SSR #1

Vaquerano, Vanessa

Lloyd Bitzer: The Rhetorical Situation

Summary: In Lloyd Bitzers essay, The Rhetorical Situtation, the author attempts
to, as he puts it, revive the notion of the meaning of a rhetorical situation. First,
Bitzer points out that a rhetoric discourse, or debate, is a response that is meant to
produce actions in a situation. She then continues on to explain that a rhetorical
situation has three parts to it; exigencies, audience, and constraints.
Synthesis: In discussions of a rhetorical situation, there are several different views
one can take from it. On one hand we have Bitzer who believes that a rhetorical
situation stems from rhetorical debate. To simplify, not ever situation is rhetoric. Its
only rhetorical if a particular situation is inviting for change. He implicitly suggests
that rhetorical discourse is important in everyday life, but it only arises with certain
constituents. In another reading named Why Rhetoric? by Losh and Alexander, the
authors give their own definition of what it means to be rhetoric. In their words,
rhetoric is spaces in which we write, converse and share ideas. They go on to
explain that rhetoric is meant to persuade and cause debate by using Aristotle, a
philosopher that advocated the use of rhetoric, as an example. In their comic,
Aristotle urges the people of his community that rhetoric gives the mind capacity for
change, a point that Bitzer seems to agree with. On the other hand, not everyone
seems to agree with the importance of the meaning of a rhetorical situation. Plato,
teacher of Aristotle back in the day, disagreed with the use of rhetoric. According to
Plato, he was concerned that rhetoric was an unwholesome distraction. He felt
that it was wrong to allow ambiguity because it didnt provide concise thoughts on
situations. In my own opinion, I will definitely have to agree with Bitzer and
Aristotles view of rhetoric from my own observation and experiences. An example
that comes to mind from observation is our nations democracy. I think rhetoric
situations are clearly shown in politics. To find a side to vote on, Americans
(audience) are given reasons (exigency) as to why one should be voted for while
being provided with trade-offs (constraints). The political parties present ideas that
are meant to persuade voters in their direction. Examples can also be found in
advertisements all over the world. What advertisements try to do is create an
impression and persuade the audience to buy its products. Again like Bitzer notes,
not every situation will be rhetorical, but if there is an audience willing to be
influenced, obstacles that can impede an action, and reasons for modification, then
the notion of a rhetorical situation stands. And like Plato and the authors, Losh and
Alexander, it is essential to include rhetoric in our everyday lives.
Questions: How does Bitzer establish ethos? (Why should the reader agree?)
What historical event/ figure may have influenced the author to define a rhetorical
situation?
Who is the intended audience that Bitzer seems to persuade?
Is it persuasion?