Rhetorical Activities #4

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. This is from "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 16, 1963 from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The focus on the content of this short simple sentence is a rhetorical gold mine. He describes the power and importance, by colorfully illustrating the cause and effect of love and disappointment. This point, as well with many other examples, is supported by some of the tropes.

In fact, many great speakers use the ten tropes, which have become standard throughout history. Listening to Barack Obama blows me away! Now with the help of English 340, I know why. Great speakers have studied the art-as well as the science- of speaking. This study in rhetoric can not ignore tropes. Tropes include onomatopoeia, anonmasia, metonymy, periphasis, hyperbation, hyperbloe, synecdoche, catachresis, metaphor, and allegory. Through these figures, one can become successful in the art of communication.

The reason behind a powerful speech has always resonated with me. In fact, I never understood why I got shivers down my spine every time I heard people like Martin Luther King and Barack Obama speek. The reason behind my goosebumps is the simple fact that language is power. People that use this art are in return, powerful people. Through my studies, I have gained some important tools in my own rhetoric. Now that I can recognize tropes, I can use them to my advantage... One day I will become a powerful person too! =)