Closing Statement Techniques in Literature

What is the technique used in '...evidence you have heard...' / 'We know all men...'?

What does the repetition in 'She was white, and she tempted a Negro. She did something that in our society is unspeakable: she kissed a black man.' emphasize?

What does the simile 'a lie as black as Tom Robinson's skin' compare?

A rhetorical question is used to draw the jury to a conclusion.

What does Atticus emphasize by stating, 'The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence...'?

What does Atticus appeal to when he says, 'We know...' / '...this is a truth'?

What does the phrase 'some...some...some' 'all...all...all...' illustrate?

What feelings does Atticus appeal to with the words 'equal' / 'honorable' / 'duty'?

What type of appeal does Atticus use with 'Thomas Jefferson once said...'?

What do the adjectives 'quiet, respectable, humble' remind the jury about Tom?

Closing Statement Techniques

Use of Pronouns: Creates a connection with the audience, allowing them to feel engaged with the narrative.
Repetition: Emphasizes the guilt of Mayella instead of Tom Robinson, steering the jury's focus.
Simile: Compares a blatant lie to the racism in the jury, highlighting the depth of prejudice present in the case.
Rhetorical Question: Persuasively addresses the jury's potential doubts by framing questions and guiding them to the conclusion of Tom's innocence.
Attacking the Opposition's Argument: Highlights the lack of medical evidence against Tom, undermining the prosecution’s case.
Logos: Appeals to the jury's rationality, aiming to challenge their racist biases by urging logical judgment.
Anaphora: Uses repetition of "some" to indicate not all black men are bad, countering negative stereotypes.
Pathos: Appeals to ethical duty and morality, urging the jury to act in accordance with justice and righteousness.
Ethos: Cites Thomas Jefferson to lend authority and credibility to his arguments, reinforcing the validity of the points being made.
Rule of Three: Utilizes multiple positive adjectives ("quiet, respectable, humble") to portray Tom as a good character, influencing the jury’s perception.