Sarah Stanberry

Rhetoric of Women’s Movement

Amy Aldridge Sanford

RR 1

January 29, 2007

The two chapters that were assigned from Sonja K. Foss’ Rhetorical Criticism possess the element of defining and discussing rhetorical criticism.

The first chapter defined what rhetoric means when used in the context of rhetorical criticism. Foss defines rhetoric, “... as the human use of symbols to communicate” (p4). Foss uses three primary dimensions to help the reader better understand her definition of rhetoric: humans as creators of rhetoric, symbols as the medium for rhetoric, and communication as the purpose for rhetoric. I disagree with Foss’ first dimension that humans are the creators of all rhetoric. I think it is false to say that animals, nature, or the Lord, Himself, cannot be the creator of a symbol. Animals, nature, and especially the Lord are all entities that can make their own symbols. For it is not a human who makes a flower, the flower is God’s gift to nature. I think the biggest problem I have with this is that I am a Christian, and to say the Lord did not create all that is in the universe, including the symbols Foss states, is blasphemous. I like the statement Foss uses which refers to the receiver of the message as the one who gets to decide if something is symbolic or not (p5). I am sure that everyone has been involved in an argument where the sender intended for a statement to mean one thing, and the receiver of that same message interpreted it in a different way. I also think that it is important to give society as a whole, rather than that of one speaker, the control of the message. When society as a whole is given the ability to interpret an action as symbolic or not, society is given power, and those speaking are put in proper checks and balances. The second half of chapter one is a definition of rhetorical criticism and the processes involved. Being that I have had no previous experience with the rhetorical criticism processes, I cannot disagree with Foss nor add any useful insight, therefore, I will move on.

The second assigned chapter by Foss is about actual participation in rhetorical criticism. This chapter provides a step-by-step description on how to make a rhetorical criticism of an artifact. This chapter was very helpful in easing my worrying mind on how to start the final project for this class. I must admit I did not think after only reading chapter one that looking at and interpreting symbols could be as complex as what is contained within chapter two. Even though this chapter is very much an instruction manual of how to complete a rhetorical criticism, I could not help but be excited about writing one. I am excited to view something in a way the author may not have been able to view it, or may have refused to.

Possible Discussion Questions

1. What article will you choose for your rhetorical criticism? And why?

2. What is the best way, or example, that you can provide for distinguishing a difference between signs and symbols?

3. Do you disagree with Foss’ definition, or dimensions, of rhetoric when used in the context of rhetorical criticisms? Why or why not?