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Irony
Definition of Logos
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is an argument that appeals to... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective speaking or writing). Logos is... read full definition
Logos, along with ethos and pathos, is one of the three "modes of persuasion" in rhetoric (the art of effective... read full definition
Chapter 17
Explanation and Analysis—Choose Your Cause:
In Chapter 17, Marathe uses logos to criticize American patriotism and loyalty to fickle leaders like Rodney Tine. Steeply fires back, pointing out the situational irony of Marathe's argument:
‘Are we not all of us fanatics? I say only what you of the U.S.A. only pretend you do not know. Attachments are of great seriousness. Choose your attachments carefully. Choose your temple of fanaticism with great care. What you wish to sing of as tragic love is an attachment not carefully chosen. Die for one person? This is a craziness. Persons change, leave, die, become ill. They leave, lie, go mad, have sickness, betray you, die. Your nation outlives you. A cause outlives you.’
‘How are your wife and kids doing, up there, by the way?’
According to Marathe, humans' attachments become their "temple of worship." Americans are known for their patriotism, but this patriotism often manifests as fanatical support for American leaders. Johnny Gentle has risen to the office of president through the cult of celebrity worship. He and his administration, however, are just people. People "change, leave, die, become ill" all the time, betraying or otherwise ending relationships. As Steeply has just acknowledged, one of the current leaders (Rodney Tine) is having an affair with a Québecois woman (Luria) who might be betraying state secrets. Marathe argues that Tine could easily be more attached to Luria than he is to American citizens. Americans should be careful about turning Tine, Gentle, and the rest into their "temple of worship" instead of remaining loyal to their nation or another more stable cause.
Steeply does not argue with Marathe's logic, but his inquiry about Marathe's family is its own kind of comeback. Steeply is essentially saying that this point is rich coming from a man who is willing to betray just about anyone to help his wife get the medical care she needs. Marathe is ostensibly a Québecois operative, but he is a triple or quadruple agent. He always makes the choice that benefits his wife, not his nation. It is clear even to Steeply that Marathe's own "temple of worship" is already sick and dying.
Related Themes:
