Caleb Houston

English 211
Mrs. Plummer
Fall Semester 2015
Introductory Research:

Please visit the online site http://rhetoric.byu.edu/, Silva Rhetoricae, and research
the following rhetorical terms and questions:
1. What is Rhetoric? The study of effective speaking and writing. Using
persuasion, information, or entertainment, and many other things.

2. What three terms are encompassed in the art of Rhetoric? Define these
terms. (Kairos, Audience, and Decorum). A) Kairos- the opportune
occasion for speech, the way a given context for communication
both calls for and constrains ones speech. B) Audience- the
intended group or person in which one composes an argument and
how that audience shapes the composition of the text and/or
responds to it. C) Decorum- the fitting of words, ideas, and subject
matter that fit to each other.
3. Name the three persuasive appeals in Rhetoric and their function. Logosthe appeal to reason. Pathos- the appeal to emotion, uses
anecdotes, humor, etc. Ethos- the appeal to ethics using the
background, speech and subject to spark interest.
4. What are the branches of Rhetoric? Define and discuss their functions
especially with regard to their contemporary connections and usages.
Judicial- past; accuse/defend; justice/injustice. Use of persuasion and
statement to convince an audience of right or wrong doing.
Deliberative-future; exhort/dissuade;
good/unworthy/advantageous/disadvantageous. Epideictic- present;
praise/blame; virtue/vice
5. There are five branches within the Canons of Rhetoric. Define all five. Go
further in your research and take one of the five branches to discuss at length
providing an example and a brief analysis of your example focusing on the
function of the branch you have chosen. Invention- concerns finding
something to say, includes example, cause and effect, comparison,
and various relationships. Arrangement- concerns how one orders
speech or writing; ordering of discourse. Style- artful expressions of
ideas; addresses how argument will be said. Memory- memorizing an
already composed speech for representation; practice of storing up

commonplaces or other material arrived at through the topics of

invention for use as called for in a given occasion. Delivery- how
argument is said; vocal training and the use of gestures. Example)
One may use flashcards or bullet to remember main topics and
memorize the details surrounding those topics. This will allow one to
go through a speech part by part using reminders and categories to
hit all marks on intended delivery.
6. What is Rhetorical Ability? In light of your discoveries in this topic, discuss
your estimation of your own Rhetorical Ability? The ability one as to
successfully deliver a rhetorical speech. I would say that I am okay
at delivering main topics and theories of rhetoric.
7. What is Rhetorical Pedagogy, and what is its primary assumption? What is its
connection to this course and you? That speaking and writing ability is
not merely a product of inborn talent, but that instruction in theory.
The analysis of successful communication is important for the
understanding of texts and literature that we will handle in this
course.
8. Discuss the following terms-Rhetorical analysis, Imitation, Rhetorical
Exercises, Progymnasmata, and Declamation as they are classically defined
and used in contemporary circumstances. Think in terms of both your
personal experience and your observations/knowledge of the ways in which
language and communication have evolved. Rhetorical Analysisselection of given model, use of three discursive disciplines of
grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Imitation- Copying a form within the
original model but supplying a modified form. Use of argumentative
strategies, patterns of arrangement, and figures of speech.
Rhetorical Exercises- use of Progymnasta and Declamation to
increase rhetorical ability and effectiveness. Progymnasta- The use
of the rudimentary exercises intended to prepare students for
creation and performance is split into 14 classes; Fable, Narrative,
Chreia, Proverb, Refutation, Confirmation, Commonplace,
Encomium, Vituperation, Comparison, Impersonation, Description,
Thesis or Theme, Defend/ Attack a Law. Declamation- Practice
orations split into two categories with specific context/ karios;
Suasoria, Controversia.
9. Within the Categories of Change related to the study of Rhetoric, review all
four categories and choose one to thoroughly explain and for which to
provide modern connections in education, politics, communication,
government, etc. (one or two, not all). Addition- the use of manipulation
of a course in order to reach a successful rhetorical delivery. Using
addition in politics to create dramatic meter to increase rhetorical
effectiveness in the audience.

10.List the three eras on the Rhetoric Timeline and choose one author/work from
each to research and present in a five minute presentation the date for which
will be announced later.

Antiquity; Plato- Gorgias is a detailed study of virtue founded upon

the nature of rhetoric, art, power, temperance, justice, and good
versus evil. Friendly conversation between Socrates and four fellow
citizens. Chaerephoon found speaking to with Platos teacher at the
beginning of the dialogue. Callicles is a host to Gorgias and an
opponent to Socrates near the discussions close. Gorgias is a famous
orator. Socrates and Chaerephon discuss Gorgias status as an
imminent rhetorician. essence of power, with the eventual conclusion
that it exists both in an overall lack of need and in one's ability to
perform only those actions he/she independently wills.
Middle Ages; Matthew of Vendome- Ars versificatoria is the art of
poetry, earliest in the new arts of poetry and consists of four uneven
parts- inner meaning; elegance of diction; schemata, tropes, and colors
of rhetoric; and the treatment of the material. These do not correspond
directly with divisions of rhetoric.
Renaissance; Henry Peacham- Garden of Eloquence is a model of
stylistic rhetoric in which it was innovative for being in the vernacular.