Assignment: Persuasion's Power

Was Helen of Troy Persuaded, or Persuasive?

The purpose of this assignment is to engage you in reflecting on the different sources of influence on human behavior as understood by the ancient Greeks,  to analyze a speech,  and to apply the topic of the speech to your own life. 

First,  read the Encomium of Helen by Gorgias. Analyze the form of the speech as well as the content. 

Now consider an experience in which you were subject to powerful persuasion - - either through someone's verbal arguments or else by other means.  Words are not the only influence on behavior,  as the speech suggests.  Consider how you have personally witnessed or experienced persuasive influence that was not primarily verbal or based on reason. What are the irrational persuasive influences you've experienced or witnessed? 

Give a short personal account of one of these two types of powerful persuasion as you discuss issues from the speech by Gorgias.  300-400 words,  due Tuesday 9/16/14 by 10 pm.