Rhetoric in Atticus’
Closing Argument
Chapter 20 To Kill a Mockingbird
What is rhetoric?
Hint: What is the purpose
of a rhetorical question?
How many times have I
told you not to do that?
The art or study of using
language effectively and
persuasively
Rhetoric
 Appeal
of ETHOS
 Appeal
of PATHOS
 Appeal
of LOGOS
Types of Rhetorical Appeal

Ethos - Credibility

A way of convincing an audience
based on the character of the
writer/speaker

It says in effect: “I’m a great guy so you
should believe what I’m telling you.”

Example: I am a husband, a father, and a
taxpayer. I’ve served faithfully for 20
years on the school board. I deserve your
vote for city council.
Ethos

Pathos – Emotions

A way of convincing an audience based on
appealing to their emotions

Such an appeal attempts to persuade by stirring
up the emotions of the audience and attempts to
create any number of emotions, including: fear,
sadness, contentment, joy, and pride.

Example: “Feed the Children” television
commercials use pathetic appeal by showcasing
images of deprived, starving children in order to
get you to contribute monetary donations.
Pathos

Logos - Logic

A way of convincing an audience
based on the use of reasoning, facts,
and statistics

Example: A Chevrolet advertisement
that provides performance data on the
vehicle being marketed is making a
logical appeal.
Logos
We will watch 2 short Pedigree Commercial

First time, you will just watch

Second time, you will write the rhetorical
appeals and how they were use
◦ Ex: Ethos – The veterinarian is a credible
source to recommend Pedigree dog food

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAxOt
p4vDJQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH3pA
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 As
you reread Atticus’ closing
argument (pgs. 271-275)
◦ Identify the rhetorical appeals being
used and how they are used
◦ Example: “The state has not produced
one iota of medical evidence to the
effect that the crime Tom Robinson is
charged with ever took place” (Lee 271).
◦ -Logos – No factual evidence to convict
Tom Robinson
Rhetorical Appeal is Atticus’ Closing Argument