Persuasion

Introduction

Persuasion, as a literary device, plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and characters within a story. It refers to the way writers influence or convince readers about certain viewpoints or encourage them to feel specific emotions through the strategic use of language, argumentation, and narrative techniques. Characters within a story may also use persuasion to influence each other’s beliefs or actions, which can drive the plot forward or deepen interpersonal dynamics. This device is commonly seen across genres, from political speeches in historical novels to romantic pleas in love stories, making it a versatile tool in a writer’s arsenal.

Pronunciation: puhr-SWAY-zhuhn

When do writers use Persuasion?

Writers use persuasion to engage the reader’s emotions, beliefs, or values, making the narrative more compelling and interactive. This literary device is particularly useful in essays, speeches, and editorial articles where the primary goal is to sway the reader’s opinion or stance on an issue. In fiction, persuasion might appear in dialogue or internal monologues as characters attempt to influence each other’s decisions or justify their own actions. It’s a key component in creating conflict or resolution within the plot, adding layers of complexity to the story.

Rules for using Persuasion

1. Understand Your Audience: Tailor your approach to persuasion by considering the values, beliefs, and emotions of your intended audience. This ensures your persuasive efforts resonate more deeply.
2. Clarity of Purpose: Be clear about what you are trying to persuade your audience of. This focus will help in selecting the most effective arguments or emotional appeals.
3. Balance Emotion and Logic: While persuasion often involves emotional appeal, balancing it with logical argumentation can enhance credibility and appeal to a broader audience.
4. Consistency is Key: Ensure that your arguments are consistent throughout your piece. Contradictions can undermine your persuasive efforts and confuse your audience.
5. Ethical Considerations: Persuasion should be used ethically and responsibly, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. Avoid manipulation by presenting honest and fair arguments.

Using persuasion effectively requires practice and a thoughtful understanding of both the audience and the narrative goals. It’s about more than just convincing; it’s about connecting and resonating with your readers.

Types of Persuasion

Persuasion in literature can generally be categorized into three primary types, each serving a unique function within a narrative:

1. Ethos: This type of persuasion is based on the credibility or character of the speaker or writer. It relies on the authority, ethics, and respectability of the person making the argument to convince the audience. Authors might develop characters who are inherently trustworthy or morally upright to leverage ethos effectively.
2. Pathos: Pathos appeals to the audience’s emotions, seeking to evoke feelings that prompt action or agreement. Emotional persuasion is often used in both fiction and non-fiction to connect with the reader on a personal level, influencing them through fear, happiness, anger, or pity.
3. Logos: Logos is the logical aspect of persuasion, involving the use of reasoned arguments, data, facts, and statistics to persuade the reader. This type appeals to the rationality of the audience, aiming to convince through clear reasoning and logical progression.

Each of these types can be used alone or in combination, depending on the context of the writing and the intended impact on the audience.

Persuasion in Literature

Literature is ripe with examples of persuasion that have moved, motivated, and even manipulated characters and readers alike. Here are a few famous examples:

1. “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare: Marc Antony’s speech is a masterful use of pathos and ethos to sway the public’s opinion against the conspirators who killed Caesar, subtly shifting their loyalties without directly inciting violence.
2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Atticus Finch uses logos in his closing arguments to persuade the jury of Tom Robinson’s innocence, relying on factual evidence and logical deductions.
3. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: Elizabeth Bennet uses both logos and ethos to reject Mr. Collins’ marriage proposal, reasoning through her arguments while also asserting her personal integrity.

Persuasion in Children’s Books

Children’s books frequently use persuasion to teach morals, ethics, and behaviors subtly and effectively:

1. “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss: Through persistent coaxing and clever situations, Sam-I-Am persuasively encourages trying new things, demonstrating the power of persistence.
2. “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss: This story uses the character of the Lorax to persuade readers about the importance of environmental conservation, employing a blend of pathos and logos to make a strong case for protecting nature.

Persuasion in Poetry

Poetry often utilizes persuasive elements to convey deeper truths, stir emotions, or inspire action:

1. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou: This poem persuasively asserts the dignity and resilience of the oppressed through a powerful combination of ethos and pathos.
2. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Through subtle persuasion, Frost explores the importance of individual choices and non-conformity, encouraging readers to reflect on the path they choose in life.

These examples across different genres and formats show the versatility and impact of persuasion in literature, making it a fundamental device in the art of storytelling.

Persuasion in Songs

Songs are a powerful medium for persuasion, using lyrics and music to influence emotions and opinions. Here are ten famous examples:

1. “Imagine” by John Lennon: Persuades listeners towards peace and unity through its idealistic view of a world without borders or materialism.
2. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan: Asks rhetorical questions to persuade listeners to consider deep issues of peace, war, and freedom.
3. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson: Encourages listeners to change themselves as a step towards changing the world.
4. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin: Demands respect and equal treatment, particularly resonating during the civil rights movement.
5. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga: Advocates for self-acceptance and equality, persuading listeners to embrace their true selves.
6. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: Offers hope and resilience in the face of social and racial injustice.
7. “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy: A call to action against societal structures that oppress.
8. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye: Persuades listeners about environmental concerns back in the 1970s.
9. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid: Aimed to raise awareness and funds for famine in Ethiopia, persuading global empathy and charity.
10. “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley: Encourages emancipation from mental slavery, using historical and personal persuasion.

Persuasion in Movies

Movies often utilize persuasive speeches or dialogues to sway characters and audiences alike. Here are some notable examples:

1. “The Great Dictator” (1940) – Charlie Chaplin’s final speech: A passionate plea for humanity, democracy, and peace.
2. “12 Angry Men” (1957) – Juror #8: Uses logical reasoning and emotional appeal to persuade other jurors in a murder trial.
3. “Braveheart” (1995) – William Wallace’s speech: Motivates Scottish soldiers to fight for freedom against English tyranny.
4. “Erin Brockovich” (2000) – Erin’s arguments: Persuades a community to fight against a polluting corporation.
5. “The King’s Speech” (2010) – King George VI’s wartime broadcast: Inspires confidence in his leadership and solidarity during WWII.

Famous Movie Line Highlighting Persuasion

One of the most famous persuasive lines in movie history is from “The Godfather” (1972), where Michael Corleone says:

“My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.”

This line is used to persuade Kay Adams about the nature of power and justify his own family’s actions.

YouTube Link Demonstrating Persuasion

Watch Michael Corleone’s Persuasive Dialogue in “The Godfather”

Persuasion in Advertising

Advertising is fundamentally about persuasion. Here are some iconic examples:

1. Nike – “Just Do It”: Motivates consumers to push beyond their limits.
2. Apple – “Think Different”: Encourages non-conformity and innovation.
3. Coca-Cola – “Share a Coke”: Uses personalization to create emotional connections.
4. De Beers – “A Diamond is Forever”: Established diamonds as a symbol of eternal love.
5. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”: Humorously persuades consumers about product benefits.

Persuasion Related Literary Devices

Related literary devices that enhance persuasion include:

• Rhetorical Questions: Questions posed for effect, not meant to be answered, to make the audience think.
• Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, building rhythm and emphasizing key points.
• Ethical Appeal (Ethos): Establishing the speaker’s credibility and trustworthiness to make the argument convincing.
• Emotional Appeal (Pathos): Targeting emotions to get a response from the audience.
• Logical Appeal (Logos): Using logical arguments or factual evidence to persuade.

These devices, when skillfully integrated, enhance the persuasive power of a text, engaging the reader’s or listener’s intellect, ethics, or emotions.