Aristotelian Triangles

The state of California recently banned the trapping of bobcats throughout the entire state. Carla Hall, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, shared her opinion on the topic through an editorial. Immediately, the author establishes tone in the first paragraph. After briefly stating that the murder of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe caused people around the world to become enraged, she writes, “...there is good-- and heartening!-- news from the wilds of California!” This opening sentence shows the author’s tone by taking on a glass-half-full attitude-- an optimistic and pleased tone for most article. She commends California for their decision. In the fifth paragraph, Hall states, “I’m impressed that the commission voted to ban...the trapping of

To establish pathos, Hall attempts to reach her audience, which is most likely comprised of animal lovers. “...wildlife should not be stalked, trapped, shot or beaten to death for sport…” By using the phrase “beaten to death,” Hall’s diction makes every act that disregards the living creature to be barbaric and inhumane. Those three words should draw out the reader 's compassion and empathy, therefore establishing pathos. Furthermore, Hall establishes logos by bringing up logical thought. When discussing the zonal method, she rationally explained why that would have ended up being a hassle. She explained that they would have to “figure out whether trappers were in the right zone when they got their bobcats” instead of simply banning trapping entirely. The audience, and apparently California, is able to see the better option based on convenience. While not bringing in facts, a statement from Nicole Paquette (the vice president of wildlife protection for the Humane Society of the U.S.) was used in the article. She also approves of the ban and stated, “...the public has never been more aware that killing an animal for its pelt is no worse than for a head and hide to decorate a trophy room.” This appeals to pathos and logos. It plays with the audience’s emotions as well as bringing in expert testimony. These are simply a few rhetorical devices that the author used to defend her