Assessment 2

1. Identify the nature of proof in Frank's monologue, citing evidence he used in Charlie's defense.15 Points

Frank uses Ethos as proof, pointing out that the school claims to be educating future leaders in the political and legal careers.  He continues to discount the school’s Ethos as building leaders who are out for themselves rather than building character.  Frank says that someone offered to buy Charlie’s loyalty.  If Charlie told on some of his fellow students to the dean, he would be rewarded, otherwise he would be expelled.  Charlie chose to not snitch on those classmates, a credit to his integrity and ethics.

2. Of the four styles of dramatic or vicarious proof, which did Frank exploit to turn attitudes around about Charlie? How did this style function in terms of reason? 25 Points

Pacino’s character uses Anecdotal to turn attitudes around about Charlie.  Frank talks about  his personal choices and how he was faced with his crossroads and he himself could have chosen the right path but chose the easy way and his reason was that the right path was just too damn hard.  Charlie knew what the right path and has stuck to his personal beliefs.  He explained that Charlie has chosen a path of courage.  He defends Charlie’s decision to not divulge names, labeling the decision as an act of honor.

3. What cultural myths or images were employed to increase the appeal of Frank's argument? How did this influence his attempted shift of opinion? 20 Points

The Cultural Myth and Image can be identified as the Value of the challenge.  Charlie stands to lose everything he has worked for.  He came to the school on scholarship. He is being used as a scapegoat by his classmates because of what he witnessed.  Therefore, he takes up the challenge to fight and stay enrolled to a prestigious school and clear his name by means of the hearing.  In doing in so Charlie shows that he iss is a “bear man” by demonstrating the values the school is trying to instill in it students.  He is fighting a system that rewards the rich while punishing the poor.

4. Which of Reich's parables apply or applies to Frank's reasoning? 5 Points

the parables the works best here is the Rot at the Top. the dean does not care who confess to doing the vandalism he just want to punish someone .  The rot at the top comes in to play as the dean cares more about keeping the school funded by its alumni, who are wealthy businessmen.  The dean does not want to go after any of the wealthy sons in fear of losing funding for the school.  This situation is a prime example of the “malevolence of powerful elites, be they wealthy aristocrats, rapacious business leaders, or imperious government officials”.

5. What was Frank's reasoning in terms of logical appeal? 10 Points

Parallel Reasoning is in the works as Frank, Col. Slate, shows the contrast in what the school is trying to instill in its students and what it is actually teaching them. Frank says that they're going to reward the rich kid and punish Charlie, the poor kid.  Frank says that the only thing they are building is a rat ship.  Rats will turn on each other and the ship goes down.  He questions where the pride of the school really is.

6. How did Frank's paralinguistics impact his expression and the meaning of his words? Please give specific examples – three will do. 25 Points

Frank's paralinguistics, his body posture, gestures and verbal intonation dramatically demonstrate his outrage of the unethical nature of the situation.  He uses dramatics by saying if he was the man he was 5 years ago, he would take a flamethrower to the school.  He uses colorful language, such as telling the dean “this is such a crock of shit”.  He also raises his voice at times of impact and slams down his cane to demonstrate his rage.  He uses these tools for effect, perhaps to shock the audience, in pointing out what a sham the hearing truly is.