late 1930s. 

3. Use repetition when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular fact: 

In three films John Qualen portrayed beleaguered father Oliva Dionne. the father of the world's five most famous babies, the Dionne quintuplets. 

4. Use climactic parallelism when you wish to present several facts in order of importance: 

Margot Kidder, who hails from Yellowknife, will not be remembered for her scatterbrained roles, or her schizophrenic portrayals, or even her unorthodox behaviour; she'll be remembered as the woman who stole Superman's virginity. 

5. Use a balanced sentence when you have the opportunity to parallel your ideas in two or more equal word groups: 

After Montreal-born Genevieve Bujold became a star in Quebec, she became a star in Hollywood. 

6. Use opposites when you want to make a balanced sentence memorable: 

Death has broken up the Blues Brothers, but reruns will keep them alive. 

7. Use reversals (chiasmus) when you want to make a balanced sentence even more memorable: 

It's just as hard to take the joy out of acting as it is to take the acting out of Newfoundlander Robert Joy of Atlantic City and Ragtime fame. 

Do you also see the pun (another rhetorical device) on joy? 

8. Use a periodic sentence when you wish to withhold the most important part of the sentence until the period: 

One of the highlights of Little Big Man, a successful film that dealt with the Story of Custard's Last Stand as told by a 122-year-old survivor, was the portrayal of Old Lodge Skins by North Vancouver actor Chief Dan George.

Tone Words

Identifying tone isn't any more complicated than understanding and knowing what the tone words mean.  Use the following handouts to help you to identify the tone of the text you are reading.

In Class Demand Writing: Nonfiction Assignment

You will be given a nonfiction essay and asked to analyze it during 1 period.  Please read the Hamlet In Class Demand Writing Assignment note for details on the format of your response.  Expect 2-3 in class demand writes during this unit.

Your question(s) will focus on:

• rhetorical devices (in conventions of essay analysis chart)

• ethos, pathos, and logos

• writing variables (in conventions of essay analysis)

• tone

You can bring a copy of the following documents to the in class demand write: Conventions of Essay Analysis, Tone Words, and Commencement Speech Analysis.