The rhetorical condition as symbolic structure in discourse

Abstract

This article examines the concept of rhetorical condition which accompanies a rhetorical situation. How the discourse event is structured determines to a large extent how it shall be interpreted. The aim of this paper is to show that the person who takes possession of the discourse or the discourse event seeks to create a rhetorical condition which allows the person to manipulate the message. Using examples from contemporary discourse the authors demonstrate that there are several uniquely hierarchical discourse forms such as criticism, sermons, and lectures which highlight the rhetorical condition. The article focuses on the characteristics of hierarchical discourse and it is shown that political discourse is dictated by symbols of hierarchy.

Key concepts:

• Structure
• rhetorical condition
• hierarchy
• agitation
• symbolic discourse
• power patterns
• criticism
• authority