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Motifs
Definition of Pathos
Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Pathos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Pathos is... read full definition
Pathos, along with logos and ethos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Worse'n Boils:
Willie Stark is a skilled orator and uses rhetorical methods to persuade his audiences. When he and his team visit Mason City in Chapter 1, he briefly speaks to a gathered crowd but says that he isn't giving a speech. He presents himself as an honest representative of the people: "I'm not a politician today. I'm taking the day off. I'm not even going to ask you to vote for me." Then he makes self-deprecating remarks that are, in fact, criticisms of corrupt and greedy politicians:
"You know"—and he leaned forward a little now, as if to tell them a secret—"it's funny how I just can't make friends with some folks. No matter how hard I try. I been just as polite. I said, Please. But please didn't do any good. But it looks like they got to put up with me a spell longer. And you have. Before you get shet of me. So you better just grin and bear it. It's not any worse'n boils. Now, is it?"
Related Themes:
