The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit: Ethos 1 key example

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

Key Examples in The Hobbit

Chapter 1: An Unexpected Journey
Explanation and Analysis—Trust in Bilbo:

In Chapter 1, the dwarves and Bilbo all begin to think Gandalf is mistaken to believe that Bilbo is the right choice to round out the adventuring party. When Gloin suggests that Bilbo is more of a grocer than a burglar, Gandalf uses ethos to persuade everyone to believe in the hobbit:

He scowled so angrily at Gloin that the dwarf huddled back in his chair; and when Bilbo tried to open his mouth to ask a question, he turned and frowned at him and stuck out his bushy eyebrows, till Bilbo shut his mouth tight with a snap. “That’s right,” said Gandalf. “Let’s have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes.[..."]

Chapter 9: Barrels Out of Bond
Explanation and Analysis—Trust in Bilbo:

In Chapter 1, the dwarves and Bilbo all begin to think Gandalf is mistaken to believe that Bilbo is the right choice to round out the adventuring party. When Gloin suggests that Bilbo is more of a grocer than a burglar, Gandalf uses ethos to persuade everyone to believe in the hobbit:

He scowled so angrily at Gloin that the dwarf huddled back in his chair; and when Bilbo tried to open his mouth to ask a question, he turned and frowned at him and stuck out his bushy eyebrows, till Bilbo shut his mouth tight with a snap. “That’s right,” said Gandalf. “Let’s have no more argument. I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes.[..."]

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