RHETORIC
THE
PROGYMNASMATA
a definition of progymnasmata
an outline of the
progymnasmata
FABLES
TALES (or NARRATIVES)
CHREIA (or ANECDOTES)
PROVERBS
CONFIRMATION &
REFUTATION
COMMONPLACE
ENCOMIUM & INVECTIVE
COMPARISON
CHARACTER
DESCRIPTION
THESIS
Examples
composed by AASU students (Jennifer Ballard, Evanita Wallace-Lewis, Steve Ray, Sheri
Reagan, Veronica Martini, John Branscomb, Erika Gamble, Annie Collins) are marked by a
blue button.
Aphthonius
Progymnasmata
FABLES
FABLES
(321-324)
fable \Fa"ble\
(f[=a]"b'l), n. [F., fr. L. fabula, fr. fari to speak, say. See Ban, and cf.
Fabulous, Fame.]
1. A Feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended
to enforce some
useful truth or precept; an apologue. See the Note under Apologue.
Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant. --Addison.
2. The plot, story, or connected series of events, forming the subject of an epic or
dramatic poem.
The moral is the first business of the poet; this being formed, he contrives such a design
or fable as may
be most suitable to the moral. --Dryden.
3. Any story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk. ``Old wives' fables.
'' --1 Tim. iv.
7. We grew The fable of the city where we dwelt. --Tennyson.
4. Fiction; untruth; falsehood.
It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by
secret methods.
--Addison.
definition and example
of "fable" from another rhetoric site
fable
examples
"The Little Girl and the
Wolf" by James Thurber
"The Unicorn and the
Garden" by James Thurber
"The Rabbits That Caused all
the Trouble" by James Thurber
Aesop's Fables
African-American Folktales
Brer Rabbit's thesis
Fantastic
Fables by Ambrose Bierce
The Fox and the Grapes, from
Aesop's Fables
A FAMISHED FOX saw some clusters of ripe black grapes
hanging
from a trellised vine. She resorted to all her tricks to get at
them, but wearied herself in vain, for she could not reach them.
At last she turned away, hiding her disappointment and saying:
"The Grapes are sour, and not ripe as I thought."
"The Fox and the Grapes," by Ambrose Bierce
A FOX, seeing some sour grapes hanging within an inch of
his nose,
and being unwilling to admit that there was anything he would not
eat, solemnly declared that they were out of his reach.
A Fable, by Jennifer Ballard
Once there were two young rabbits who grew up in the same
town. One of the rabbits came from the "wrong side" of the rabbit
tracks. His burrow was old and very small. He had tangles in
his fur and they had to buy carrots at the discount carrot
mart. However, he saved every day so that he could go to the
local rabbit college and learn a trade.
The other young rabbit grew up in an affluent rabbit
subdivision. His parents owned a carrot plantation and his
burrow was large and luxurious. He always had the best in fur
care products, and, of course, the freshest carrots that could
be had. This little rabbit was not too worried about his future.
The poor rabbit continued to grow and mature, and one fine
day he bid his mother farewell and left for Cadbury Institute to
study for a career in Peep production. He studied hard and
received straigh A's. He never went to parties and never had a
nice car to drive, but he worked hard and graduated at the top
of his bunny class.
The rich young rabbit became of age, and his parents sent
him to the finest bunny college in all the land, 14 Karet University.
he devoted his time to his fraternity and declared his major
"undecided." Within 2 semesters, he was expelled for low grades
and a long list of campus disruptions. His parents also kicked
him out.
The once "poor" rabbit now lives in an affluent rabbit
subdivision. He takes care of his loving mother and is a
contributing member of society.
The other rabbit is in and out of rehab. He is usually found
lying around town inebriated from fermented cabbage juice.
Moral: Life isn't what you're handed but what you make of it.
A Fable, by Erika Gamble
Once there was
a crab who had outgrown his shell. In order
to survive, the crab knew he had to find a larger shell. The
crab searched the beach tirelessly looking for a shell that would
fit his needs. Often he would pass by abandoned shells-suitably
sized and much more practical for his proportions, but they were,
in his mind, too plain and not grand enough. Finally the crab
found the shell of his dreams-a very large, ornate object- which
was entirely too big for a creature of his small size. Despite
the warnings of his friends and against his own better judgement,
the crab moved into his new home.
As the crab luxuriated in his new surroundings, he began to
smirk at his underachieving friends--at least until the tide came
in. The strong waves quickly upturned the crab's big beautiful
shell and washed him farther into the ocean with no protection.
