The Rhetorical River

Abstract

Publication of Malcom Sillars' “Persistent Problems in Rhetorical Criticism” in 1976 presented rhetorical critics with eight recalcitrant issues concerning the practice of rhetorical criticism. In revisiting this important essay, one finds missing from Sillars' observations one important consideration: the ideological turn in criticism. In the essay that follows, I carry-on in the tradition of Sillars and explore how the ideological turn that occurred after the publication of Sillars' essay has introduced new possibilities and problems for rhetorical criticism.

Notes

I realize that a case can be made for pushing the starting point back further (medieval period and letter writing, or even as far back as to Aristotle). I chose Pope out of practical concerns and simplicity. With him, we see a concern with criticism in the neo-Classical movement, just years before the larger, more formal Belles Lettres period begins a meteoric growth.

An earlier draft of this essay was presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Dallas, TX, April 3, 2006.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jim A. Kuypers

Jim Kuypers, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.