Date of Award
6-1967
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
Dr. Mary M. Roberts
Keywords
Malcolm X (1925-1965), Speeches, Criticism and Interpretation
Abstract
This study is an application of the Burkeian approach to rhetorical analysis to a speech of Malcolm X. All five elements of Burke's dramatistic pentad- -agent, agency, scene, act, and purpose- - are considered. Chapter one, which describes the agent and agency, is concerned with explaining the speaker's background and rhetorical training and practice. Chapter two, which concerns the scene, is divided into three parts: broad scene, narrow scene, and specific scene. The broad scene traces the evolution of black nationalism in the United States. Leading figures considered in the section are Noble Drew Ali, Marcus Garvey, W. D. Fard, and Elijah Muhammad. The narrow scene discusses Malcolm X's association with the Nation of Islam. The specific scene describes the occasion for Malcolm X's Cleveland address, "The Ballot or the Bullet."
Chapter three, which analyzes the act and purpose, is concerned with answering the three critical questions of what the speaker said, how he said it, and why he spoke as he did. Emphasis is placed upon identifying and evaluating the strategies employed by the speaker in his attempt to establish consubstantiality with his Cleveland audience.
Chapter four lists the conclusions of the study: (1) that the influence wielded by the speaker is more attributable to the nature of his subject and audience than it is to his education or rhetorical training, (2) that the speaker's point of view regarding black nationalist participation in civil rights movements underwent a marked change after his split with the Nation of Islam, (3) that the speaker's most frequently employed overall strategies were direct suggestion, indirect suggestion, and sentiment appeal, (4) that the speaker relied heavily upon rhetorical question, repetition, and transfer as sub-strategies, (5) that the major weakness exhibited by the speaker was his tendency to make broad unsupported assertions, and (6) that the speaker associated himself with symbols of authority regarded highly by his audience.
Recommended Citation
Skorkowsky, George Robert Jr, "The Rhetoric Of Malcolm X: A Burkeian Analysis" (1967). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 504.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/504
Comments
Please note that this material contains historic language and images that may be considered offensive or biased, or which marginalize certain individuals and communities. The presence of offensive language or images is not an endorsement by Library Services or by Pittsburg State University.