Argument

Etymology of Argument

The term “argument” originated from the Latin term argumentum,” which, in turn, has the derivative verb arguere, meaning “to clarify” or “to prove.” The Latin word argumentum  was initially used to refer to a statement to prove or support a point. With time, the meaning of the word, argument, expanded to encompass the act of presenting reasons, facts, or opinions in a structured manner. Its purpose was to support a particular position.

The term has since evolved to describe a discussion or disagreement involving opposing opinions or positions, often involving reasoning, evidence, and persuasive techniques to convince others.

Meanings of Literary Device of Argument

The term, argument, has multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.

• Verbal or Written Exchange: It refers toa verbal or written exchange of ideas or opinions between individuals or groups, often involving a disagreement or debate.
• Persuasive Discourse: This type of argument involves the presentation of reasoning, evidence, and persuasive techniques to support a specific position or to challenge opposing perspectives.
• Logical Structure: This type of argument denotes a logical structure comprising premises and a conclusion, commonly used in fields such as philosophy and logic.
• Justification: It shows a strong or compelling reason or justification for a specific action, decision, or belief.

Definition of Literary Device of Argument

The literary device of argument refers to the use of logical reasoning and persuasive techniques in an essay to present a specific perspective to persuade the readers.

Common Examples of Arguments

There are several types of arguments. The types of argument depend on the audience, the users, the context as well as the type of writing.

Type of Argument	Detail	Example
Persuasive	Arguments aimed at convincing or persuading the audience	“Smoking should be banned because it poses significant health risks to both smokers and non-smokers.”
Logical	Arguments based on logical reasoning and evidence	“All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.”
Causal	Arguments establishing cause-and-effect relationships	“Lack of exercise leads to weight gain and increased risk of developing chronic diseases.”
Analogical	Arguments drawing comparisons between similar situations	“Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, we too can undergo personal growth and transformation.”
Moral	Arguments appealing to moral principles or ethics	“Euthanasia is morally wrong because it violates the principle of preserving human life.”
Statistical	Arguments based on data, facts, and statistical analysis	“Research studies consistently show that students who eat a healthy breakfast perform better academically.”
Debates/Counterarguments	Arguments presenting opposing viewpoints and engaging in structured debate	“While some argue for stricter gun control laws, others contend that it infringes on the rights of responsible gun owners.”

This table provides an overview of various types of arguments, their explanations, and examples to illustrate their application in the context.

Shakespearean Arguments

Although it seems quite unusual to state that Shakespeare has used arguments, literary pieces and characters shown in those pieces often use arguments. Shakespeare has used several types of arguments in his writings some of which are below given in the examples.

Type of Argument	Explanation	Example with Source
Lover’s Arguments	Conflicts and debates between lovers, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and reconciliation.	Example: The arguments between Romeo and Juliet. Source: Play – Romeo and Julie Explanation: Romeo and Juliet’s arguments arise from their families’ feud and their secret love, highlighting the challenges they face in reconciling their feelings amidst societal conflicts.
Political Arguments	Debates on leadership, governance, loyalty, and power struggles.	Example: The arguments about the legitimacy of kingship in Macbeth. Source: Play – Macbeth Explanation: The characters engage in arguments over the rightful ruler, the abuse of power, and the consequences of ambition in the pursuit of political authority.
Moral Arguments	Dilemmas and debates regarding questions of right and wrong, justice, and the consequences of actions.	Example: The moral arguments surrounding revenge in Hamlet Source: Play – Hamlet Explanation: Hamlet’s internal debates about the morality of seeking revenge for his father’s murder raise profound questions about justice, morality, and the nature of honor.
Family Arguments	Conflicts within families, including parent-child relationships and sibling rivalries.	Example: The arguments between King Lear and his daughters. Source: Play – King Lear Explanation: The arguments center around issues of inheritance, loyalty, and the consequences of dividing familial bonds, highlighting the complexities and tensions within familial relationships.
Philosophical Arguments	Exploration of existential questions, appearance versus reality, the meaning of life, and the human condition.	Example: The philosophical arguments in “Hamlet,” including the “To be or not to be” soliloquy. Source: Play – Hamlet Explanation: Hamlet’s soliloquy raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of life, the struggle with existence, and the contemplation of mortality.

Literary Examples of Arguments

1. Example of Moral Argument:
   • Source: Novel – Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
   • Explanation: The protagonist, Raskolnikov, engages in a moral argument with himself about the justification and consequences of committing a crime, highlighting inner turmoil and ethical considerations.
2. Example of Philosophical Argument:
   • Source: Novel – The Stranger by Albert Camus
   • Explanation: The protagonist, Meursault, engages in a philosophical argument about the meaninglessness of life and the indifference of the universe, reflecting existentialist themes and the exploration of the human condition.
3. Example of Political Argument:
   • Source: Play – Antigone by Sophocles
   • Explanation: The characters Antigone and Creon engage in a political argument over the moral duty to bury the dead, representing the clash between personal convictions and the authority of the state.
4. Example of Family Argument:
   • Source: Novel – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
   • Explanation: The Bennet sisters, particularly Elizabeth and her mother, engage in family arguments and disagreements regarding marriage, social status, and the pursuit of happiness, showcasing the complexities of family dynamics.
5. Example of Legal Argument:
   • Source: Play – The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
   • Explanation: The trial scene in the play involves legal arguments between Shylock and Portia, focusing on issues of justice, mercy, and the interpretation of the law.

Suggested Readings

1. Lunsford, Andrea A., et al. Everything’s an Argument. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
2. Smagorinsky, Peter, et al. The dynamics of writing instruction: A structured process approach for middle and high school. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2010.
3. Bullock, Richard, and Francine Weinberg. The Little Seagull Handbook. WW Norton & Company, 2011.
4. Williams, Joseph M., and Gregory G. Colomb. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. University of Chicago Press, 2018.
5. Heinrichs, Jay. Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion. Three Rivers Press, 2013.