Classical Speeches and Literature of the Middle Ages — Test
Question 4 • English 3
Read the excerpt from Alexander the Great’s speech at Opis. And if a man has given his life, he dies in glory and is buried with honour: a commemorative statue in bronze is commonly set up in his home town, and his parents are given the privilege of exemption from every state service and tax, as under my command not one of you has died with the enemy at his back. Which rhetorical appeal does Alexander use to support his purpose?
Answer
A
He uses logos to persuade the audience that he is an excellent leader.
B
He uses pathos to inform the audience of statues that have been set up.
C
He uses pathos to persuade the audience that they should be loyal to him.
D
He uses logos to inform the audience of ways they will be remembered.
Explanation
Alexander appeals to pathos by stirring pride and emotion about soldiers who died honorably, the statues commemorating them, and the benefits given to their parents. This emotional appeal supports his purpose of encouraging the soldiers’ loyalty to him. Choice D focuses on informing the audience, but the passage’s commemorative details are used to persuade, not merely to give information.
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