The extended metaphor (conceit) equates spiritual darkness to the darkness "that is suffered by those who are shut up in prisons." Characteristic of high style, this comparison presents a strong pathetic appeal in order to move to action. The image of a dank, gloomy prison instills fear in the audience that scares them away from hating their brother. Hating a brother would allocate them in a spiritual place that was equally dark.In addition to the metaphor, Augustine racks the listeners' conscience with fear by using two back-to-back rhetorical questions that catch the guilty in their sins: "Do you hate your brother? Are you unwilling to be reconciled?" Every listener who secretly hates his or her brother or who refused to be reconciled in some way or another feels a sudden guilt or godly sorrow because his or her own sins are exposed through the question. They do not have to verbally respond to the question, but surely they must respond inwardly to themselves. By so responding, people feel guilt for any act of sin towards a brother, and eventually feel persuaded to change the situation and repent in order to be free from sin.
By first instilling fear of spiritual darkness, then stirring up guilt with rhetorical questions, St. Augustine's high style moves sinners to repentance.
Spencer pointed out the middle style that St. Augustine used at the beginning of "Sermon 211 for Lent" in order to capture his audience's attention. Which rhetorical figures are used to create a middle-styled balance between pathos and logos?
I totally agree with the idea of creating a fear of spiritual darkness. I think Augustine used it quite potently to help motivate people to change their ways in order to avoid such a state. This brings up an really interesting gospel question: do you think it is easier/more effective to teach about consequent punishments in order to get people to repent or teach about consequent blessings?
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