Definition of Rhetoric- extended definition essay

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, rhetoric is “the art of using language so as to persuade or influence others; the body of rules to be observed by a speaker or writer in order that he may express himself with eloquence.” Good use of rhetoric involves the application of specific rhetorical devices (metaphor, simile, alliteration etc.) in order to convey the speaker’s ideas in a more convincing and stylistically pleasing manner, thus increasing the probability of gaining a favorable response from the audience. Francis Bacon offers a slightly different variation in his discussion of rhetoric that adds to the definition saying: “The duty and office of rhetoric is to apply reason to imagination for the better moving of the will.” What Francis Bacon meant by this is that rhetoric is the presentation of an argument that inspires people to act virtuously, with “reason” for the “better moving of the will”. Of course, this is not contained within the dictionary definition of rhetoric, yet Bacon’s addition is crucial because it addresses how rhetoric should be employed. He is contending that rhetoric must be used in accordance with good moral sense and that is why he supplies the need to improve the human capability of “applying reason to the imagination” and the obligation to improve the “better moving of the will” when commenting on rhetoric. For “the will to move” simply means to act in a certain manner. Those who use rhetoric have been criticized for persuading audiences with their fancy wordplay and overly inflated style, while ignoring the need for meaningful moral content. Therefore, it is clear that effective rhetoric alone is not sufficient for making a truly great speech, nor is it wholly dispensable; a truly outstanding speech must weld effective use of rhetoric with solid moral reasoning.
The events of World War II are a perfect example of how excellent rhetoric, devoid of sound moral content, can be used for hideous ends, persuading ordinary men to