Intro:
Greek Myths are one example of how mythology uses rhetoric to teach a moral or explain an abstract concept. While the two examples below are not only limited to Greek Myths, they are common themes present in many Greek Myths and both are important to the purpose behind the myths. Whether it's to inspire heroism and bravery through the Hero's Quest, or give cautionary tales and forewarning with Greek Tragedies, the rhetoric of Greek Myths teach people to listen to the gods because bad things will happen if they don't.
Origin of Rhetoric:
Rhetoric has been around as long as the spoken word has existed, however, despite Egyptian and Mesopotamian fascination, the study of rhetoric didn't become popular until Ancient Greek times (1). The birthplace of classical rhetoric as we know it today is considered to be Athens during Ancient Greek times (1). The democratic society in Athens demanded that every male involved in politics be capable of addressing the Assembly, so they must be eloquent and persuasive when speaking (1). The first official group of people to begin teaching rhetoric to other people were the Sophists, They taught their students to analyze poetry, define parts of speech, learn argumentation styles, how to make a weak argument stronger, and how to weaken a strong argument (1). The Sophists prided themselves are their abilities to win any debate on any topic, even if they had no prior knowledge, because they manipulated and persuaded their audiences using "confusing analogies, flowery metaphors, and clever wordplay" (1).
Aristotle disagreed with the way Sophists went about teaching rhetoric, so he wrote the book The Art of Rhetoric to "establish a system of understanding and teaching rhetoric" (1). Aristotle emphasized the use of persuasion using logic and reason, however, since not every audience member is sophisticated enough to follow an argument solely knowledge-based, he devised other ways to persuade an audience (1). In instances where a purely scientific and logical argument wouldn't work, "persuasive language and techniques were necessary for truth to be taught" (1).
Aristotle developed several methods for effectively understanding and teaching rhetoric (1):
Aristotle disagreed with the way Sophists went about teaching rhetoric, so he wrote the book The Art of Rhetoric to "establish a system of understanding and teaching rhetoric" (1). Aristotle emphasized the use of persuasion using logic and reason, however, since not every audience member is sophisticated enough to follow an argument solely knowledge-based, he devised other ways to persuade an audience (1). In instances where a purely scientific and logical argument wouldn't work, "persuasive language and techniques were necessary for truth to be taught" (1).
Aristotle developed several methods for effectively understanding and teaching rhetoric (1):
- Three Means of Persuasion (logos, pathos, ethos)
- Three Genres of Rhetoric (deliberative, forensic, epideictic)
- Rhetorical Topics
- Parts of Speech
- Effective use of style
Rhetoric has been around since Ancient Greek times, and has influenced their myths and stories which are still told today. The Hero's Quest is a common motif evident in Greek myths, as seen with Theseus, Perseus, Heracles, and Achilles (2). They all follow the same storyline: "A hero is born, raised in poverty by foster parents or a single mother, and at a certain age ventures forth to reclaim his patrimony. He is charged with some very difficult task and is offered the hand of a noble woman in marriage upon his success. By accomplishing these tasks, the otherwise unknown hero demonstrates his fitness to take on his father’s throne" (2). There are obvious variations and degrees to which this is followed, but overall most heroic stories fit into this storyline (2).
Another theme/motif present in Greek Mythology is the Reward for Goodness and Retribution for Evil (2). This is a key element because the purpose of Greek myths is often to teach a lesson or explain a morality that must be abided, for if it isn't, the Gods will curse whomever decided not to listen. Greek myths are essentially "manuals of morality, providing models for correct conduct with examples of which behaviors are rewarded and which are punished" (2). Myths often have a didactic tone for which the audience is receptive and heeds the cautionary tales found with the stories. With the principle lesson behind each myth stating that "the gods judge our moral actions and dispense blessings or curses accordingly," people are well behaved and follow the rules due to fear of retribution and being cursed for all eternity (2).
Another theme/motif present in Greek Mythology is the Reward for Goodness and Retribution for Evil (2). This is a key element because the purpose of Greek myths is often to teach a lesson or explain a morality that must be abided, for if it isn't, the Gods will curse whomever decided not to listen. Greek myths are essentially "manuals of morality, providing models for correct conduct with examples of which behaviors are rewarded and which are punished" (2). Myths often have a didactic tone for which the audience is receptive and heeds the cautionary tales found with the stories. With the principle lesson behind each myth stating that "the gods judge our moral actions and dispense blessings or curses accordingly," people are well behaved and follow the rules due to fear of retribution and being cursed for all eternity (2).
This is why the Greek Tragedy is super important to the rhetoric of Greek Myths. The Greek Tragedy revolves around a character who makes some stupid mistake, and by the time they realize this, their world is already crumbling and they can't fix it (3). The author uses the tragic mistake and fate of the character to serve as lesson, with the moral of the story often being DO NOT do what the protagonist did (3). The author uses pathos, tone, and motifs to persuade the audience that what the protagonist did was wrong, and that if you make the same mistake, you will receive a similar fate.