How to Write and Use Literary Device of Argument
Although there are several ways of writing and using an argument as a literary device, there are some specific techniques. Some of these techniques are given below in this table.
| Writing Technique | Explanation | Example |
| Identify Your Purpose | Determine the goal of your argument—whether it’s to persuade, inform, or provoke thought—and tailor your approach accordingly | Persuade: Convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. Inform: Provide factual information and educate the audience on a topic. Provoke thought: Stimulate critical thinking and encourage reflection on a subject. |
| Clarify Your Position | Clearly state your main claim or thesis, providing a concise and focused statement that captures the essence of your argument | A clear and concise statement that conveys your stance on the issue being discussed. It should summarize the main point you are trying to make and serve as a foundation for the rest of your argument. |
| Support with Evidence | Gather relevant evidence, facts, examples, and expert opinions to substantiate your claims | Use credible sources, such as research studies, reputable websites, and expert testimonies, to provide evidence that supports your main claim.Include factual information, statistical data, real-life examples, and quotes from authorities in the field to add credibility and persuade your audience. |
| Construct a Logical Structure | Organize your argument in a logical and coherent manner, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs presenting supporting evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points | Introduction: Capture the reader’s attention, provide background information, and present your thesis statement. Body paragraphs: Present supporting evidence, each paragraph focusing on a single point and transitioning smoothly between ideas. Conclusion: Summarize the main points, restate the thesis, and leave the reader with a strong final impression. |
| Anticipate Counterarguments | Consider potential opposing viewpoints and objections to your argument. Address these counterarguments and provide counter-evidence or reasoning to strengthen your position | Identify possible objections or alternative perspectives to your argument. Acknowledge and address these counterarguments, presenting evidence or logical reasoning to refute them. By doing so, you demonstrate that you have considered multiple viewpoints and strengthened your position. |
| Appeal to Reason and Emotion | Utilize both logical reasoning and emotional appeals to engage your audience. Employ logos, pathos, and ethos to enhance the persuasiveness of your argument | Logos: Use logical reasoning, facts, and logical appeals to convince the audience. Pathos: Appeal to the audience’s emotions, values, and beliefs to create an emotional connection. Ethos: Establish credibility and trust by demonstrating expertise, fairness, and honesty. Balancing these appeals helps engage the audience and make your argument more persuasive. |
| Use Rhetorical Devices | Employ analogy, metaphor, rhetorical questions, and persuasive language to make your argument more compelling and memorable | Analogies: Draw comparisons to clarify complex ideas. Metaphors: Use figurative language to make your argument more vivid and relatable. Rhetorical questions: Pose questions that provoke thought and lead the audience to consider your viewpoint. Persuasive language: Choose words and phrases that evoke emotion and influence the audience’s perception of the argument. |
| Engage in Active Listening | When using arguments in discussions or debates, actively listen to others’ perspectives and respond respectfully | Actively listen to others’ viewpoints, paying attention to their arguments and concerns. Respond respectfully, addressing their points and showing that you have considered their perspectives. Seek common ground, acknowledge valid points, and respond with reasoned arguments to foster productive and respectful discussions or debates. |
| Revise and Edit | Review and revise your argument to ensure clarity, coherence, and effectiveness | Review your argument for clarity, ensuring that your points are well-explained and easy to understand. Check for coherence and logical flow between ideas. Revise for effectiveness, considering the impact of your language and the strength of your evidence. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and style to enhance the overall presentation of your argument. |
| Consider Context and Audience | Adapt your arguments to the specific context and target audience. Tailor your language, tone, and supporting evidence | Consider the specific context in which you are presenting your argument, such as a formal setting or an informal discussion. Tailor your language and tone to match the expectations and preferences of your audience. Use supporting evidence that resonates with the audience’s values, beliefs, and experiences, making your argument more persuasive and relevant. |
Benefits of Using Arguments
Argument could be used for several things. Some of the benefits of using argument in writing are as follows.
- Persuasion
- Critical Thinking
- Clarity of Thought
- Effective Communication
- Engagement and Interest
- Conflict Resolution
- Empowerment
- Improved Decision-Making
- Intellectual Growth
- Advocacy
Literary Device of Argument and Literary Theory
| First Column | Second Column | Third Column |
| Structuralism | Analyze how elements of a literary work function together as a coherent structure | Applying structuralism to an argument involves examining how different elements within the argument contribute to its overall structure and meaning. For example, in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” one can analyze the structural elements of the narrative, such as the transformation of the protagonist, Gregor, and the subsequent reactions of his family. |
| Marxism | Explore how social and economic factors influence literature and how literary works can reflect or critique societal power structures | Applying Marxism to an argument would involve examining the power dynamics and social class issues present. For instance, in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the allegorical portrayal of animals revolting against their human oppressors critiques the inequalities and corruption of a totalitarian regime. |
| Feminism | Analyze the representation of gender and challenge patriarchal norms and stereotypes in literature | Applying feminism to an argument would involve examining the gender dynamics and power imbalances within the argument. In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the story highlights the oppressive nature of gender roles and societal expectations placed on women in the 19th century. |
| Postcolonialism | Examine the legacy of colonialism and its impact on literature, focusing on the representation of colonized peoples and their cultural identities | Applying postcolonialism to an argument would involve analyzing the ways in which power dynamics and cultural identity are portrayed. In Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” the novel explores the effects of European colonialism on Igbo society and challenges Western narratives of African cultures. |
| Psychoanalysis | Explore the unconscious desires, motives, and symbols within a literary work, and how they shape characters and themes | Applying psychoanalysis to an argument would involve analyzing the hidden desires and psychological motivations behind certain actions or choices. For example, in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” one can examine the unconscious guilt and ambition driving the protagonist’s tragic downfall. |
| Reader-Response Theory | Focus on the reader’s interpretation and response to a literary work, considering how their own experiences and perspectives shape meaning | Applying reader-response theory to an argument would involve acknowledging and addressing the potential variations in interpretation and understanding among different readers. In J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye,” readers’ differing responses to the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, reflect their own experiences and values. |
| Deconstruction | Challenge fixed meanings and binary oppositions in a text, emphasizing the instability of language and multiple interpretations | Applying deconstruction to an argument would involve questioning and destabilizing assumed meanings and binary distinctions. For instance, in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the play’s ambiguous and contradictory nature challenges fixed interpretations of characters and events. |
| New Criticism | Analyze a literary work based solely on its internal elements, such as form, structure, language, and imagery | Applying New Criticism to an argument would involve closely examining the literary techniques and devices employed within the argument. In Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” the analysis would focus on the poem’s use of metaphors, imagery, and symbolism to convey themes of choice and individuality. |
| Postmodernism | Explore the fragmentation, self-reflexivity, and skepticism toward grand narratives and established norms in literature | Applying postmodernism to an argument would involve challenging and deconstructing traditional concepts and narratives. In Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five,” the novel disrupts linear storytelling and blurs the boundaries between reality |
This table provides an overview of different literary theories, the types of arguments employed within each theory, and the corresponding critiques offered by these theories. It highlights how literary theory could offer distinct lenses through which to interpret and analyze literature, shedding light on different aspects and dimensions of literary works.
Suggested Readings
- Toulmin, Stephen. The Uses of Argument. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
- Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W. W. Norton & Company, 2014.
- Aristotle. Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts, Dover Publications, 2004.
- Booth, Wayne C., et al. The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press, 2016.
- Perelman, Chaim, and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation. Translated by John Wilkinson and Purcell Weaver, University of Notre Dame Press, 1969.
