Introduction
This essay analyzes the article, “The Truth about the Bermuda Triangle” from a discourse and rhetoric perspective. Firstly, a short discussion of the various definitions of rhetoric will be presented followed by a discussion of the rhetoric appeals such as ‘logos’, ‘ethos’, ‘pathos’ and ‘kairos’. The analysis of the article, “The Truth about the Bermuda Triangle” will then follow which would involve the examination of rhetoric appeals and devices.
Throughout history, there have been many definitions of rhetoric. For the period of time between the prominent figures of Aristotle to Richard Whately, rhetoric focused on public speaking and the five canons of invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery (Nichols v). However, as time has passed, rhetoric has adopted different meanings. In popular culture, rhetoric is often used to refer to empty promises or superfluous political talk (“mere rhetoric”); in communication studies, scholars believe that humans live in a “rhetorical world” (Fish 25). This differentiates the thought of rhetoric from statements void of meaning and shifts the perspective to something greater and more influential on humans and society as a whole. It is for this reason many scholars acknowledge rhetoric is pervasive, encompassing more than just the political arena (Smith 33).
The concept of language was discussed by Burke, who stated rhetoric is using language as a “symbolic means of inducing cooperation in beings that by nature respond to symbols” (43). His concept of rhetoric “was based on the centrality of language” and the shared meanings that come through that method of symbol usage (Brummett 741). Because we live our lives “enveloped in symbols” and “how we perceive, what we know, what we experience, and how we act” result directly from the way we, and those around us, use and interpret symbols, it is important to analyze the meaning behind the signs (Foss 3). Understanding the meanings that symbols carry for people is essential because meanings are where the rhetorical power lies, therefore bringing understanding to the text under criticism (Brummett 70).
Analysis
Ethos or appeal to credibility. The several ‘ethos’ presented in the article are the photos and the reported/recorded strange accidents in the triangle and the researchers claimed that, “though there is no evidence of this type of thing happening in the Triangle for the past 15,000 years”.
Pathos or the appeal to emotion. The ‘pathos’ presented in the article is the researchers statement: “It is one of the biggest mysteries of our time – that perhaps isn’t really a mystery”.
Logos or appeal to logic. The appeal to logic of the researcher is in the statement: “Even though the Bermuda Triangle isn’t a true mystery, this region of the sea certainly has had its share of marine tragedy”.
Kairos or appeal to timeliness. The ‘kairos’ is the final statement of the researcher, “It seems the final resting place of the lost squadron and their crews is still a real Bermuda Triangle mystery”.
Conclusion
The objective of this essay is to analyse the use of some rhetorical appeals and devices in the article, “The Truth about the Bermuda Triangle”. In general, the author had developed a fairly sophisticated understanding of the rhetorical strategies embedded in a popular scientific discourse by presenting several evidences published and recorded. Thus, this article is more convincing and I am more convinced by this researcher than the other one.
Works Cited
Brummett, Barry. Reading Rhetorical Theory. Fort Worth: Harcourt College, 2000. Print.
Fish, Stanley. Doing what comes naturally: Change, rhetoric, and the practice of theory in literary and legal studies. Durham: Duke University Press, 1989.
Foss, Shane. Rhetorical criticism: Exploration and practice. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, 1996. Print.
Nichols, Marie Hochmuth. Rhetoric and criticism. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1963. Print.
Smith, Jonas Heide. Plans and Purposes: How Videogame Goals Shape Player Behaviour. Unpublished PhD dissertation, IT University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2006.