is using first person a rhetorical device

2 min read 01-12-2024

is using first person a rhetorical device

The use of first-person narration ("I," "me," "my," "we," "us," "our") in writing is a powerful tool, but whether it's inherently a rhetorical device is a nuanced question. The answer is: it depends. While not always functioning as a rhetorical device itself, first person can be strategically employed within rhetorical strategies to achieve specific persuasive effects.

Understanding Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are techniques used to enhance the effectiveness of communication. They aim to persuade, inform, or evoke emotion in the audience. Examples include metaphors, similes, analogies, and rhetorical questions. These devices often use language in a non-literal way to create impact.

First Person and Its Effects

First-person narration immediately establishes a connection with the reader. It can foster:

Intimacy and Trust: Sharing personal experiences creates a sense of vulnerability and authenticity. This can build trust between the writer and the reader, making the message more persuasive.
Credibility and Authority: If the narrator is an expert or eyewitness, their firsthand perspective adds weight to their claims. Think of a memoir or a personal essay—the "I" voice lends authority to the narrative.
Engagement and Empathy: By sharing emotions and perspectives, first-person accounts can draw readers into the story and create empathy. This emotional connection can make the message more memorable and persuasive.
Bias and Subjectivity: It's crucial to acknowledge that first-person narration inherently introduces bias. The narrator's perspective is limited, and their interpretation of events might not be objective. This can be used strategically—for example, to highlight a particular viewpoint, but it's important for the reader to recognize potential biases.

When First Person Is a Rhetorical Device

First person becomes a true rhetorical device when it's used strategically to achieve a persuasive effect. Consider these examples:

Ethos (Appeal to Authority/Credibility): A scientist using "I" to recount their research findings establishes their credibility.
Pathos (Appeal to Emotion): A personal narrative detailing the impact of a social issue leverages emotion through the first-person voice. The narrator's vulnerability increases the emotional connection.
Logos (Appeal to Logic): While less direct, first-person can strengthen logos by providing a clear and relatable explanation. A step-by-step guide narrated in the first person might be easier to follow.

When First Person Is Not a Rhetorical Device

In some cases, first person is simply a narrative choice. A straightforward recounting of events might use first person without employing any deliberate rhetorical strategy. A simple diary entry, for instance, utilizes first person but isn't necessarily intended to persuade or manipulate the reader.

Examples of First Person as Rhetorical Device

"I have a dream..." - Martin Luther King Jr. This iconic phrase uses first person not just to identify the speaker but to establish a powerful connection with the audience, emphasizing the personal stakes of the dream and making it relatable.
Memoirs and Autobiographies: These genres inherently use first-person narration to enhance the personal connection and authenticity of the narrative. The author's experiences become evidence for their arguments or perspectives.

Conclusion

While the use of first person isn't inherently a rhetorical device, it's a valuable tool that can be strategically employed within rhetorical strategies. Its effectiveness hinges on its context and the writer's intention. The key is to understand how first-person narration can enhance other rhetorical appeals to achieve persuasive communication. Whether it acts as a rhetorical device depends entirely on how it's wielded.