Introduction & Issue 1 (Why Rhetoric?)

Introduction:



For the introduction to this book the two characters (Jonathan and Liz). Both these characters show how writing can communicate in different ways. The book uses different visuals to help convey the message they are trying to get across. In the "exploring visual literacy" part, the book shows how images can be altered to show a different message to the viewer. this is the case in movies as well. the way characters interact, and how close they are to each other can show different meanings. The book says that visual literacy is a really important part of our culture. This is the reason why this book is in the form of a comic book. Realistic representation, abstract symbolism, conscious messages and unconscious associations are all important parts of visual literacy. They also explain why the textbook is in the form of a comic book. The reason for this is they want to use visual literacy to teach English composition, they believe this way they can make it fun to learn. At the end of the introduction chapter, the book shows a board game with rhetorical situations. It shows ways how you can analyze texts and gives you hints on where you can find more information on that subject

issue 1:

The first issue is called "why rhetoric?" The first question asked is "what is a rhetorical question?" The book says people call it rhetorical because no answer is actually expected. it talks about how rhetoric was used to shut down arguments because you would sound smarter than the other person. The book then goes into a little history lesson. It talks about how the word rhetoric in original Greek meant Eiro. This word simply meant "to say".  Negative ideas about rhetoric were traced back to the Greek philosopher Plato. He said "rhetoric is intended only to hide flaws, not encourage self-improvement. The second historical person they mention is Aristotle. He was a student of the Greek philosopher Plato. His thinking contributed much to the development of western empirical and scientific thought. for some time only philosophers and scholars could learn rhetoric. Then rhetorical concept got let loose on the world. Aristotle has given to us some powerful ways to think about rhetoric and communication. these ways were called Ethos (Ethical, Ethics) , Pathos (Empathy), Logos (Logic) and Kairos. Ethos was is used to see how credible the speaker or writer is. Pathos is using emotion in a debate or argument. Logos is to appeal to reasoning. The third philosopher the book talks about is Cicero. He was the one who really understood the importance of kairos. Before he was executed he said "There is nothing proper about what you are doing soldier...but at least make sure you cut my head off properly." The book then goes on and shows differnt ways the rhetorical ways are used in everyday life. They show two characters working on two flyers for fraternities and sororities. they show how a difference in visual literacy and wording can make all the difference in what message you are trying to convey