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Dramatic Irony
Definition of Ethos
Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Ethos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Ethos is... read full definition
Ethos, along with logos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Backing:
It is not surprising that Edwards should include biblical quotes and allusions in a sermon. But what specific purpose do these references fulfill, beyond providing more hellish imagery? For Christians, the Bible is a holy book; and most Christians (including those Edwards preached to) believe that the Bible is the divine word of God. This lends the Bible an immense amount of authoritative weight. Even for audience members who might have fallen out of religious practice or belief, the Bible would likely have retained a special spiritual significance. Bible verses thus serve as "proof" in sermons, Edwards's included.
Edwards uses biblical backing to strengthen his argument in many different ways: he analyzes full passages, briefly quotes a section to prove a point, simply references a chapter and verse, or just alludes to a well-known story. While Edwards pulls from the Bible several times in his sermon, we can look at one specific quote that he takes some time to explain. Remember that Edwards's epigraph for his sermon was a Bible verse:
Deut. 32. 35. Their foot shall slide in due time.
Edwards explains this verse at the beginning of his sermon:
That they were always exposed to destruction, as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction’s coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is express’d, Psal. 73. 18. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction.
Edwards lingers for a moment on the verse from Deuteronomy, then adds additional proof by mentioning a verse from the Psalms. Here he establishes an interpretation of these verses: the destruction of the wicked, of God's enemies, is always bound to happen, just as someone standing in an unsteady place will always fall eventually. The image of a sliding foot is useful for Edwards's persuasive purposes here, as it gives the audience visual imagery for their precarious position.
But also note how Edwards can simply say something is from the Bible without needing further justification or explanation. Because Protestants valued a personal connection to the Bible as well as to God, many of them could read and consult Bibles for guidance or study. Edwards mentions the chapter and verse so listeners can verify what he says in their own Bible; it's his way of citing his sources, a practice which lends credence to an argument.
Related Themes:
