Introduction
Rebecca Solnit’s essay Men explain Things to Me is one of the most insightful literatures about feminism. Solnit knows the importance of ensuring the audience understands the plight of women in a world that is dominated by men. In this context, Solnit employs various rhetoric strategies to emphasize on women’s plight and struggle against discrimination. Solnit uses, ethos, logos and pathos to effectively present her arguments in the essay.
Thesis statement
Solnit uses rhetoric tools in the essay to create an effective and credible argument about feminism.
Rhetoric appeals
Ethos
The credibility of Solnit as an author is appealing to the audience. Solnit ensures that the audience is aware of her previous work such as the “River of Shadows: Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West” (Solnit 2). In this context, the author wins the confidence of the audience. Solnit’s knowledge in historical events is critical for the audience seeking to have an-depth understanding of the subject.
From this perspective, the audience agrees with the author’s arguments. For example, Solnit is conversant with the history of the 1960s. She argues that the “Women Strike for Peace was an anti-nuclear and anti-war group established in 1961” (9). In addition, Solnit supports her argument through additional information derived from historical facts and authors.
Pathos
Solnit is aware of how the issue of gender equity and feminism is sensitive. In this regards, the author keeps on associating women oppression with the presence of an “imposing man” (1). Solnit draws empathy from women by alleging “every woman knows what I am talking about” (4).
In addition, she tries to include sensitive topics such as rape to the discussion. Apparently, rape, murder and domestic violence are sensitive topics that attract public outrage. As Solnit draws similarities between violence and rape, she argues, “Violence is one way to silence people” (6).
From this perspective, she supports her argument that the oppression of women is a leading cause of death in the United States (7). As indicated earlier, Solnit’s essay attracts public outcry among women and men causing the inception of the term “mansplained” (15). With time, the author’s arguments seem to empower women in the “fight for rights to life, liberty and involvement in politics” (16). Therefore, pathos is effectively used in the essay to create the audience interest.
Logos
Solnit manages to convince the audience that silencing of women by men is a traditional practice in many communities. The author draws the example of Collen Rowley, who worked for the FBI and was dismissed by the government for issuing security warnings (5). The FBI’s allegations were later confirmed as the truth since, “Iraq had no links to al-Qaeda and no WMD’s” (5). Solnit use numerous examples of men trying to assert authority over women.
For example, the murder of “Marine Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach by her senior ranking colleague” (7) makes sense to the audience. By using historical facts about Women Strike for Peace in regard to the House Committee on Un-American Activities, Solnit manages to instill her dignity by countering a man’s explanation about the same (9).
Conclusion
The use of ethos, pathos and logos by the author is essential in creating an effective appeal to the audience (Reeves and John 4). Nevertheless, the author uses rhetoric appeals to provide an effective and credible argument about the significance of feminism.
Works Cited
Reeves, Jenny and John I’Anson. “Rhetorics of professional change: assembling the means to act differently?.” Oxford Review of Education (2014): 1-18. Print.
Solnit, Rebecca. Men Explain Things to Me. Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2014. Print.