To the crab's dismay his "practically shelled" friends were only
able to watch from the shore and talk about his foolish
acquisition. The helpless crab, now regretting his vain
decision, was promptly gobbled up by a swordfish.
Moral: Watch out for greed . . . everything you want may not be
everything you need.
A Fable, by Annie Collins
One day a happy,
fun-loving golden retriever was introduced
by his Labrador friends to a shy, friendly beagle. Fetch, the
retriever and Noisy, the beagle, became instant friends. The
two couldn't help but think that their playful friendship might
last forever.
Noisy loved being around Fetch--he was both smart and funny.
Fetch was also the only dog around who was a master at catching
the Frisbee and who could respond to human commands in more than
one language. Noisy never thought she could have so much fun or
laugh so hard. Fetch also thought highly of Noisy, a fact that
was clear by his many visits to her dog house.
The relationship between the dogs was perfect; they loved
each other's company. Noisy even made special dog bone treats for
Fetch and got him new rubber chew toys. Fetch enjoyed the
attention he recieved and Noisy did not mind giving it because
normally when one dog was happy so was the other. The problem
came when Noisy began to realize that although fetch wanted her
around when he was down, he did not like to be with her if she
was down and he was increasingly forgetting to say thank you for
anything.
Fetch liked a happy cheerful Noisy and was annoyed one day to
find her in a bad mood. Unfortunately Fetch accused Noisy of
having a flea biting her the wrong way. He said all dogs have
fleas and she should not feel sorry for herself.
Noisy tired of Fetch's criticism and decided her dog house
would be less crowded and her schedule more open if Fetch was
not always digging nearby. Noisy did indeed end the friendship
and Fetch quickly realized that by being ungrateful he lost his
best friend. Noisy missed the friendship too, but she knew with
her pedigree and breeding she could find someone to appreciate
her.
Moral: Don't take others for granted because you never know when
they might be gone.
TALES
TALES (or NARRATIVES)
(324-327)
tale \Tale\, n. [AS. talu
number, speech, narrative; akin to D. taal speech, language, G. zahl number,
OHG. zala, Icel. tal, tala, number, speech, Sw. tal, Dan. tal number, tale speech, Goth.
talzjan to
instruct. Cf. Tell, v. t., Toll a tax, also Talk, v. i.] 1. That which is told; an oral
relation or recital; any
rehearsal of what has occured; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story. ``The tale
of Troy divine.''
--Milton. ``In such manner rime is Dante's tale.'' --Chaucer.
We spend our years as a tale that is told. --Ps. xc. 9.
2. A number told or counted off; a reckoning by count; an enumeration; a count, in
distinction from
measure or weight; a number reckoned or stated.
The ignorant, . . . who measure by tale, and not by weight. --Hooker.
And every shepherd tells his tale, Under the hawthornn in the dale. --Milton.
In packing, they keep a just tale of the number. --Carew.
3. (Law) A count or declaration. [Obs.]
To tell tale of, to make account of. [Obs.]
Therefore little tale hath he told Of any dream, so holy was his heart. --Chaucer.
Syn: Anecdote; story; fable; incident; memoir; relation; account; legend; narrative.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
definition and example
of "tales" from another rhetoric site
A Tale, by Veronica Martini
Three Professors from Herbal League
University, dedicated to the
Research and Development of third world countries decide to fly
around the world. After three days in the air, the first Doctor
asks: "Where do you think we are?" Doctor 2, confidently sticks
his arm out of the plane and after a few seconds replies: "We
have just past New York."
- How do you know? -asks Dr. 1
- Well, I just touched the crown of the Statue of Liberty.
When their tongues are about to dry up after discussing some
relevant trivialities of the academic environment, Doc 2 wonders
out loud, "Do you think we've crossed the ocean?" Without
hesitating, Doc 3 sticks his hand out of the window and doesn't
hesitate to answer: "Indeed, we are flying over Paris." "How can
you be so sure?" his colleague asks. "Well, I just touched the
tip of the Eiffel Tower."
Time goes by and the three fellows carry on their highly
interesting chat on the matters of phenomenology and the effects
of microcosmic radiation on the life-span of sand-gnats. Before
turning for a short nap, doc 3 inquires, "Can anyone guess where
we are now?" Doc 2 sticks his hand out of the window. He extends
it fully. The expression on his face changes drastically. He
draws it back inside and resigned says, "We've just flown over
Argentina." "But how can you be so sure," Doc 1 asks surprised.
"Someone's just stolen my watch."
Moral: You only have one chance to make a first impression.
