Where theory and criticism meet: A look at contemporary rhetorical theory

Concern with the functions of interpretation and judgment of discourse has been traditionally relegated to the realm of criticism. Recently, however, rhetorical theorists have been reexamining and employing these functions with reference to their own history and tradition. Despite significant problems, such an approach may produce new pluralistic, self‐conscious, and humanistic forms of theory. This review of recent scholarship includes work by Michael Hyde and Craig Smith, Michael McGee, and Lloyd Bitzer, among others.

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Ms. Oravec is Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112.