Rhetoric In Gorgias's The Encomium Of Helen
It was said that listening to Gorgias speak “aroused not only intense sensual pleasure,” but also allowed the audience to connect to the spoken wisdom in a way they had not before (p. 42). It was with his mastery of the spoken word and his particular encomium that the sophistic view of rhetoric was able to advance.
One of Gorgias’ most distinguished words is The Encomium of Helen. Within this piece the self-proclaimed master rhetor offers several justifications for excusing Helen of Troy’s adultery. Most notably asserted was that she was persuaded by the power of speech. By the knowledge of the effectiveness of his own Encomium, including a glowing or enthusiastic praise of someone or something, the form of speech is likened to flattery or seduction.
The Encomium of Helen attempts to exercise the full power of rhetoric. Rhetoric can be defined as language used primarily to
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To sophist the main “function of language” is “persuasion” (p. 24). This third defense is that by the strength and power of rhetoric as a force, Helen was persuaded to leave by Alexander’s forceful speech. Evidence is offered of such time where the power of speech was so compelling that it was taken as truth. It is easier for man to believe the things said” than to access the absolute truth, which the Sophists believed was inaccessible to man (Plato, p. 95). Thus Gorgias insists that if Helen fell victim to speech, she is not to blame. Here he is expecting the rhetorical force of his words and the emotional associations brought up by them to successfully earn him support. One of the most telling things about this piece is how Gorgias decided to conclude it. The Encomium is ended on somewhat of a playful note, stating that its creator had little concern for the true reasons for Helen’s infidelity, but more in his ability to “write a speech which would be a praise of Helen, and a diversion” to himself (Gorgias, p.
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