Moral Too: No sense in being pessimistic, it wouldn't work
anyway.
CHREIA
CHREIA
(or ANECDOTE) (327-30)
chreia: A chreia (pl. chreiai) is a brief statement or
action aptly attributed to a specific person or
something analogous to a person. If a chreia features a brief statement, that statement
may be a
thesis. There are three types of chreiai: sayings chreiai, action chreiai, and mixed
chreiai. A chreia
may be expanded, elaborated, or abbreviated.
definition & example from
another rhetoric site (Rutgers)
examples from another rhetoric web
site
rhetorical chreia
Steve Ray: Chreia Example
Abraham Lincoln, "The ballot is stronger than the bullet."
It is fitting that we remember Abraham Lincoln as the great
emancipator of our country. His leadership during and after the
civil war demonstrated the unique balance of
power and compassion.
Governments that allow citizens the forum to address issues
rather than use power to rule to over their subjects are
governments that are able to endure. Lincoln's belief even
in the darkest days of our country was that the government is
ruled by the people and not the military.
The ability to vote is the essential element to democracy. It
is that ability that determines not only our own future but our
children's as well.
Governments that rule with an iron fist, rule with fear. It is
these governments, as Lincoln alludes to, that the power is taken
from the people. Inevitably, these governments will be weaker
than a country run by the poeple.
An example of Lincoln's democracy at work is the presidential
elections every four years. In many militant countries the
president is decided by means of force. While in a democracy the
process is decided in an open vote.
In regards to democracy, Lincoln understood that the power to
vote was America's strongest weapon.
PROVERBS
PROVERBS
(330-332)
(also see MAXIMS)
proverb \Prov"erb\, n. [OE. proverbe, F. proverbe, from
L. proverbium; pro before, for + verbum a
word. See Verb.] 1. An old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated;
especially, a
sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical truth, or the result of
experience and
observation; a maxim; a saw; an adage. --Chaucer. Bacon.
2. A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
--John xvi. 29.
3. A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations. --Deut.
xxviii. 37.
4. A drama exemplifying a proverb.
Book of Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of
wise maxims.
Syn: Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw.
Reflections on a Proverb, by John Branscomb
PROVERB: "For it is the learning what not to do that is important."
Actor Mae Marsh
Mae Marsh repeats the general truth that people learn from their
mistakes and from being told what not to do. In acting, actors learn how to act by
discovering when they are over and under-acting in their performances. Directors are
also there to tell actors how not to act.
As children, we are told not to touch a hot stove, not to cross
the street without looking, and not to talk with our mouths full of food. Whether we
take a parent's word for it or have to get our hand burned, most of us learn the important
things not to do.
As adults, we have also learned how to reason, write, play a
sport or instrument, and successfully interact with others by making mistakes and learning
from them. Thus, the importance of learning what not to do is a very meaningful
proverb.
CONFIRMATION & REFUTATION
CONFIRMATION & REFUTATION
(332-335)
definition and example
of "confirmation" from another rhetoric site
definition and example
of refutations from another rhetoric site
COMMONPLACE
COMMONPLACE
(335-337)
ENCOMIUM
& INVECTIVE
ENCOMIUM &
INVECTIVE (or VITUPERATION)
(338-347)
encomium
\En*co"mi*um\, n.; pl. Encomiums. [NL., fr. Gr. ? (a song) chanted in a Bacchic
festival in
praise of the god; ? in + ? a jovial festivity, revel. See Comedy.] Warm or high praise;
panegyric;
strong commendation.
"His encomiums awakened all my ardor." --W. Irving.
Syn: See Eulogy.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA
invective
\In*vec"tive\, n. [F. invective.] An expression which inveighs or rails against a
person; a
severe or violent censure or reproach; something uttered or written, intended to cast
opprobrium,
censure, or reproach on another; a harsh or reproachful accusation; -- followed by
against, having
reference to the person or thing affected; as an invective against tyranny.
"The world will be able to judge of his [Junius'] motives for writing such famous
invectives." --Sir W.
Draper.
Syn: Abuse; censure; reproach; satire; sarcasm; railing; diatribe. See Abuse.
definition and example
of "encomium" from another rhetoric site
definition and example
of "the mock encomium" from another rhetoric site
definition and
example of "invective" from another rhetoric site
"An
Invective against Gold," by Mrs. Anne Killigrew (c.1660-1685)
"Petrarch's Invective
contra medicum: An Early Confrontation of
Rhetoric and Medicine," by Nancy Struever
Personal Invective on the
Internet
"Immaterial
girl: Deconstructing the mean-spirited nihilism of Maureen
Dowd,"
by Dan Kennedy (invective)
"The Scumbag Archive"
Insults on
Ibycus on Polycrates
(encomium)
"Josephus' Vita and the Encomium:
A Native Model of Personality"
by Jerome H. Neyrey
Encomium on Mothers, by Evanita
Wallace-Lewis
What would the world be without
mothers?
