First Assignment

Part one:

"Are Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Good for the Environment?." FoxNews 8 November 2007, n. pag. Web. 11 Jan. 2012. <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,309220,00.html>.

The article discusses which is the better when comparing incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. In essence, the pros and cons are listed for the compact fluorescent light bulbs and the article concludes by supporting this bulb as a good transition. The compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury that can be very hazardous if the bulb is broken and they also cost more. Most importantly, it has a significant advantage over incandescent bulbs because it uses less energy; in fact 90% of the energy is wasted as heat.

Although the article was accurate in presenting both sides of the arguments, it presented the false dilemma fallacy, which forces readers to acknowledge a conclusion where one is clearly more desirable. It is obvious, by all the data backing it up, that compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are better for the environment. Another example of a fallacy in this article is hasty conclusions. The article addresses the idea that even though CFL bulbs will reduce the consumer’s bill, they may use it more because they realize they have more to use. This suggests that we are a wasteful society, although this may be true, there is no evidence provided that this would be the result. It also can be offensive. In my opinion, the research looks as if the CFL bulb has greater advantage because of it’s use of less energy but there isn’t enough research to prove that it doesn’t have other harmful side effects as well.

Part two:
Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books and movies so of course when given the option between King Henry V and Pride and Prejudice, the choice was apparent.
The scene we have been called to analyze for it's rhetorical value is when Mr. Collins is asking Elizabeth for her hand in marriage. His argument obviously is lacking some tact and the right rhetorical tools because the outcome is a rejection from Miss Elizabeth.
Although he failed to accomplish his mission, he still attempts to use ethos, pathos and logos in his persuasion, thinking those are the things she wants to hear.

Ethos: He tries to establish his credibility by reiterating his strong relations with Lady Catherine De Bourgh. In fact, she was the one who asked him to get married.
"...perhaps I should have mentioned first, that it is the particular recommendation of my noble patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh!" 
To him, this seems like a convincing argument that he is worth something because he has strong connections to a queen and therefore Elizabeth should find him important as well. In Elizabeths perspective, it seems as if he is only choosing her because he needs a wife and not because he loves her. 


Another example of ethos is when he tries to let her know that he is capable of taking care of her. He is  going to inherit her Father's estate and therefore he will have a good situation. He tries to build his credibility by sharing with her the fact that in this relationship, she will be secure. 
He says, "I'm well aware that  pounds in the four per cents is all that you may be entitled to, but rest assured, I shall never reproach on that score when we are married!"
This statement also is meant to show her that Mr. Collins is a kind and generous man.


Logos: 
He first says that in order to not get away with his feelings, he should list the reasons why he wants to marry her and the first reason is:
"I think it a right thing for every clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish." This may be a "sweeping generalization" to assume that this is a legitimate reason and it actually matters to her but it is still something that would generally appeal to her logical side. It does make sense as to a reason he would want to marry her. 


Giving three reasons in and of itself is a form of logos. It is way to be "sufficient" and stay on topic, therefore it is "relevant" to the conversation. He also appeals to her logic by saying that it would only make sense for him to take one of the cousins to wife because he is to inherit their house. 


Pathos: 
Although this statement is demeaning, it is meant to appeal toward Elizabeth's emotions. I think it's supposed to almost frighten her that she may never get married if she doesn't choose to be with him. 
He says, "Consider that it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may be made to you. You cannot be serious in your rejection."


Another example of pathos is when Mr. Collins says, "Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty adds to your other perfections. But you can hardly doubt the object of my discourse, however your feminine delicacy may lead you to dissemble. For, as almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life!" He is flattering her with things like "adds to your other perfections" and saying that he "singled her out." These tend to be feel good words and makes people feel special. His complementary words was a way to show his tenderness and love and appeal to her heart.