In the article “Backpacks vs. Briefcases: Steps Towards Rhetorical Analysis” by Laura Bolin Caroll explains how rhetoric surrounds us as it is seen around the world in many different ways. Persuasion is what defines rhetoric. Caroll. In addition in the forth century, Aristotle educated the men of Athens on how to persuade audiences using different types of rhetorical situations. This lead to his three “artistic appeals”, which are logos, pathos, and ethos. Caroll also argues about the three parts to understanding the context of a rhetorical moment. Exigence, Audience, and Constraints. exigence is a response to a problem . The audience is whom respond to the exigence and the constraints have the power to take decisions and actions to modify the exigence.

Rhetorical situations happen in our everyday life and many people are not aware of that. The article clearly presents all points in a very clear and organized manner. I learned the word constrain, which is to compel or force someone to follow a particular course or action.