Journal Entry 6

Answer the following questions about the rhetoric article, “The Rhetorical Situation,” by Lloyd Bitzer.

What does Bitzer not mean by “rhetorical situation”? In other words, how does his view differ from past views that readers might compare to his?

The audience and rhetor do not interact together in a rhetorical situation. Previously, it may have been thought that rhetoric is not situational, when in fact, it is. Rhetorical situations also are not “embedded in historic context.” Bitzer then gives an example of a tree to prove his point.

What does Bitzer mean by “rhetorical situation”?

The rhetorical situation tells you what to write about. It provides the context and serves as a backdrop to the particular piece of writing. It gives your writing a purpose and a mold to fit in.

Explain what “exigence” is. Give your own example of an exigence someone could respond to in writing.

It is an urgent situation. An example would be Natalie selling her virginity for 3.7 million.