INTO THE WILD POST
READING
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Rhetorical Appeals


Accepted ways in which we persuade or argue a
case.
The following questions will move you through the
traditional rhetorical appeals of:
 Logos:
Logic
 Ethos: credibility, especially of the author (in this case
Krakauer)
 Pathos: emotion
Logos

Locate two major claims and assertions Krakauer
makes in this book and explain how Krakauer came
to that conclusion.
 For
example, you could explain how Krakauer comes to
the conclusion that McCandless died from eating moldy
wild potato seeds.
Logos (cont.)


Look at Krakauer’s support for his major claims and
ask yourself if there is any claim that appears to be
weak or unsupported.
Choose one of your claims and explain how it
appears weak or unsupported.
Logos (cont.)




Look at McCandless’ response to several passages
in Tolstoy’s “Family Happiness” toward the end of
Chapter 16.
Does this indicate a change in McCandless?
Was he ready to “go home”?
Do you Krakauer has left something out on purpose?
Ethos



Does Krakauer have an acceptable background to
speak with authority on this subject?
Is the author knowledgeable? Smart? Successful?
What does the author’s style and language tell you
about him?
Ethos (cont.)



Do you trust the author? Why or why not?
Do you think this author is deceptive? Why or why
not?
Do you think this author is serious? Why or why not?
Pathos

Does this piece affect you emotionally? Which
parts?
Pathos (cont.)



Do you think the author is trying to manipulate your
emotions? How or how not?
Do your emotions conflict with your logical
interpretations of the arguments?
Does the author use humor? How does that affect
your acceptance of his ideas?