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Definition of Logos
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Key Examples in Paradise Lost
Book 1
Explanation and Analysis—Satan's Rhetoric:
In Book 1, Satan's speech to the other expelled angels in Hell can be seen as both a satire of militaristic rhetoric and an example of effective logos:
The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n.
What matter where, if I be still the same,
And what I should be, all but less than he
Whom thunder hath made greater? Here at least
We shall be free; th’ Almighty hath not built
Here for his envy, will not drive us hence:
Here we may reign secure, and in my choice
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:
Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav’n.
Related Themes:
Book 4
Explanation and Analysis—Satan's Seduction:
In Book 4, after Satan has approached Eve (in the form of a serpent), he employs logos to convince her to eat the forbidden fruit:
Unlock with LitCharts A+...Now I feel thy power
Within me clear, not only to discern
Things in their causes, but to trace the ways
Of highest agents, deemed however wise.
Queen of this universe, doe not believe
Those rigid threats of death; ye shall not die:
How should ye? by the fruit? it gives you life
To knowledge. By the Threat'ner? Look on me,
Me who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,
And life more perfect have attained than Fate
Meant me, by vent'ring higher than my lot.
Related Themes:
Book 9
Explanation and Analysis—Eve's Decision:
In Book 9, Eve "muses" to herself in a soliloquy before deciding to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, using logos to support her decision:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits,
Though kept from man, and worthy to be admired,
Whose taste, too long forborne, at first assay
Gave elocution to the mute, and taught
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise:
Thy praise he also who forbids thy use,
Conceals not from us, naming thee the Tree
Of Knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil;
Forbids us then to taste, but his forbidding
Commends thee more, while it infers the good
By thee communicated, and our want:
For good unknown, sure is not had, or had
And yet unknown, is as not had at all.
Related Themes:
