What happened at the first American writers’ congress? Kenneth Burke's “revolutionary symbolism in America”

Rhetoric Society Quarterly Mar 2003

What happened at the first American writers’ congress? Kenneth Burke's “revolutionary symbolism in America”

Ann George Texas Christian University ; Jack Selzer Pennsylvania State University

Abstract

Abstract Burke's famous performance at the First American Writers’ Congress in 1935 should be understood in relation to its occasion. The Congress was held to enlist the services of writers in creating a broad Popular Front, or People's Front, to encourage social change, so Burke's recommendation that “the people”; ought to be substituted for “the worker”; in Communist Party symbolism—that “propaganda by inclusion”; ought to succeed “propaganda by exclusion “—was actually in moderate keeping with the Congress’ broad aim. Though his recommendation was resisted by some, Burke was actually not so much marginalized by the Congress as identified with its controversies.

Journal: Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published: 2003-03-01
DOI: 10.1080/02773940309391253
Open Access: Closed
Topics: rhetorical theory

Citation Context

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Cites in this index (0)

No references match articles in this index.

Also cites 2 works outside this index ↓

Wander Philip (1991)

10.1080/10510979109368336

Communication Studies ↗
10.1017/CBO9780511552878

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