Aristotelian Triangle a. k. a Aristotelian Triangle a.k.a. The Rhetorical Triangle Aristotle was the first to use a triangle to illustrate how these elements of the rhetorical situation are related.
created by David Jolliffe http://giddings. edublogs style format
the context of a rhetorical act (social environment, time period, political environment, events compelling one to respond, cultural or institutional conventions etc.) Rhetorical Situation “the interaction between an audience, author, topic, and medium in a specific time and place” (Writing and Place 42)
Exigence the event, or lack of, that compels one to speak out urgent demand for action Example: 9/11 terrorist attack - the attack prompted response - urgent call for action - rhetoric conveying nationalism and solidarity - timing was crucial for language’s impact
Audience What does the audience already know or think? What do members need or expect to find out? What assumptions can be made about them? What do they value? How do you want them to react to you and respond to the information you provide?
Purpose and Intention the reason for writing or speaking the aim or goal related to “exigence” in that something compels the person to strive to achieve a particular purpose explain? persuade? attack? defend? praise? blame? teach? entertain? enact change?
Writer/Speaker/Author What is the person’s rhetorical stance? What type of attitude towards topic/audience? What influences this person? How much does the person know? Does he/she establish credibility and authority? What is his/her public reputation? Does the person make any assumptions?
Appeals
Pathos (Emotion) Narrated anecdotes, cases, personal experiences, historical vignettes Imagery, figurative language Rhetorical flourishes: repetition, parallelism Connotational loading Power? easy to relate to; vivid; concrete; interesting. Risk? too personal; too narrow; manipulative.
Logos (Intellect) using information to appeal to reason exhibiting one’s knowledge arguing logically demonstration of “the truth” (real or apparent) Within an argument using logos, however, the speaker/writer can be making one or more (sometimes A LOT) of “logical fallacies.”
Logos (Intellect) Statistics, Facts, Data, Surveys, Polls, Studies If-Then Clauses (Syllogisms) Enumerated Reasons (1-2-3) Analysis of Case Studies Power? Credible, authoritative, scientific, "hard data," measurable, quantifiable. Risk? Cold, detached, impersonal, aggressive, distant; everything in the world is not quantifiable.
Ethos (Credibility & Authority) attempts to establish credibility and authority proving one is qualified representation of one’s character How the speaker/writer’s experience impacts the legitimacy of his or her argument
Ethos (Credibility & Authority) Bible, Quran, Torah, other holy scriptures References to deity Codes of Law: Bill of Rights, Constitution, Supreme Court, local laws, ordinances Speaker is trustworthy, fair-minded and moderate Speaker's credentials are in order (He has earned the right to address the topic.) Ex. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Ethos (Credibility & Authority) Power? establish speaker as credible and fair-minded; audience trusts, does not feel defensive. Risk? none—remember Aristotle says this is the most essential of the 3 appeals. (Unless audience is filled with folks who do not appreciate fair-mindedness; an audience ready to riot? ex: Brutus vs Marc Antony)
Surface Features
Style and Format Diction: word choice; intentionally choosing certain words in order to be effectively persuasive ex. Obama campaign Figurative language: stylistic devices, such as metaphors and hyperbole (i.e. exaggeration) Imagery: visuals; vivid language to represent objects, actions, or ideas; creating images that evoke a certain atmosphere, mood, or tension Syntax: grammar and sentence structure
Diction Is the language as clear as it needs to be for the audience? What is the tone of the language? - humorous? - serious? - passionate? - academic? - sarcastic?
Class Activity You’re purpose is to convince your parents to buy you a car. What are some of the claims you can make to encourage them to buy it for you? After we get some examples up on the board, we will categorize them.