Saturday, September 6, 2014

Swarms and Flocks

My friends, I have penetrating fears regarding this system. Even though I have read the material, meticulously typed out this blogpost, sacrificed a huge portion of my Friday night to complete this assignment, and have searched to the ends of the earth looking for a reliable internet connection to then post this . . . the fate of my grade rests in your hands. And the thought that my grade is dependent upon someone other than me is terrifying. Here I am, hoping against hope that someone might take interest in my thoughts and feelings of the language and persuasion of the Iliad. Not only must I interest you, but I must evoke enough emotion that I can generate a response from you-- no pressure. But just as the fate of my grade lies with you; likewise, the fate of your grades lies with me. We will either fail this course as individuals or reach the highest of highs as a unit. Let us rise together and succeed ourselves by first helping one another succeed.

How many felt motivated and willing to comment on my post by the end of that paragraph? I’m sure many of you have forgotten the initial tone of doubt and worry initially established in those first three sentences. I questioned your ethics. I even found myself insulted when I reread the passage. <How dare anyone question my work ethic and dependability!> However, all that was forgotten with the powerful “us” used as the conclusion. I included myself in the class and attempted to generate a sense of unity and loyalty to each other. At least, this was what was attempted.

This was a poignant point made in the Iliad. There was a constant reference to animals and how the men resembled swarms of bees (19) and  flocks of geese (28). I wouldn't exactly call this a flattering comparison. The reason why this comparison was successful in being persuasive, however, is because of the proclamation in the very beginning with the introduction of “my friends.” This appeal to similarity set the tone to allow each individual bee, goose, or man to rally together and join the swarm, flock, or ranks. Then, the speaker could proceed into the less flattering comparison, and in the end return once again to the main point that the speaker and the listener are one in the same. Agememnon and Ulysses thus act as “shepherds of their people” (19) through utilizing this persuasive method in combination with an artful use of language.  

4 comments:

  1. The connections made in your argument were striking examples of how it is human nature to want equality among one's peers and colleagues. While reading your post, I was drawn towards feelings of sympathy, ranging from pity to empowerment. Well done! The charisma taken on near the end of your initial paragraph drew me in to believe in what you were saying, that I could in fact help you attain a better grade essentially for my own welfare.I think that this idea of being "shepherds of their people" can be seen in many of today's influential writers and politicians, as they have the ability to express needs and criticisms in a way that rally people together for a common cause, supposedly for the well-being of all.

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  2. Excellent observation. Nobody likes being preached to (often even in church!) and so by shifting to the third-person plural Agamemnon builds that we're-in-this-together mentality that you created at the open of your post. Creating this sense of unity definitely makes the audience feel that the speaker cares about, relates to, and understands the challenges the audience might face in following the injunction of the speaker. Agamemnon conveyed to the people that he was with them and that they were all in it together. This allowed his audience to be more easily persuaded as they felt like they were all going to succeed as the worked together. You did the same thing with your introduction. You helped me feel like you understand the importance of working as a team. I now feel confidant that as I help the team, the team will in turn help me, and we will all succeed together. Well done!

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  3. I hear your plea and it has moved me to action. I want to become "part of the flock or the swarm" not because I am being told that I must in order to be considered by others to be a conscientious citizen or a compassionate person, or because I have been offered a reward. I join the ranks because I care about individuals and their well-being--in this instance, specifically YOU. A humble plea moves me to action more often than a public, in your face campaign and I like being unified with others who care for the well-being of individuals as well as the group as a whole.

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  4. For some reason, my comment earlier didn't post... hmm...
    I was going to write about how interesting it is that you point out the unity of these animal relationships. Honestly, when I first read those comparisons, I thought "I don't know if I would necessarily want to be compared to ______ animal." I failed to realize in the beginning why these would be such motivating comparisons! As you mention, they really do embody unity and strength in numbers. It would be motivating to be told that as a group, we could accomplish so much, even if an individual is so small. It really does create a one-ness and a rallying of sorts. Reading the beginning of your post, I wasn't convinced with your rhetoric, until you said "us." Well worded!

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