A bit of background: this essay was published in 1939 which means it was written before WW2 broke out. What is significant is that it largely recognized and predicted the persuasive nature of Hitler's rhetoric. This essay looks specifically at Hitler's Mein Kampf, which had been largely derided but not seriously looked at outside of Germany. Hence Burke examines it from a rhetorical perspective. The essay is very prescient.
After you read respond to the following questions: (length: ~300-400 words)
How and why does Burke look at Mein Kampf from a rhetorical perspective? How does Hitler respond to a specific exigence? List a few rhetorical appeals that Burke identifies and explain how they suit the audience.
Think of a time that you have encountered a piece of rhetoric or propaganda that you don't like but is nonetheless popular. Think about why that piece still has followers. Identify the exigence that would make such a work relevant. Identify the audience and explain why you think that might appeal to them.
Due by classtime Friday 1/14. I know this is a shorter notice than I promised for the others but MLK day puts us off slightly.
Burke looks at Mein Kampf from a rhetorical perspective because he is aiming to portray what Hitler was communicating through this piece of writing. Hitler’s approach in this writing is to bring up the problem of the Jewish population in society with the hopes that through his language he can resolve what he believes to be a major societal issue. He aims to show the Germans that the Jews need to be eliminated because they pose a threat to society. One appeal that Burke identifies is the fact that Hitler identifies the Aryan race as being the most superior and ideal race while other races including the Jews are dubbed inferior. This suits the audience because in this case the audience is intended to be the German population, in particular those who are non Jewish and who can be convinced to think that they are superior to the Jews. Another appeal that Burke identifies is the materialization of an international “devil,” the Jews. Hitler exemplifies the Jews as being the enemy. Hitler uses sexual symbolism to prove that the Aryans are being “seduced” by the Jews, therefore intermingling with them and poisoning the pure Aryan blood. As Burke points out, the key to Hitler’s success is his repetition. He really drills on the same points over and over with the hopes of convincing the German people that the Jews are the enemy and need to be eliminated.
ReplyDeleteThe multicolored Obama poster with the word “change” in big letters is a popular piece of propaganda that I don’t necessarily like. You see these posters all over the place, and the reason these are popular is because there are many democrats who believe that Obama is making big, positive changes towards improving our government. The exigence that this poster represents is the fact that Bush left our country in ruins and Obama is here to create change and transform our country into a better place for Americans. These posters most likely appeal to democrats who disliked our previous Republican dominated government and therefore seek reform and believe that this can only come through a democrat such as Obama.
http://jesswpsu.blogspot.com/2011/01/response-to-burke.html
ReplyDeleteNicci, you were supposed to post that on your blog. You guys don't need to post the links in here. My RSS feed will notice that you've posted and I'll head over there to read it.
ReplyDeleteJC