Recalling the functions of rhetoric - Essay Example

She seeks to pass an important message across to women and the society. Roiphe explains the reason why women feel superior to men, and the causes of inequality in the society in a manner that seeks to implement social cohesion. The choice of narrative type is an essay, and it plays a role in the function of rhetoric. The dramatism, form, language, tone, and symbolism used in the essay is easy to explore, especially because the essay touches on a sensitive issue that has societal ramifications.

Roiphe’s essay brings together men and women separated from one another by alienation and competition. Men and women have engaged in a battle of the sexes in preceding generations. The impression of equality remains slippery, although traditionally, men are the dominant species. The social atmosphere often changes when the topic of feminism arises, and through her essay, she addresses the contradictory altercations. There is some symbolism in Roiphe’s essay when she narrates, “The hidden anti-male feelings, a result of the old system, will foul us up if they are allowed to persist” (Roiphe, 1982).

Anti-male feelings refer to the distrust women have on men, while the old system refers to previous generations. Roiphe describes men as inconsiderate and untrustworthy beasts, which supports her assertion of anti-male feelings. A beast symbolizes the inhumane nature of man, and their attitude that makes them think they are the dominant species. Kenneth Burke’s concept of identification plays a role through the traditional aspect of rhetoric as a form of persuasion. Roiphe attempts to persuade women to embrace equality, and not superiority, and in consequence, identification occurs (Roiphe, 1982).

“Identification” supports conventional emphases on persuasion as essential and examines rhetorics role in relations between men and women, in particular the implementation of gender equality. Similarly, Roiphe’s