In "The Art of War," Sun Tzu effectively uses rhetoric to communicate his ideas about strategy. One key device he employs is metaphor; for example, he states, "All warfare is based on deception," likening warfare to a performance where cunning is as important as brute strength. This encourages leaders to adopt creative and strategic thinking in conflict.
Sun Tzu also uses parallelism to emphasize his points, particularly when discussing the importance of knowing both the enemy and oneself: "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." This structure highlights that understanding both oneself and the opponent is crucial for success. Overall, these rhetorical devices enhance Sun Tzu’s arguments, making his strategies memorable and effective for military leaders.