Pentad Analysis in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Pentad Analysis

Pentad analysis is a rhetorical method for examining and understanding the elements of human communication and storytelling. The term “pentad” derives from the Greek word “penta,” which means “five.”

Developed by Kenneth Burke, a prominent American literary theorist and philosopher, in the mid-20th century, pentad analysis focuses on five key elements: act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose.

These components help analyze and deconstruct the motives, intentions, and underlying structures within language and discourse. Pentad analysis is particularly valuable for exploring the complexities of human communication, narrative construction, and the motivations behind rhetorical choices, making it a significant tool in the fields of rhetoric, literary criticism, and communication studies.

Elements of Pentad Analysis

Element	Explanation
Act	In pentad analysis, “act” refers to the specific action or event being analyzed within a narrative or discourse. This element involves identifying and understanding what has occurred and is the most concrete aspect of the analysis.
Scene	The “scene” represents the context or setting in which the action or event takes place. It includes the physical environment, social conditions, and any relevant background information that influences the act.
Agent	The “agent” is the individual or entity responsible for carrying out the action. It focuses on who is involved, their characteristics, motives, and roles within the narrative.
Agency	“Agency” refers to the means or methods employed by the agent to perform the action. It examines how the action is executed, the tools or strategies used, and the decision-making process behind it.
Purpose	The “purpose” element delves into the intentions, goals, or reasons driving the action. It explores why the agent chose to perform the action and what they aim to achieve.

Definition of Pentad Analysis as a Theoretical Term

Pentad analysis, a theoretical term developed by Kenneth Burke, is a method of rhetorical and literary analysis that systematically examines human communication and storytelling. It focuses on five key elements: act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose, providing a framework to dissect the motives, intentions, and underlying structures within language and discourse. This analytical approach aids in uncovering the nuances and complexities of communication, revealing the intricacies of narrative construction and the motivations behind rhetorical choices.

Pentad Analysis: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Kenneth Burke: Kenneth Burke, an influential American literary theorist and philosopher, is the primary theorist associated with pentad analysis. He developed this rhetorical method in the mid-20th century as a tool for understanding human communication and storytelling.

Works:

1. A Grammar of Motives (1945): In this seminal work, Kenneth Burke introduces the concept of pentad analysis as a means to examine the motives behind human actions and communication. He presents the five key elements of act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose and explains how they function in rhetorical analysis.
2. A Rhetoric of Motives (1950): Burke further elaborates on pentad analysis and its application in this work, emphasizing the significance of motives and how they shape discourse, narratives, and persuasion.

Arguments:

1. Motives and Discourse: Burke’s argument centers on the idea that understanding the motives behind human actions and communication is essential for comprehending the dynamics of discourse. Pentad analysis provides a structured framework to unveil these motives by examining the elements of act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose.
2. Narrative Construction: Pentad analysis argues that narratives and stories are constructed through the interplay of these elements. By dissecting a narrative or discourse using the pentad, one can reveal the underlying motives and rhetorical choices made by the communicator.
3. Rhetorical Analysis: Burke’s work highlights the importance of motive-driven rhetorical analysis. Pentad analysis helps scholars and critics uncover the motives behind persuasive communication, shedding light on the intricacies of human expression and persuasion.

Pentad Analysis and Literary Theories

Pentad analysis is relevant in various literary theories and approaches, offering a structured method for examining the motives and rhetorical choices within literary works. It can be applied in the following literary theories:

1. Narrative Theory: Pentad analysis is valuable in narrative theory by enabling scholars to dissect the motives and narrative construction within stories. It helps reveal how authors use the elements of act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose to shape their narratives and convey themes or messages.
2. Rhetorical Theory: In the realm of rhetorical theory, pentad analysis plays a crucial role in understanding the persuasive strategies employed in literature. By examining the motives and choices made by characters or narrators, it unveils the rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques at work in literary texts.
3. Reader-Response Theory: Pentad analysis can be applied within reader-response theory to explore how readers interpret and engage with literary works. By uncovering the motives behind characters’ actions and the author’s choices, it provides insights into how readers perceive and interpret the text.
4. Structuralism and Semiotics: Within structuralism and semiotics, pentad analysis can help decode the underlying structures and symbolic meanings within literary texts. It assists in identifying the motives and signifiers that contribute to the overall semiotic system of a work.
5. Postcolonial Theory: Pentad analysis is relevant in postcolonial theory, especially when examining the motives and agency of characters in colonial or postcolonial settings. It can shed light on power dynamics, cultural clashes, and the rhetorical strategies used in postcolonial literature.
6. Feminist Theory: In feminist literary analysis, pentad analysis can reveal the motives and agency of female characters and how their actions challenge or conform to gender norms. It provides a method to examine the portrayal of women and their motivations in literature.

This analysis, with its focus on motives, offers a versatile tool for exploring the intricacies of literary works from various theoretical perspectives, enhancing the understanding of the underlying themes, motivations, and persuasive strategies within literature.

Pentad Analysis in Literary Criticism

Work	Critique
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky	The analysis of this novel reveals the intricate motives, inner turmoil, and moral dilemmas of the protagonist, Raskolnikov. It highlights how the act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose shape the narrative’s exploration of morality and the consequences of one’s actions.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	Applying pentad analysis to this classic work uncovers the themes of justice, racial prejudice, and moral integrity. The act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose in the novel reveal the complexities of the characters’ motivations and the pursuit of justice in a racially divided society.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald	It provides insights into the novel’s exploration of the American Dream, decadence, and unrequited love. It delves into the motives behind Jay Gatsby’s actions and the consequences of his pursuit of an idealized vision.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley	The application to this dystopian work uncovers the motives of the World State’s government and its efforts to maintain control and social stability. It reveals how the act, scene, agent, agency, and purpose shape a future society void of individuality and emotions.

Suggested Readings

Books:

1. Burke, Kenneth. A Grammar of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
2. Burke, Kenneth. A Rhetoric of Motives. University of California Press, 1969.
3. Hawhee, Debra. Moving Bodies: Kenneth Burke at the Edges of Language. University of South Carolina Press, 2009.
4. Smith, Larry D., and Nathan A. Anderson. Pentadic Cartography: Toward a Visual Rhetoric. Parlor Press, 2010.