Rhetoric in Atticus’ Closing Argument Chapter 20 To Kill a Mockingbird

What is rhetoric? Hint: What is the purpose of a rhetorical question? How many times have I told you not to do that?

The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively Rhetoric

Types of Rhetorical Appeal Appeal of ETHOS Appeal of PATHOS Appeal of LOGOS Types of Rhetorical Appeal

Ethos Ethos - Credibility A way of convincing an audience based on the character of the writer/speaker It says in effect: “I’m a great guy so you should believe what I’m telling you.” Example: I am a husband, a father, and a taxpayer. I’ve served faithfully for 20 years on the school board. I deserve your vote for city council. Ethos

Pathos Pathos – Emotions A way of convincing an audience based on appealing to their emotions Such an appeal attempts to persuade by stirring up the emotions of the audience and attempts to create any number of emotions, including: fear, sadness, contentment, joy, and pride. Example: “Feed the Children” television commercials use pathetic appeal by showcasing images of deprived, starving children in order to get you to contribute monetary donations. Pathos

Logos - Logic A way of convincing an audience based on the use of reasoning, facts, and statistics Example: A Chevrolet advertisement that provides performance data on the vehicle being marketed is making a logical appeal. Logos

We will watch 2 short Pedigree Commercial First time, you will just watch Second time, you will write the rhetorical appeals and how they were use Ex: Ethos – The veterinarian is a credible source to recommend Pedigree dog food

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAxOt p4vDJQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH3pA 29MG5k

Rhetorical Appeal is Atticus’ Closing Argument As you reread Atticus’ closing argument (pgs. 271-275) Identify the rhetorical appeals being used and how they are used Example: “The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place” (Lee 271). -Logos – No factual evidence to convict Tom Robinson Rhetorical Appeal is Atticus’ Closing Argument