Ethos, pathos, and logos use
Assignment Brief
Analyze the use and importance of ethos, pathos, and logos in two of the following unit texts: “The Flight from Conversation,” “The Power of Vulnerability,” or “Faux Friendship.” Discuss rhetorical strategies both authors use to create compelling arguments about relationship and connection.
Sample Answer
Rhetorical Analysis of Relationship and Connection in "The Flight from Conversation" and "The Power of Vulnerability"
Introduction
Effective arguments rely on ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). These rhetorical appeals help authors persuade their audiences by building trust, stirring emotions, and presenting sound reasoning. In this essay, I will analyse how Sherry Turkle in "The Flight from Conversation" and Brené Brown in "The Power of Vulnerability" use ethos, pathos, and logos to deliver powerful insights about modern relationships and human connection.
Ethos
In both texts, the authors establish strong credibility through their professional expertise and tone. Sherry Turkle, a clinical psychologist and MIT professor, builds ethos by referencing her academic research and long-standing focus on technology and its impact on relationships. She positions herself as an authority figure with decades of experience, making her claims appear trustworthy.
Similarly, Brené Brown, a research professor and social worker, builds ethos through her background in social science and qualitative research. In her TED Talk, she openly shares her own struggles and vulnerability, which humanises her and increases her credibility. By showing both expertise and authenticity, Brown effectively gains the audience’s trust.
Pathos
Pathos is a central strategy in both texts. Turkle evokes emotion by highlighting the isolation and superficiality caused by digital communication. Her descriptions of families sitting together while texting, or people avoiding conversations through devices, provoke sadness and concern. These relatable examples tap into readers’ fears about disconnection in an overly connected world.
Brown’s use of pathos is even more direct and powerful. She uses storytelling and humour to connect emotionally with her audience. Her honest admission of her discomfort with vulnerability makes her message more relatable and moving. Brown argues that embracing vulnerability is essential to forming meaningful relationships, an emotionally charged idea that resonates deeply.
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