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.

Explore various closing statement techniques used in persuasive writing and oratory, particularly in the context of justice and morality. This quiz examines the effective use of pronouns, repetition, similes, and rhetorical questions to engage an audience and challenge prejudices. Test your understanding of how these techniques contribute to the power of an argument.