The power of persuasion

Definition

The power of persuasion refers to the ability to influence others' beliefs, attitudes, or actions through argumentation, emotional appeal, and rhetorical techniques. In literature, particularly in Gothic novels, this power often manifests through characters who manipulate fear, desire, and moral dilemmas to achieve their ends. The use of persuasive language is crucial in shaping narratives and eliciting strong emotional responses from readers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Charles Brockden Brown is considered one of the first American Gothic novelists, using the power of persuasion to explore psychological themes and societal fears.
2. In his works, characters often engage in manipulative dialogue that highlights their motivations and ethical dilemmas, enhancing the emotional impact on the reader.
3. The setting in Brown's novels frequently amplifies the persuasive elements, using dark and foreboding environments to create tension and unease.
4. Brown's characters frequently experience internal struggles that reflect broader societal issues, making their persuasive efforts not just personal but also reflective of cultural anxieties.
5. The use of first-person narratives in some of Brown's works intensifies the connection between the character's persuasion tactics and the reader's emotional response.

Review Questions

• How does Charles Brockden Brown utilize the power of persuasion in his character development?
  • Charles Brockden Brown employs the power of persuasion by crafting characters whose dialogues and internal conflicts reveal their motives and psychological depth. For instance, characters often use manipulative language to influence others while grappling with their own fears and desires. This duality not only makes them more relatable but also showcases how persuasion can lead to moral ambiguity, reflecting the complexities of human nature.
• Discuss the role of setting in enhancing the power of persuasion in Brockden Brown's novels.
  • In Brockden Brown's novels, settings play a pivotal role in enhancing the power of persuasion by creating an atmosphere that intensifies characters' emotions and actions. Dark and eerie environments serve as backdrops for persuasive encounters, amplifying feelings of fear and suspense. As characters navigate these unsettling landscapes, their persuasive dialogues become more impactful, drawing readers deeper into the psychological and emotional layers of the narrative.
• Evaluate how the power of persuasion is used to address societal anxieties in Brown's Gothic novels.
  • The power of persuasion in Charles Brockden Brown's Gothic novels serves as a lens through which societal anxieties are examined. By portraying characters who manipulate others or themselves through persuasive rhetoric, Brown critiques contemporary issues such as gender roles, morality, and the impact of social structures on individual behavior. This exploration allows readers to engage with deeper cultural fears while reflecting on their own beliefs and values, making the act of persuasion a powerful tool for both character development and social commentary.

Related terms

Rhetoric: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, often employing figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

Emotional Appeal:

A persuasive technique that targets the audience's emotions in order to elicit a response or change in opinion.

Gothic Elements: Features commonly found in Gothic literature, including dark settings, supernatural occurrences, and complex characters that evoke a sense of horror or dread.