Appeal to Authority in Literature

Appeal to Authority in Literature: Introduction

Appeal to authority in literature serves as a powerful rhetorical device where characters or narrative elements derive influence, guidance, or validation from figures of recognized wisdom, expertise, or social standing. This device often manifests through characters seeking advice, heeding the counsel of mentors, or interpreting the pronouncements of respected figures. Whether drawing on the wisdom of Shakespearean kings, the mystical insights of supernatural beings, or the sagacious advice of trusted advisers, appeal to authority plays a pivotal role in shaping character motivations and plot developments. By invoking authority figures, authors infuse their works with credibility, cultural resonance, and a means to convey moral or thematic messages. As a nuanced literary device, the appeal to authority adds layers of complexity to character relationships and narrative dynamics, contributing to the richness of storytelling across genres and eras.

Appeal to Authority in Literature: Shakespearean

Play and Example	Explanation
1. “Hamlet” – Polonius’ Advice	Example: Polonius provides fatherly advice to Laertes, offering a set of moral precepts.
2. “Macbeth” – Witches’ Prophecies	Example: Macbeth relies on the prophecies of the three witches to guide his actions and decisions.
3. “Julius Caesar” – Caesar’s Ghost	Example: Brutus encounters the ghost of Caesar, interpreting it as a divine authority guiding his actions in battle.
4. “Othello” – Iago’s Manipulation	Example: Iago subtly manipulates Othello by referencing the authority of Cassio’s supposed relationship with Desdemona.
5. “King Lear” – Fool’s Commentary	Example: The Fool, despite his unconventional role, offers wise commentary on the unfolding events in King Lear’s kingdom.
6. “Romeo and Juliet” – Friar Laurence’s Counsel	Example: Friar Laurence advises Romeo and Juliet, acting as a spiritual and wise authority in their lives.
7. “Much Ado About Nothing” – Don Pedro’s Authority	Example: Don Pedro’s influence is used to facilitate the love story between Claudio and Hero.

These examples highlight instances where Shakespeare employs the appeal to authority as a literary device to drive character decisions and plot development in his plays.

Appeal to Authority in Literature: Examples

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
   • Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, serves as an authoritative figure whose advice influences the moral development of his children, Scout and Jem.
2. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien:
   • Gandalf, the wise wizard, provides authoritative guidance to Frodo and the fellowship, shaping their quest to destroy the One Ring.
3. “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling:
   • Professor Dumbledore, as headmaster of Hogwarts, embodies authority and serves as a mentor whose wisdom influences Harry and his friends throughout the series.
4. “1984” by George Orwell:
   • The authoritative voice of Big Brother is constantly invoked as a symbol of power and control, influencing the characters’ thoughts and actions.
5. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen:
   • Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s social standing and authority play a role in shaping the characters’ perceptions and decisions within the novel.
6. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Tom Buchanan’s authoritative presence and societal status influence the dynamics among characters, impacting their choices and relationships.
7. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis:
   • Aslan, the lion and authoritative figure, guides and influences the characters in their quests, serving as a moral compass.
8. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley:
   • World Controllers, such as Mustapha Mond, represent the authoritative figures shaping the dystopian society and influencing characters’ beliefs.
9. “The Odyssey” by Homer:
   • Athena, the goddess of wisdom, serves as an authoritative guide for Odysseus, offering advice and protection throughout his journey.
10. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley:
    • Victor Frankenstein, as a knowledgeable scientist, holds authority over the creation of the monster, influencing the ethical questions raised in the narrative.

These examples demonstrate how the appeal to authority is a recurring theme in literature, contributing to character development, plot dynamics, and the exploration of moral and societal themes.

Appeal to Authority in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Appeal to Authority
New Criticism/Formalism	The authoritative voice of the author or narrator often plays a crucial role in analyzing the text, as the focus is on the work’s intrinsic qualities and structure.
Reader-Response Theory	Readers may interpret and respond to characters or events differently based on their perceptions of authoritative figures within the narrative.
Feminist Criticism	The appeal to authority may be scrutinized, especially if it perpetuates gender roles or reinforces patriarchal structures within the text.
Marxist Criticism	Authority figures may represent societal power structures, and their influence on characters can be analyzed in the context of class struggles and social hierarchies.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Characters’ relationships with authoritative figures may be explored in terms of Freudian concepts, revealing unconscious desires, conflicts, or influences.
Postcolonial Criticism	The impact of colonial authorities on characters and cultures is examined, often revealing power dynamics and the consequences of colonization.
Structuralism	Authority figures may be analyzed as structural elements within the narrative, influencing the overall coherence and organization of the literary work.
Postmodernism	The appeal to authority may be deconstructed or questioned, reflecting the postmodern skepticism toward grand narratives and authoritative voices.
Cultural Studies	Authority figures and their influence on characters are studied in the context of cultural norms, values, and power dynamics within the narrative.
Ecocriticism	The influence of authoritative voices on characters’ relationships with nature may be examined, reflecting environmental ethics and perspectives within the text.

In each literary theory, the appeal to authority is examined through a specific lens, revealing its nuanced role in character development, power dynamics, and the overall thematic richness of literary works.

Appeal to Authority in Literature: Relevant Terms

Literary/Rhetorical Term	Description
Authorial Voice	The unique style and perspective of the author.
Narrative Authority	The control or influence exerted by the narrator.
Credibility	The believability and trustworthiness of a source.
Ethos	A rhetorical appeal to credibility and character.
Didacticism	Literature intending to instruct or convey moral lessons.
Allegory	A narrative with symbolic meaning beyond its surface.
Paratextual Elements	Additional elements surrounding the main text (e.g., prefaces, footnotes) that provide authority.
Archetype	Universally recognized symbols or characters.
Societal Norms	Established expectations and values within a society.
Symbolism	The use of symbols to represent abstract ideas.

Appeal to Authority in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Prior Analytics. Translated by Hugh Tredennick, Harvard University Press, 1938.
2. Eco, Umberto. Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language. Indiana University Press, 1986.
3. Quine, W. V. O. Word and Object. MIT Press, 2013.
4. Searle, John R. Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language. Cambridge University Press, 1969.
5. Tarski, Alfred. Logic, Semantics, Metamathematics: Papers from 1923 to 1938. Translated by J. H. Woodger, Hackett Publishing Company, 1983.
6. van Benthem, Johan. A Manual of Intensional Logic. Center for the Study of Language and Information, 1988.
7. Walton, Douglas. Informal Logic: A Pragmatic Approach. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
8. Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. Translated by C. K. Ogden, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1922.
9. Woods, John. Paradox and Paraconsistency: Conflict Resolution in the Abstract Sciences. Cambridge University Press, 2003.