Thoughts about Whatley's "Elements of Rhetoric"

                In Richard Whatley’s “Elements of Rhetoric”, it appears that in the first section of the piece, entitled “Introduction”, Whatley seeks to take the age-old concept of rhetoric, and to give it a modern update so that it may seem more relevant in the era in which he lived. Of course, this subject was heavily screened by Whatley, who believed in a particular brand of rhetoric that was taken from several different rhetors over the history of rhetoric. Because of this preference, Whatley only cites the works of Aristotle, Cicero, Quintillian, Bacon, Campbell, and Blair. Whatley’s restatement of rhetoric places emphasis on discovery and arrangement, rules concerning emotions and persuasion, style, and elocution.

                In Whatley’s writings about discovery and arrangement, he stresses the selection of interesting topics that would stimulate the audience, and cautions against the usage of what he describes as “dried specimens”, which are subjects taken from a source other than the rhetor and that do not reflect the feelings of the rhetor. Whatley also emphasizes the need for a rhetor to express himself in a free and natural style that is appropriate for the medium.

                Whatley then goes on to address rules around persuasion, and rules for introduction of arguments. Whatley speaks about the use of testimony, commonplaces, cross-examinations, tradition, presumption, and predispositions of an audience.   

                Whatley, like many other rhetors before him, carry on the tradition of rhetorical speech and analysis, in this case, borrowing from the ancients and bringing forward content to refine it in such a way that would be relevant during his time.