Blog 1

Foss defines and explains rhetoric in man different ways. For example the one that i liked the most is how he explained it saying that "rhtoric is used to mean flowery,ormental speech laden in with metaphors and other figures of speech" (foss 2). What this means is that we use rheotric is many ways. We use this in ways to explain things and use them as acts of symbols. Foss also goes on an says that rhetoric is also use to represent symbols. Ross says that we use a symbol like cutting down a tree for Christmas. That is a symbol people use for Christmas, the tree in a woods alone isnt a symbol because its just a tree.

There is also rhetorical criticism which is "an interest in understanding particular symbols and how the operate.(Foss 5). According to Ross this means that critics use this to better understand and appreciate things for example Foss says eminems music is as example of this. People take the symbols of his music and his metaphors and use them to better understand it.
Another way to use rhetoric is thru people. Ross says that countries do this all the time by flying a plane over another country. This can be taken in in different ways. This can be a symbol of war or just was done on an accident and meant no harm by it. Its up to the people to decide whether or not how they want to interpret it. By him explaing this i belive that he means that we are the ones that decide what rhetoric is . People can interpret really anything they want how they want.
Foss shows us that there are many ways of using rhetoric from being able to communicate with people to using symbols and criticizing things.Foss shows us that there are many forms of rhetoric from using it for criticism to symbols and communicating with people.

rhetoric-

1. 1. The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
   2. A treatise or book discussing this art.
2. Skill in using language effectively and persuasively.
3. 1. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject: fiery political rhetoric