She cries the minute the doctors says, "Your expecting Mrs.
Smith." This future mother immediately begins to think of the
wonderful life that she wants to give her son or daughter. She
thinks to herself," I have to watch my diet, cut back on stress,
and start an Educational IRA." She is so happy that she is about
to give life. Mrs. Smith wants her future child to have the
best. She goes out and buys books for "expecting" mothers in
hopes that she will do all of the right things.
Mothers are a special gift to their children. They love them,
cook for them, clean for them, and even cry for them. They risk
their lives in order to maintain the population. Mothers stay at
home to rear the children while the father works 8 - 10 hours a
day; or better yet, the fathers' just leave. No phone call. No
milk. No shoes. Nothing. Who is left with the child? Dear old
Mom. And what do most children get their mother's on mother's
day? A $2.00 card and a wilted flower. Do they deserve this?
Mothers teach their children love, respect, and kindness. They
prepare them for a world full of sharks and lions. Manners and
behaviour are not innate. They are taught by mothers who want
their children to succeed. Mothers are the backbone of a child's
existence. Who wants to grow up a mother less child? Everyone
needs a mother. Her guidance and wisdom may not be printed on a
plaque reading: "Mrs. Smith, PH.D" But what is more important?
An education or a mother? You choose.
I challenge everyone to really look at their mothers. Do you see
a person, or do you just see MOM? Does she have feelings? Does
she hurt? What did she sacrifice so that you may live and have a
better life? Do you tell your mother you love her? Or do you
just call when your money runs low?
Mothers are the best gift that anyone could receive. Their love
is unconditional. It never runs out. I ask you a very important
question, and I want you to think very closely- "What would the
world be without mothers?" When you lose your mother, and you no
longer hear her voice, feel her touch, you will know.
Example of Invective: By
Sheri Reagan
John Rocker. Mike Tyson. O.J. Simpson.
Are these the
influences that inspire your children? In recent years, media
frenzies have focused on the inappropriate, and often illegal,
behavior of professional athletes. From the outrageous
behavior of NBA’s Dennis Rodman to the explosion of illegal
activities in the NFL (ranging from drug charges to murder), the
time has come to hold these professional athletes, and the
administrators of their organizations, accountable for their
behaviors.
America’s fascination in “sports” continues
to
escalate. More spectators are emerging, and it doesn’t take an
economics major to realize the entertainment value of athletic
competition is infinite. Entire broadcast stations are
dedicated to sports affiliated programs such as ESPN and Fox
Sports South, and this media coverage reaches into the lives of
children who aspire to someday fill the shoes of Michael Jordan
and Tiger Woods.
As mentors to our youth, these athletes should be aware
that they influence others by their actions and their words, and
right or wrong, will be mimicked. Often the imitating of an
athlete’s behavior is used as an excuse for bad behavior by
youth. Herein lies the crux of the problem. How can a parent
expect to guide a child’s behavior if one of the most notorious
NFL players of all time commits a double murder and gets away
with it?
In previous decades, professional athletes have been
figures of respect, dignity, and accomplishment. America’s
youth aspired to achieve this common ground, but today the
moralistic images of professional athletes are tarnished by the
contemptuous and degrading deeds of verbal misconduct, burglary,
weapons and drug charges, and murder.
So, whose responsibility is it to demand the proper
conduct of these professional athletes? It is the athlete’s
responsibility to be aware that his or her conduct influences
society, specifically the young minds of children. But the
burden of responsibility also lies in those supporting, hiring,
and promoting these athletes. America should hold these
promoters and organizations responsible for the conduct of their
athletes, as in any economic force, they must be responsible for
their product.
We can not legislate against “bad manners,” but
as
Americans we should demand that the governing bodies of
professional institutions establish, regulate and adhere to
proper punishment codes for the deviant behavior of its public
figures. America should adopt a “no tolerance” attitude with
its role models—mess up and you’re out.
COMPARISON
COMPARISON
(347-351)
CHARACTER
CHARACTER (or IMPERSONATION)
(352-356)
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
(356-359)
English 5730 is taught by Dr. Richard Nordquist.
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Savannah, Georgia 31419
912/921 5991
06 October 2004