Ethos is a conviction that becomes evident when the author depicts diverse character. It equally accords the author authority to exemplify facts. Interestingly, it focuses on capturing the reader’s attention (Braet 316). The author begins by describing the entry of reporters into the scene as undiplomatic.
This portrays journalists as unprofessional. The description of reporters makes the reader develop negative impression on the reporters and their agenda. This is evident in the quote “With little regard they swarmed into the courtyard” (Rulli-Gibbs). The author reveals his disappointment by the invasion of the scene by reporters, cinematographers and news anchors. This makes him reveal them in a negative manner. This revelation accords the author authority since the reader acknowledges the writers’ perspective.
In addition, the poem’s title “the exploitation” exudes sympathy (Rulli-Gibbs). The title of the poem depicts a situation when the exploited are unlikely to fight for their desires. Thus, readers will sympathize with writer. Eventually, this accords him authority.
Pathos is an instance where the writer solicits for an emotional response. In order to obtain such a response, the writer’s choice of language is paramount. This achievable by creating a grouping that the reader appreciates (Braet 316). The author’s description of the ensuing mayhem highlights the concept of pathos.
“On the first strike, the reports run for cover while the camera operator and the soundman persevered on, only to realise they stood no chance in the confusion” (Rulli-Gibbs). During the mayhem, all the reporting crews took cover. The writer describes the frantic efforts to take cover as “testosterone prowess” (Rulli-Gibbs). Testosterone is a male hormone, which makes the writer exemplify that causes the fight among the news personalities.
Logos is a conclusion that results from the logical evaluation of events. This form of rhetoric will evaluate conclusion based on preceding events (Braet 316). Once the brawl had begun, the author concludes, “Now this was a story but there was nobody remaining to tell it”. This is because the journalist and camera operators fled, thus nobody was able to record the scuffle (Rulli-Gibbs).
There poem lacks a distinct character making the protagonist a group of journalists. Evidently, they are in a certain location where they are shooting a piece of news. Their large number is an indication that the story is crucial since media outlets dispatched reporters to cover the proceedings. Attributable to the large number of reporters there is a lot jostling since every channel wants to be the first to broadcast the piece of news. The jostling culminates in a brawl between journalists as one of the reporters loses his temper and strikes a colleague.
The author satirizes the events because most reporters escaped leaving their equipment. Thus, there was no one to cover the scuffle that would have formed part of the news (Rulli-Gibbs). Candy and Alan are news anchors who are flat characters because their elimination from the setting would not change the poem. This is because the writer users them as an example of the journalists that were present. The two form part of the crowd that did not take an active part in the events.
Conclusively, Alan is a soundman who is involved in the scuffle. He is a round character because he contributed to the overall plot of the poem. Unfortunately, this poem titled “the exploitation” lacks a character with an opposing opinion. The author fails to offer differing opinions.
Works Cited
Braet, Antoine. Ethos, pathos and logos in Aristotle’s Rhetoric: A re examination.Springerlink.6.3. (1992):307-320.
Rulli-Gibbs, Adam. The Exploitation. Fantastic Poem. 2006. Web. <https://absolute-absurditea.com/poems/phoenix-part-2>