One of the major canons or features of rhetoric is style: also known as eloquence, elocutio, aesthetics, or decorum. This thought essay will ask you to examine this canon and discuss it’s role in rhetoric’s pursuit to persuade, clarify and shift us to humane conditions. Theorists like Longinus, Plato, Erasmus, Descartes and Locke all have ideas about the (in)significance of style; here is where you come in. You will be asked to examine one piece of art: something quite literally full of style. Then answer the following prompt:

 

Prompt: What is the role of style in the discovery of knowledge?

Explain your position on the role of style in discovering truth or knowledge by taking the following steps:

Header:

• Pick a sublime quote (listed at beginning of Part 3) that best describes the piece of art you’re analyzing. Type it at the top of your paper to guide your perspective of style.
• Following Erasmus’ lead: rewrite the quote 3 times in your own creative way. (on the PowerPoint-Amplifying by way of Erasmus)            
• Now write the ‘base’ sentence of the quote: stripped of all style, what meaning is the quote trying to convey.

Intro & Purpose Ideology:

Describe the context (both present and historical) of your art piece:

• Where did you see it? Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong What is it called? Leaving Youth Behind Who is the artist? Wu Guanzhong When was it created?2009
• Give some brief characteristics of the time period it was created in: values or beliefs of the culture, social or political circumstances or influences, etc.
• How was rhetoric seen or studied during this time period?
• What is the attitude or message is portrayed in the piece? (This ideology should not involve the product or service that’s being sold: for example “Apple is better”. Revealing ideology requires you to unpack the foundational theme, the unspoken truth or enthymeme of the artifact. What idea does it try to promote? What way of living in the world does it advocate?

Analysis: Consider then answer only the most relevant questions below:

• What sublime features are found in the piece?
• Using our text, identify at least one scheme or trope present in your piece.
• How is the goal of this piece similar to the goals of rhetoric/ style?
• How does the layout/ arrangement aid understanding?
• What emotions are invoked by the piece? How?
• Is color symbolism used to created a mood or feeling? How?
• Has the image been framed or focused in a rhetorical way? How?
• Which emotions are invoked? How?
• How does that mood aid the effectiveness of the message?
• Has the image been framed in such a way to heighten a mood or message? How?

Thought Questions & Conclusions: “differentiation of the verbal and the visual”

Your paper should be a thesis driven discussion of the role of style in discovering knowledge or creating meaning. The questions below are merely suggested thought-provoking questions.  You do not need to and should not try to answer all of them; you are only required to answer the prompt itself.  They are just examples of some ways to approach or frame your discussion.  You may also discuss/ponder/rant about questions of your own that do not appear below.

 

• How do images clarify or enhance information versus written texts? (Try imagining the same message without the visuals and ask how effective it would be).

• Do visual arguments need captions?
• Are images more emotional than words? (Renaissance)
• Are words more informative than images? (Modernism)
• If rhetoric is just style and beautiful words (or just “BS”) as some theorists suggests, where or how is Truth found?
• How does style connect to the epistemic and humane role of rhetoric?
• If style is emphasized in our visually dominant culture, are there ethical implications?
• Do you agree with the power of style and the Sublime? Why or why not?

 

Remember:  The purpose of this assignment is to get you to think through the material carefully.  I already know what the readings say – I want to hear what you have to say on the topic.  You should, of course, reference concepts from the reading. You may draw on any theorists so far in reading to support your position.

Assignment parameters:

Typed, double spaced, 1-inch margins and 12 point font

In-text citations APA or MLA format; bibliography page only needed if citing outside sources

At least 3 full pages (no more than 4 please!)

 

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