The Use of Ethos

Ethos, deriving from the Greek word meaning “character,” is one of the pillars of Aristotle’s modes of persuasion, alongside logos (logic) and pathos (emotion). In the context of literature, ethos is not just about an ethical appeal or the author’s credibility but also encompasses the believability of the characters within the story and the narrative voice itself. By building a strong sense of ethos, writers enhance their narrative’s reliability, persuading readers through the authority and moral integrity of the characters or the narrator.

Let’s delve into how ethos is employed in literature to add depth and enhance persuasion.

Consider Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” where the ethos is principally established through the character of Atticus Finch. As a lawyer and father, Atticus is portrayed with unwavering moral steadfastness and respectability. His ethos becomes a crucial element in the novel’s appeal and effectiveness. Throughout the story, Atticus’s actions, rooted in fairness and integrity, build a strong ethical appeal that resonates with the reader. For instance, his decision to defend Tom Robinson, an African American unjustly accused of rape, stands as a testament to his commitment to justice and equality. This ethical stance not only builds Atticus’s character but also lends credibility to his opinions and the novel’s messages about racial injustice and moral righteousness.

In Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the narrative voice carries an ethos that significantly contributes to the novel’s critique of early 19th-century British society. Austen’s use of free indirect discourse—a technique that allows the third-person narrative to assimilate the thoughts and voice of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet—enables the narrative to express subjective views with objective distance. This creates a credible narrative persona that subtly critiques social norms, gender roles, and class distinctions without seeming preachy or biased. The ethical appeal is rooted in the narrator’s intelligent, ironic tone, which invites readers to question societal norms and understand the characters’ moral and ethical dilemmas.

Another profound example can be found in George Orwell’s “1984.” Here, ethos is intricately linked to the narrative’s authority over reality. The novel’s protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the Ministry of Truth, where he alters historical records to fit the party’s changing version of truth. The ethos in “1984” emerges from the struggle between what Winston knows to be true and the false reality created by the Party. His internal conflict and eventual defeat not only highlight the power of authoritarian control but also build a narrative ethos around the importance of truth and memory in maintaining freedom.

Moreover, ethos can also be established through the setting of a story, influencing how characters are perceived and how messages are conveyed. In Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” the post-apocalyptic setting creates a harsh, survivalist environment that tests the characters’ moral fiber. The man and his son, central figures in the novel, navigate this bleak world while maintaining a code of ethics that opposes the surrounding cruelty. Their interactions and the choices they make under extreme conditions serve to construct a powerful ethos that questions and affirms the human capacity for kindness and moral resilience in the face of annihilation.

These literary examples show how ethos is more than just a rhetorical device; it’s a vital element that shapes reader perception and engagement with the text. Through strong, ethical character portrayals, credible narrators, and morally charged settings, authors weave ethos into the fabric of their narratives. This not only enhances the persuasiveness of the story but also deepens the reader’s connection to the moral and philosophical questions explored within the text.

Understanding the use of ethos in literature provides readers with insights into how authors persuade and influence through moral and ethical appeals. It invites a deeper engagement with the text, encouraging readers to reflect on the ethical dimensions of characters, narrative decisions, and the societal critiques embedded in literary works.

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