Introduction to Classical Rhetoric

1. Introduction to Classical Rhetoric Contextual Information for Work with Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian

2. Rhetoric • At its core, rhetoric is the science of communication • Classically, it is the art of speaking, since the majority of “important” communication was accomplished through speaking (i.e. political or educational ends). • Now, it can be understood as having a sound argument, and presenting that argument in such a way as to convince an audience. (Can be oral, written, gestured, etc.)

3. The Parts of the Transaction of Meaning • Communication is best understood as a transaction where there is a giver, something that is given, and a receiver. • Speaker/Author = giver • Message = what is given • Listener/Audience = what is received

4. Rhetorical Triangle • The way these three pieces work together is known as the rhetorical triangle

5. Rhetorical Appeals • Ethos = Speaker / Author • The giver of the message must have credibility and expertise. (The author must convince the audience of his/her ethos in the way that he/she deals with the message.) • Logos = Message • The message itself must be logical. (The author presents it as such, and the audience accepts it.) • Pathos = Audience • The audience must be emotionally ready to receive the message. (It’s the duty of the author to put the audience into this emotional place.)

6. The Five Canons of Rhetoric • The Canons were developed in Ancient Greece (where Classical Rhetoric was born) and have been important in crafting arguments ever since. • All arguments pay attention to these canons in some way. • Depending upon the persuasive moment, different canons carry different significance. • [Canon = a general law or rule]

7. The Five Canons of Rhetoric (cont) • Invention (Inventio) • Developing the argument and its parts • Arrangement (Dispositio) • Organization of the argument • Style (Elocutio) • The wording of the argument (language used, figures of speech, etc.) • Memory (Memoria) • Memorizing a speech; learning quotes and facts to use in arguments • Delivery (Actio) • Gestures, tone of voice, etc.

8. The Big Three In some way or another, all rhetorical treatises are influenced by one of these fellas: • Aristotle (4thc BC – Greek) • 1st to codify ethos, logos, pathos (rhetorical triangle) • Cicero (1stc BC – Roman) • 1st to codify 5 Canons • Quintilian (1stc – Roman) • 1st to place importance in teaching

9. Your Task • Understand exactly what your Classical Rhetorician is arguing. Then, teach it to the class. • Consider: • How does he view/explain the role of the Rhetorical Triangle (each of its parts)? • How does he use the five canons of rhetoric? • How does he use examples? • What does he try to do with his examples? • How successful is he? • Don’t forget to examine the text with your knowledge of literary terms.

10. Additional and Grading • You have two full class periods to work. • Your presentation must: • last no fewer than 15 minutes, no more than 20 minutes. • address, at minimum, each of the elements listed on the previous slide. • be ready at the beginning of the class period on the date due. • include all group members equally. • teach not tell. • This will be a participation grade, weighted for the week (i.e. 5 days worth of participation).