Ethos, Pathos, and Logos :: Argument

Strength of Argument Ethos, Pathos, and Logos ships gong maulerss essay, Keeping Close to Home, uses three important components of argument (ethos, pathos, and logos) to buy at her claim. hooks develops her essay by establishing credibility with her audition, appealing to the readers logic, and stirring their emotions. She questions the role a university should play in the life of a nation, claiming that higher education should not tear a student out-of-door from his roots, but help him to build an education upon his back free-base. cost hooks gains the put and credibility of readers through knowledge of the topic at hand, establishing everyday ground with the audience, and demonstrating fairness. Ethos is the distinguishing moral character of a writer that instills faith in the audience. bell hooks is a well respected writer and teacher know for her strong opinion and academic background. She establishes her credentials through her personal struggles with the university system of rules and her efforts to maintain her own individuality and background. The reader gains respect for hooks as she courageously resists the pressure to adapt to her new academic life. For example she says, It is my responsibility to formulate a way of being that will allow me to participate full in my new environment while integrating and maintaining aspects of the old (hooks 92). bell hooks writes not only to help others find strength to stick on to their pasts, but for her own resistance as well. Her audience is certified by her motives to educate and inform.Whereas hookss personal experience srenghtens her ethos, a certain rigidity used in addressing the audience simultaneously weakens her credibilty. For example, hookss tendency to label academics and groups unlike herself pushes the reader to see her as self-righteous. She separates people into classes of those she percieves as right and those she sees as wrong. Thus, she creates a smaller audience of rea ders and weakens her message. This tendency causes her argument to sound one-sided and prevents a formation of common ground. hookss efforts to help others preserve the background that enables ones self development in the present, that sustains and supports, that enrichs however, prevents her voice and opinions from being ignored (91).bell hookss use of logical evidence is not as strong as her ethos. With the aid of facts and studies, an authors