Blog Assignment #1

According to Foss, rhetoric is commonly perceived as empty or meaningless. Rhetoric is also used as a term meaning ornamental and overly wordy speech, one that uses too much metaphor. However, Foss goes on to state that rhetorical criticism is more the human use of symbols as communication. Basically, from what I am understanding, the common usage of rhetoric is empty filler space, whereas rhetorical criticism is the use of symbols to communicate. Foss then goes on to break rhetoric down into three primary dimensions; humans as creators, symbols as the medium for rhetoric, and communication being the purpose. It's hard to describe an example from my experience, as I am not fully understanding rhetoric. As far as I am understanding, it is the use of symbols as communication, but in what sense? Certainly not as mundane as sign language, but Foss does not make it out to be simply using symbolism in speech to describe things indirectly.

Rhetoric according to Reference.com's dictionary section is defined (in writing or speech) as the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.

Merriam-Webster defines it as the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion

I need this to be better explained in class -_-