Question

What are specific rhetorical devices…?
How did the speaker address arguments and counter arguments?
Were the speaker’s arguments effective?

Kane: with one purpose only: to point out and make public the dishonesty, the downright villainy, of Boss Jim W. Gettys' political machine -- now in complete control of the government of this State! I made no campaign promises, because until a few weeks ago I had no hope of being elected.

Now, however, I have something more than a hope. And Jim Gettys -- Jim Gettys has something less than a chance. Every straw vote, every independent poll shows that I'll be elected. Now I can afford to make some promises!

The working man -- The working man and the slum child know they can expect my best efforts in their interests. The decent, ordinary citizens know that I'll do everything in my power to protect the underprivileged, the underpaid, and the the underfed!

Well, I'd make my promises now if I weren't too busy arranging to keep them.

Here's one promise I'll make, and boss Jim Gettys knows I'll keep it: My first official act as Governor of this State will be to appoint a Special District Attorney to arrange for the indictment, prosecution, and conviction of Boss Jim W. Gettys!

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My thoughts:

1. I don't know how to find the rhetorical devices.. I need help on that one.

2/3. I don't see any specific arguments and counter arguments at all. It's just Kane bashing Gettys over and over.. so I cant find any and I cant say they're effective...

Answer 1

Edit..
I decided he's using pathos as one of the rhetorical devices. but what else?

Answer 2

http://www.virtualsalt.com/rhetoric.htm

http://www.uky.edu/AS/Classics/rhetoric.html

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/rhetoricaldevicesinsound.htm

Answer 3

That helps. Thanks!

Answer 4

You're very welcome!

=)