Blog #1

In Lloyd Bitzer’s article “The Rhetorical Situation,” he seeks to define and construct a rhetorical situation and in turn its relevance to rhetorical discourse and context. The author maintains as his main argument that a rhetorical discourse is the result of a rhetorical situation, though a rhetorical discourse cannot exist without a rhetorical situation already in place. However, a rhetorical situation may exist without discourse. A situation, therefore, calls discourse into existence. Additionally, a rhetorical situation and discourse is purposeful and “always persuasive” as a result (Bitzer 4). The verbal responses to a rhetorical situation, if it fulfills the situational requirements (i.e. exhibits an exigence, audience, and constraints), are bound to be fitting.
My reactions to the article were initially confusion and frustration, specifically due to the influx of new vocabulary and structure. However, the description regarding the necessity of a rhetorical situation to inspire a rhetorical discourse became clear. Also, the different requirements for a situation/discourse to be rhetorical was at first unclear, but after re-visiting the article a second time it is beginning to make more sense. Understanding the meaning and specifics of rhetoric also became apparent when the author referenced specific rhetorical discourses such as the Gettysburg Address and overall response to the JFK assassination – both easier to relate because of their context within society. The author’s point regarding the recurrence of situations and therefore the long-lasting significance of specific rhetorical discourses is evident. If I were to discuss with the author his proposed ideas, I would suggest introducing the different elements perhaps in a more concise, less repetitious order for a more comprehensive understanding of the content.