Etymology of Ethos
The term “ethos” comes from the Greek word ἔθος (éthos). It refers to a person’s character or disposition. In ancient Greece, it was used to describe the moral character of an individual, community, or society. With time, it evolved to include the values, beliefs, and customs that shape the behavior and attitudes of a group of people.
Meanings of Ethos
- Generally, it refers to the characteristic spirit or attitude of a particular culture, era, or community. This includes the values, customs, and beliefs that define a group of people and shape their behavior.
- In rhetoric, ethos refers to the persuasive appeal of a speaker or writer based on their credibility, authority, or character. In this context, ethos is often used to establish trust with an audience and to convince them of the speaker’s credibility and expertise on a particular topic.
- It also refers to the ethical principles and standards that govern a particular profession or field of study. For example, the medical profession has a set of ethical principles that guide the behavior of doctors and other healthcare providers. These principles are often referred to as the “medical ethos.”
Definition of Ethos
Ethos is a literary device that refers to the ethical or moral character of a narrator, character, or speaker. It is used to establish the credibility, authority, or trustworthiness of the person speaking, and to shape the reader’s or audience’s perception of the story or message being conveyed. It could also be established through language, tone, and narrative voice, and is a powerful tool that can help to shape the reader’s understanding and interpretation of a work, and convey important messages about morality, ethics, and character.
Ethos in Rhetoric
- Ethos is the appeal to the credibility and character of the speaker or writer in rhetoric.
- It is one of the three modes of persuasion, alongside pathos (emotional appeal) and logos (logical appeal).
- It is established by demonstrating that the speaker or writer is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and credible on the topic being discussed.
- Credibility can be achieved through various means, such as citing credible sources, presenting evidence and data, using a professional or academic tone, and demonstrating expertise or experience in the field.
- Ethos is crucial in persuasive communication as it helps to build trust and credibility with the audience, making them more likely to accept and act on the speaker or writer’s message.
Types of Ethos
There are different types of ethos in literature, including:
| Type | Meanings | Example |
| Personal Ethos | Established through the character’s personal qualities, such as honesty, integrity, and sincerity. | A character with a strong personal ethos is seen as trustworthy and credible. |
| Professional Ethos | Established through a character’s expertise, knowledge, and experience in a particular field. | Doctors, scientists, or lawyers often use professional ethos to establish credibility and expertise in their respective areas. |
| Cultural Ethos | Established through the values, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture or society. | It is used to establish credibility and authority within a specific cultural context. |
| Situational Ethos | Established through the particular circumstances or situation in which a character or narrator finds themselves. | It can be used to evoke sympathy or understanding from the readers, or to establish credibility or authority in a specific situation. |
| Historical Ethos | Established through a character’s or narrator’s connection to a particular historical period or event. | It adds authenticity and credibility to the story or message by establishing a connection to a specific historical context. |
| Gendered Ethos | Established through a character’s or narrator’s gender and how it affects their perception and credibility. | It explores issues related to gender and power dynamics, highlighting how gender impacts credibility and authority. |
| Authorial Ethos | Established through the writer’s own credibility and reputation as an author. | It is used to establish the writer’s authority on a particular topic or to convey a specific message. |
| Moral Ethos | Established through a character’s or narrator’s adherence to a particular set of moral or ethical principles. | It explores issues related to morality, ethics, and values, establishing a character’s credibility and authority on these matters. |
Literary Examples of Ethos
- Example from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare:
“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.”
Explanation: In this speech by Mark Antony, he establishes his ethos as a trustworthy and credible figure by addressing the audience as “friends, Romans, countrymen” and indicating that he has no intention of praising Caesar, but rather of mourning him. This establishes Antony’s authority and credibility as a speaker, and helps to win over the audience to his point of view.
- Example from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer:
“And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche.”
Explanation: In this passage, Chaucer establishes the ethos of the Parson, a character who is depicted as humble, virtuous, and committed to teaching and learning. Through this statement, the Parson establishes his ethos as someone eager to learn and share knowledge, lending him credibility and authority as a moral and spiritual authority.
- Example from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne:
“The scarlet letter was her passport into regions where other women dared not tread. Shame, Despair, Solitude! These had been her teachers,–stern and wild ones,–and they had made her strong.”
Explanation: In this passage, Hawthorne establishes the personal ethos of Hester Prynne, the protagonist of the novel, as someone who has endured shame and isolation but has emerged stronger and more resilient as a result. Through her perseverance and determination, Hester establishes herself as a moral authority and a symbol of strength and resilience.
Suggested Readings
- Aristotle. Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts, Dover Publications, 2004.
- Crowley, Sharon, and Debra Hawhee. Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students. 5th ed., Pearson, 2011.
- Rottenberg, Annette T., and Donna Haisty Winchell. Elements of Argument with 2021 MLA Update: A Text and Reader. Macmillan Higher Education, 2021.
- Kennedy, George A. Classical Rhetoric and Its Christian and Secular Tradition from Ancient to Modern Times. 5th ed., University of North Carolina Press, 1999.
- Perelman, Chaïm, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
- Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
