Rhetoric of the Image

As we begin to discuss rhetoric in relation to the image, we must first define rhetoric within our context. Rhetoric is the study of the image’s language. We often use rhetorical figures in our everyday language to describe situations. Figures of speech, literal or figurative are associated with rhetoric. A rhetorical question is a question that has the answer implied in the way you phrase the question. Rhetorical devices discussed in class included metaphors, ellipsis, metonymy, hyperbole, symbol, simile, etc. An example of this used in class was Marlboro tastes good like a cigarette should. This was an example of a simile. Rhetoric is used to persuade. Rhetoric of the image deals with the image as if it were a language.