preview

To Kill A Mockingbird Persuasive Essay

Decent Essays

As a researching assistant defense attorney in criminal trials, the case State of Alabama v Thomas Robinson, Atticus Finch uses rhetorical strategies that were effective in persuading hostile juries. The lawyer’s closing statement emphasizes the importance of rhetorical devices and how they affect the mindset of a hostile jury. Atticus Finch uses the phrase, "..all men are created equal…(Harper Lee 205) as an allusion to stress the importance of ethnicity not being the factor in the outcome of the trial. The allusion comes from the Constitution, the law of the land. This is effective for Atticus' audience because the law that they are abiding by, states that Tom Robinson is an equally valued member of society. During that time, the law …show more content…

The lawyer uses the rhetorical appeals of logos, ethos, and pathos. These devices help convince the jury and form the tone of the statement. Finch uses multiple factual assertions about the evidence for defending Tom Robinson. “The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence to the effect that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place.(Lee 203)” Atticus used the word iota to create a solemn tone. Iota is defined as an extremely small amount. Using this word enabled Finch to develop a tone while sounding logical and creating credibility. The lawyer has a tone shift at the last paragraph in his closing statement. “..you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family. In the name of God, do your duty. (Lee 205)” Atticus uses multiple examples of pathos, the most effective rhetoric appeal, to change the tone of his declaration. Finch uses the emotional connection with a family when stating,”..restore this defendant to his family..(Lee 205)” Atticus appeals to the religious aspect of the jury when pleading, “In the name of God, do your duty. (Lee 205)” Atticus Finch transfer to a passionate and sensitive tone to connect to the jury beyond their mind and to their heart. Atticus Finch attempts to persuade his audience with the usage of anaphora, aporia, and asyndeton. The rhetorical device, anaphora, uses the repetition of the phrase, all Negroes,

Get Access