English composition Book

Whately introduces the purpose of his Elements as “to treat of ‘argumentative composition,’ … considering Rhetoric (in conformity with the very just and philosophical view of Aristotle) as an off-shoot from Logic” (16). The subsequent text is divided into four primary sections: “conviction,” “persuasion,” “style,” and “elocution.” Keeping with his notion of rhetoric as logic’s “off-shoot,” Whately begins his conviction section by identifying rhetoric with “the process of conveying truth to others by reasoning” (33). Because logical reasoning is not always persuasive, rhetoric follows logical investigation, taking up the task of representing that investigation in a manner aimed at producing conviction. Given its connection with logic, the conviction section thus focuses primarily on the invention and arrangement of inductive and deductive logical proofs. Whately defines “persuasion” as “the art of influencing the Will,” and his persuasion section treats proofs that would fall under the Aristotelian headings of “ethos” and “pathos” (135). On the morality of pathetic appeals, Whately sides with Campbell rather than Aristotle: “there can be no Persuasion without an address to the Passions” (137). Whately turns next to style, treating--in descending order of priority--“perspicuity,” “energy,” and “eloquence.” For Whately, “energy” encompasses the “Choice,” “Number,” and “Arrangement” of words, and thus tropes and figures, and is preferable to eloquence if a choice between the two must be made (192). In his final section, “On Elocution,” Whately expresses admiration for, but primarily argues against, Thomas Sheridan’s highly systematic approach to elocution (261). Whately prefers the “natural manner” (272). Throughout the text, he cites copious classical and biblical examples and takes numerous opportunities offer rhetorical examples supporting Christianity and connecting his points to the art of preaching.