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How can readers distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices?

This question has been asked and answered here several times in the last few weeks.

Rhetorical devices are designed to evoke certain emotions from the readers. That fact in itself makes rhetorical devices prejudicial. In other words, authors who use rhetorical devices do so to arouse emotions. They want the reader to prejudge a situation.

If you know of any non-prejudicial use of a rhetorical device, please post it -- and we'll discuss it.

For more information about rhetorical devices, please read these sites.

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

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_device

1 answer

To distinguish between prejudicial and non-prejudicial use of rhetorical devices, readers should consider the following:

1. Context: Assess the context in which the rhetorical device is being used. If it is used in a neutral or informative manner, it may not be prejudicial. However, if it is used in a manner that creates a bias or supports a particular viewpoint, it may be prejudicial.

2. Purpose: Understand the purpose of the rhetorical device being used. If the device is used to clarify or simplify complex ideas, it may be non-prejudicial. However, if it is used to manipulate or persuade the reader towards a certain perspective, it may be prejudicial.

3. Balance: Check if the author uses rhetorical devices to present a balanced argument, showcasing both sides of an issue. If they do, it indicates a non-prejudicial use. However, if the devices are used to amplify the author's viewpoint without considering opposing perspectives, it may be prejudicial.

4. Emotional manipulation: Be aware of instances where rhetorical devices are used to evoke strong emotions in the reader. If the emotions are being evoked to unfairly support a specific stance, it may be prejudicial. However, if the emotions are evoked to engage the reader without manipulating their perspective, it can be non-prejudicial.

5. Critical thinking: Apply critical thinking when encountering rhetorical devices. Assess the arguments being presented, the evidence provided, and the overall objective of the author. If the rhetorical devices are used to encourage thoughtful analysis, it may be non-prejudicial. However, if the devices are used to lead the reader to a predetermined conclusion, it may be prejudicial.