Previous
Allusions
Definition of Ethos
Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Ethos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Ethos is... read full definition
Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Part 4, Chapter 34
Explanation and Analysis—Saving Face:
Colonel Ojukwu turns to ethos in Part 4, Chapter 34 as part of efforts to hide his humiliation. During the radio broadcast that announces the country’s surrender, he tries to establish rhetorical authority by placing the Biafran struggle in historical context:
Throughout history, injured people have had to resort to arms in their self-defense where peaceful negotiations fail. We are no exception. We took up arms because of the sense of insecurity generated in our people by the massacres. We have fought in defense of that cause.
Related Themes:
