Rhetoric is the foundation of all human communication. It provides the understanding and discovery of facts that enables one to find the truth within an argument. In his book, Rhetoric, Aristotle focuses on a speaker-listener relationship in which it is the speaker’s intention to develop a strong argument that persuades their listener. However, Mikhail Bakhtin and James Zappen further this definition by including a detailed analysis of the importance of dialogue and context within daily communication. Although Aristotle’s description of rhetoric formed the basis by which future writings would be developed around, both Bakhtin and Zappen present a new argument. By calling attention to the evolution of dialogue, as well as the interconnected
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This allows for a more scientific study of language known as linguistics. Thus, Bakhtin depicts dialogue as inclusive to all forms of language. This idea draws away from preconceived notions of rhetoric as a study limited to the realm of politics, which is illustrated in “The Problem of Speech Genres” through the statement: This is because any research whose material is concrete language… inevitably deals with concrete utterances (written and oral) belonging to various spheres of human activity and communication (Bakhtin, …show more content…
He emphasizes the need for a reaction or response by the audience. Dialogic pieces are often written with the intention of forcing the audience to feel some kind of emotion. This is the case for Athol Fugard’s play, “Master Harold”... and the boys. The play is set in South Africa during the period of apartheid. Thus, historical context is important in understanding the relationship between different characters. Furthermore, the play is based off of an event in Fugard’s childhood, so knowledge of Fugard’s childhood will impact the audience’s appreciation of the play. The piece was written with the intention of inflicting an emotion of anger on the audience. This connects to Zappen’s description of dialogue as Fugard hoped that his depiction of prejudice and inequality would inspire his audience to rise above slavery and enact positive change in the world. This is significant as it supports the idea that rhetoric has evolved as to allow, and even encourage, an audience to take an active and responsive stance to
This allows for a more scientific study of language known as linguistics. Thus, Bakhtin depicts dialogue as inclusive to all forms of language. This idea draws away from preconceived notions of rhetoric as a study limited to the realm of politics, which is illustrated in “The Problem of Speech Genres” through the statement: This is because any research whose material is concrete language… inevitably deals with concrete utterances (written and oral) belonging to various spheres of human activity and communication (Bakhtin, …show more content…
He emphasizes the need for a reaction or response by the audience. Dialogic pieces are often written with the intention of forcing the audience to feel some kind of emotion. This is the case for Athol Fugard’s play, “Master Harold”... and the boys. The play is set in South Africa during the period of apartheid. Thus, historical context is important in understanding the relationship between different characters. Furthermore, the play is based off of an event in Fugard’s childhood, so knowledge of Fugard’s childhood will impact the audience’s appreciation of the play. The piece was written with the intention of inflicting an emotion of anger on the audience. This connects to Zappen’s description of dialogue as Fugard hoped that his depiction of prejudice and inequality would inspire his audience to rise above slavery and enact positive change in the world. This is significant as it supports the idea that rhetoric has evolved as to allow, and even encourage, an audience to take an active and responsive stance to