The Contemporary Reception of Classical Rhetoric: Appropriations of Ancient Discourse - Softcover

Welch, Kathleen E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805811265 ISBN 13: 9780805811261

Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1990

Synopsis

Responding to the reassertion of orality in the twentieth century in the form of electronic media such as the telegraph, film, video, computers, and television, this unique volume traces the roots of classical rhetoric in the modern world. Welch begins by changing the current view of classical rhetoric by reinterpreting the existing texts into fluid language contexts -- a change that requires relinquishing the formulaic tradition, acquiring an awareness of translation issues, and constructing a classical rhetoric beginning with the Fifth Century B.C. She continues with a discussion of the adaptability of this material to new language situations, including political, cultural, and linguistic change, providing it with much of its power as well as its longevity. The book concludes that classical rhetoric can readily address any situation since it focuses not only on critical stances toward discourse that already exists, but also presents elaborate theories for the production of new discourse.

About this title

About the Author

Kathleen E. Welch

Edition details

• Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805811265
• ISBN 13: 9780805811261
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 196