Formal Components Of Narrative Rhetoric

Allison Hoover
Chapter 5 notes I. Formal Components of Narrative Rhetoric II. In narrative rhetoric a story is told to make a point. In some cases the entire work of rhetoric is a story and the main point is implied. In other instances, the rhetor may use a number of small stories to make a point. In still other instances, the rhetor may refer to, but not tell in any detail, a widely known story. This type of narrative is somewhat similar to enthymematic argument and is used most often in reference to the dominant stories in an organization or society. III. What makes up a narrative? Narrative rhetoric is defined by four components i. Plot a. The plot is the story line. It is what happens in the tale. While there are many possible types of plots, it is important to recognize that principles of plot
development demand that a story be introduced by some sort of scene that sets the stage for the plot that follows. b. Ultimately, a point of greatest conflict or tension is reached (the climax), and the conflict or tension is resolved. This is followed by a return to normalcy. c. Implicit or explicit conclusions 1. Moral of the story d. The logic of telling a good story required that the point of greatest conflict must come near the end. Crucially, the pattern of rising action, which I have described, is generally present, not because life always works that way, but because3 that pattern works best to gradually increase tension and excitement in the audience over time. e. It is important to note at this point that what makes a good plot is not necessarily what makes a true story. ii. Scene a. This is the place/time where the story occurs. This scene can be literally anywhere. b. They key to understanding scene from the perspective of rhetoric is to consider the “work” that the scene does in carrying forward the message of the story. c. One of the reasons narrative rhetoric is so important is that it can transport the reader/viewer/listener to a different place and time. d. The scene is also important because some places carry more cultural resonance than other places. iii. Characters a. Rhetorical critics are most concerned about how characters enact the message (the theme) of the narrative or add interest/emphasis to that theme. b. Characters both act in and area acted on in the plot and serve as models to be imitated or as average fold with whom to identify. iv. Theme a. This is the message; it is the point of the story. b. The theme is built by the combination of the actions of the characters in a given setting. c. It is constructed out of the previous three elements. d.
In relation to theme that narrative rhetoric and narrative literature differ most notable. Narrative rhetoric of necessity has a persuasive theme. 1. A persuasive theme is not required IV. Functions of Narrative Rhetoric i. Narrative rhetoric can function in six ways to produce persuasion. a. 1st- narratives add interest to material that otherwise might bore an audience b. 2nd- Narrative rhetoric can create identification between the characters and the members of the audience. In so doing, it breaks down barriers to understanding. Identification in a rhetorical sense is an understanding of shared commonality among people. 1. Identification is linked to identity. 2. A symbolic definition of self provides the person with an identity. 3. Narrative rhetoric is one of the most powerful means of creating a sense of shared identify c. 3rd- Stories are important forms of persuasion, in part because they sometimes possess aesthetic qualities that makes a message far more appealing than it otherwise would be. The message in a story may be powerful, not only because of what it is, but also because of it is
told. d. 4th- Narratives persuade not with proof in the sense of formal logic, but by encapsulating a point. The story functions as rhetorical whole, rather than as a supporting example. e. 5th- Narrative rhetoric provides a powerful vehicles for creating an emotional response, especially through the creation of pity and guilt. f. 6th- Narrative has the power to break down barriers to understanding. It does this by taking us out of here-and-now and placing us in someone else’s life in a different place/time.