Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student

by Corbett, Edward P. J.

• ISBN13: 9780195062939
• ISBN10: 0195062930
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1990-04-26
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The value of classical rhetoric for both English composition and speech courses has become increasingly clear in recent years. This volume is based on the premise that the system of Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian, which taught the student how to find something to say, how to select andorganize material, and how to phrase it in the best possible manner, is still useful and effective--more detailed in coverage and more positive in approach than any of the courses of study that replaced it. Now in its Third Edition, this highly successful textbook continues to present a coherentand realistic approach to the teaching of writing by adapting the principles of classical rhetoric and by using precepts, imitation, and constant practice as its core. The work stresses argumentative discourse, but most of its principles apply equally well to exposition, description, and narration. The new third edition of this classic text has been completely brought up to date, using inclusive language throughout and giving greater representation to women writers; offering shorter, timelier selections; and providing a useful phonetic guide to tropes and figures derived from Greek and Latinwords. Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student will be an invaluable resource for courses in composition, speech, rhetoric, and linguistics.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Rhetorical Analysis of a Magazine Ad

Homer, " The Envoys Plead with Achilles"

Analysis of "The Envoys Plead with Achilles"

A Brief Explanation of Classical Rhetoric

The Five Canons of Rhetoric

The Three Kinds of Persuasive Discourse

The Relevance and Importance of Rhetoric for Our Times

Discovery of Arguments

Formulating a Thesis

The Three Modes of Persuasion

The Appeal to Reason

Principles of Definition

Other Methods of Definition

The Syllogism

The Enthymeme

The Example

The Fallacies

The Ethical Appeal

The Emotional Appeal

The Topics

The Common Topics

Special Topics

"Looking for an Argument"

"A Plan for Teaching Rhetorical Invention"

External Aids to Invention

Biography

Books of Quotations and Concordances

Biblical Concordances

Indexes to Periodicals

Other Periodical Indexes

Handbooks

Dictionaries

Other Specialized Dictionaries

Bibliographies

Some Bibliographical Guides to Various Disciplines

Annual Bibliographies

Syntopicon

An Illustration of the Use of the Search Strategy

Readings

"The Obligation to Endure"

Topical Analysis of Rachel Carson's "The Obligation to Endure"

Socrates' Apology

Analysis of the Topics in "Socrates' Apology"

Obituary for Katharine Sergeant White

An Analysis of the Topics in Katherine Sergeant White's Obituary

"The Federalist, No. 10"

"The Argument of Madison's 'Federalist, #10'"

"Letter to a Noble Lord"

"Science and Culture"

"Literature and Science"

Arrangement of Material

The Parts of a Discourse

Introduction

Statement of Fact

Confirmation

Refutation

Conclusion

Concluding Remarks on Arrangement

Readings

"Planet of the Year"

Analysis of the Arrangement in Thomas A. Sancton's "Planet of the Year"

"Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Analysis of the Arrangements of "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Henry David Thoreau: "Civil Disobedience"

Style

Grammatical Competence

Choice of Diction

An Adequate Vocabulary

Purity, Propriety, and Precision of Diction

Composition of the Sentence

Study of Style

Kind of Diction

Length of Sentences

Kinds of Sentences

Variety of Sentence Patterns

Sentence Euphony

Articulation of Sentences

Figures of Speech

Paragraphing

A Student Report on a Study of Style

Figures of Speech

The Schemes

The Tropes

Concluding Remarks on the Figures of Speech

Imitation

Testimonies about the Value of Imitation

Rollo Walter Brown: "How the French Boy Learns to Write

Exercises in Imitation

Readings

"Critical Examination of the Style of Mr. Addison in No. 411 of The Spectator

"Inaugural Address"

The Editors of The New Yorker: "John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address"

Analysis of the Style of John F. Kennedy's "I

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