3. 19.13
Close Analysis of Argument
The precipice

 “Madam Hester absolutely refuseth to speak, and the
magistrates have laid their heads together in vain.
Peradventure the guilty one stands looking on at this sad
spectacle, unknown to man, and forgetting that God sees
him” (58).
 “A wise sentence!” remarked the stranger, gravely
bowing his head. “Thus she will be a living sermon
against sin, until the ignominious letter be engraved upon
her tombstone. It irks me, nevertheless, that the partner
of her iniquity should not, at least, stand of the scaffold by
her side. But he will be known! – he will be known!—he
will be known!”(59).
Close study

 Closely read from “’Hearken unto me, Hester
Prynne!’ said the voice…” (60) through the end of
the chapter.
 Complete a COMPREHENSIVE rhetorical triangle
regarding Dimmesdale’s plea to Hester to reveal the
name of the baby’s father.
 COMPREHENSIVE = 3 quotes from the text for each
element on the triangle.
Specifically…

 Rhetor = Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale
 What information are we given about him from Mr.
Wilson and the Governor?
 What is the town’s view of Dimmesdale?
 What is his ethos in this situation? Why is he seen as
an “expert” or the “one” who can reach Hester?
And thus…

 Subject – yep…3 quotes
 Audience – yep…3 quotes
 Hester and the townspeople both…must address
 Tone – I expect you to utilize elevated vocabulary to
explain tone. BOTH towards subject and towards
audience.
 Medium – 3 examples of 3 different rhetorical strategies
that make Dimmesdale’s plea effective.
 Discuss why the strategy supports the overall purpose!
 PURPOSE – MUST READ CLOSELY for this! And, yes,
this too needs 3 quotes.
Lastly…

 Find examples of how Dimmesdale appeals to
Hester’s pathos and logos.
 Get specific…what emotion is he appealing to and
why is he effective?
 Get specific…what logic is he appealing to and why is
he effective?