Ethos+and+Pathos


 * Ethos**

Ethos is the disposition, character, or fundamental values peculiar to a specific person, people, culture, or movement. Ethos is a Greek word which originally meant "accustomed place" or "custom, habit" This translation reveals the values which are assigned to a specific person, and that they are recognized by these exact values. It is important to note that ethos does not belong to the speaker, but to the audience. Thus, it is the audience that determines whether a speaker is a high- or a low-ethos speaker.

There are three categories of ethos, which, if followed in the situation of speaking, could help develop a high ethos.
 * phronesis - practical skills & wisdom
 * arete - virtue, goodness
 * eunoia - goodwill towards the audience

Examples of Ethos: Lincoln uses ethos throughout his speech to give relevancy and depth throughout. Ethos personifies all and ties the audience to the speaker.


 * Pathos**

Pathos is the quality or power in an actual life experience or in literature, music, speech, or other forms of expression, of evoking a feeling of pity or compassion.

This is the main purpose of The Gettysburg Address. Lincoln is addressing the grievnces suffered by all affected by the brutal Civil War. In using constant examples of pathos, Lincoln is capturing the mind and the hearts of readers to sway them to the point he is making in his argument. This is vital to get his point across, to prohibit slavery in the nation, prevent its further separation, and protect the Democratic government which is ran by the people, for the people.

Pathos is best brought about through emotional appeal There is two ways to accomplish this:


 * by a metaphor or story telling, often seen as a hook
 * by a general passion in the delivery and an overall number of emotional items in the text of the speech, or in writing

In his speech, Lincoln uses an emotional aspect to rival the crowd. Although his speech was brief and seemed too short to be influential or important, it was one of the most inportant in American history, and it changed the lives of countless Americans.

Example of Pathos:

Throughout his speech, Lincoln's emotion and vividness gives great depth and by using the structure of pathos, his speech is bettered.