Thursday, December 10th, 2015 Bellwork: Materials Needed Norton Pen and Notebook Bellwork: Read the following quote, then answer the questions that follow: “I’ve been your doll-wife here, just as at home I was Papa’s doll-child. And in turn the children have been my dolls.” What type of figurative language is Nora using here? Do you find her description of her marriage, for all intensive purposes, to be accurate? Homework: Review A Doll House and The Importance of Being Earnest for comparison response on Monday.

Rhetorical Devices Today, we are going to write “closing argument” speeches about Nora’s decision to leave her family at the end of A Doll House. First, we will look at a few different techniques. Then, we will incorporate those techniques, as well as textual evidence, into a short, argumentative essay in your journals. First, let’s look at the three persuasive techniques.

Ethos Examples In rhetoric, ethos represents credibility or an ethical appeal which involves persuasion by the character involved. Think of arguments that support a person’s character or credibility. Speakers and writers use ethos to convince others of their qualifications, expertise, or ability to make ethical decisions. Also, ad hominem arguments are often used to undermine the ethos of an opponent. “John is a forensics and ballistics expert working for the federal government for many years – if anyone’s qualified to determine the murder weapon, it’s him.”

Pathos Examples “Won’t somebody please think of the children?!” “He had meant the best in the world, and been treated like a dog—like a very dog. She would be sorry someday—maybe when it was too late. Ah, if he could only die TEMPORARILY!” “That quality in a work of art which evokes feelings of tenderness, pity, or sorrow” (“Pathos”). Pathos can be expressed through words, pictures or even with gestures of the body.

Logos Examples Logos is a Greek word meaning logic. Logos is a literary device that can be defined as a statement, sentence or argument used to convince or persuade the targeted audience by employing reason or logic. Think of amassing evidence and using inductive or deductive reasoning. Often, logical appeals will use scientific facts and figures. "All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal." Aristotle's The Art of Rhetoric

Closing Arguments You must incorporate an appeal to pathos, ethos, logos, or any combination of the three in your argument. Perhaps you want to elicit pity, sympathy, or sorrow for Nora (or Torvald, or her children for that matter). Perhaps you want to defend or attack her character. Maybe you want to explain her logic or reasoning, or lackthereof. Requirements: 3 Paragraphs total 2 Paragraphs in support of your position 1 Paragraph that repudiates the opposing view At least two integrated quotes In this activity, you will take on the role of attorneys presenting the “closing arguments” at the end of a trial. In this case, Nora is on trial. Her crime can be varied: forgery, desertion, breach of contract. You need to decide whether or not to defend Nora. To prepare your case, list some of the possible arguments from both sides. Think of points in favor of your argument, as well as those you would like to refute.

“Our courts are the great levellers.”