Figuring rhetoric: From antistrophe to apostrophe through catastrophe

Jane Sutton Pennsylvania State University ; Mari Lee Mifsud University of Richmond

Abstract

Abstract This essay explores rhetoric tropologically through various strophes: antistrophe, catastrophe, and apostrophe. Our purpose is to delineate problems and possibilities that these tropes pose for rhetoric in an effort to create new rhetorics. We seek to display the antistrophic and catastrophic figurations of rhetoric and then use visual lenses of photography and cinema to disrupt the figurations. Following the disruption, we seek to heighten sensibilities to other figurations, in particular an apostrophic figuration. We cast apostrophe as a figure for change because it marks a deeply felt turn toward difference and otherness. Turned as such, rhetoric becomes erotic.

Journal
Rhetoric Society Quarterly
Published
2002-09-01
DOI
10.1080/02773940209391239
Open Access
Closed

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Rhetoric Society Quarterly
  2. Rhetoric Society Quarterly

Cites in this index (1)

  1. Rhetoric Review
Also cites 8 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.2307/464857
  2. A Dictionary of Literary Devices, A‐Z
  3. 10.1525/rh.1995.13.4.401
  4. 10.1080/00335632309379439
  5. 10.1525/rh.1990.8.1.5
  6. Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics
  7. Magic and Rhetoric in Ancient Greece
  8. Figurai Realism: Studies in the Mimesis Effect
CrossRef global citation count: 5 View in citation network →