The Classical Essay: Based on Ancient Oratorical Structuring

In ancient Greek and Roman society, rhetoricians developed an established method of argument known today as

classical oration. Classical oration [in Greek] consists of six parts: the exordium, the narratio, the partition, the

confirmatio, the refutatio, and the peroration, which in composition terms is the following: introduction,

narration, partition, arguments, refutation, and conclusion. This method of persuasion is still used in modern

classrooms as a model for argumentative papers.

-- Exordium: The introduction

 Sets the tone for the rest of the paper: urgent, calm, humorous, satirical etc…

 Reaches out to a specific audience who shares common goals, values, or concerns

 Engages the reader’s interest by:

o Showing the importance of the issue—why is it relevant?

o Showing how the issue affects people or the community

o Connecting the topic with the audience’s interests

-- Narratio: Brings forth the facts of the case

 Often a narration updates the reader on relevant material—lays a foundation

 Briefly provides specific examples and background information

 Offers ample information for understanding topic more thoroughly

-- Partitio: The thesis

 A description that directly names the issue in dispute

 Concisely lists arguments to be used in order of their appearance in the paper

-- Confirmatio: Writer lays out and supports arguments

 Clearly defines each argument, point-by-point

 Provides proof or evidence for arguments previously listed

 Presents research or results to support thesis

 Offers reasoning for claims of value—explains why something is significant

-- Refutatio: Writer looks at counter arguments and demonstrates why they aren't compelling

 First, presents arguments along with research and evidence on opposing viewpoints

 Then, explains why counter arguments are impractical

 Demonstrates any deviations from logic

 Shows how these arguments are weak or points out any flaws

 Overall, show how your argument is somehow better despite oppositions

-- Peroratio: Conclusion/resolution of paper

 Summarizes strongest arguments by reminding reader what was proven

 May include emotional appeals or a call to action

 Proposes a solution to the problem

 Leaves the reader with a final impression

 Paints a picture “of what it may be like if the advice of the argument is (or is not) followed

An 18th Century Example of a Classical Oration in the Form of a Written Essay: “A

Modest Proposal” by Jonathon Swift

-Introduction: Background on the overcrowded situation in the country, the beggars, and the children.

-Narration: The children are a hindrance on the working population.

-Partition: In order to solve the problem of overpopulation, we ought to sell the children for food and use the

skins for handbags and boots.

-Confirmation: Statistics demonstrate this would be a good solution to the population problem. One child

would feed a family, and it would lessen the Roman Catholic population. Poor tenants will have something of

their own that they can sell to make money. It will help marriage.

-Refutation: Population will be decreased, but speaker views this as good thing. No one else will take an active

stance to help the economy.

-Conclusion: Although the speaker will not benefit, the nation as a whole will benefit from taking his

suggestions. The people, or “wise men,” are challenged to find an equally effective solution to poverty.

* This guide on writing a Classical Essay was [originally] written by Serena Beetner and Mary Bruinius, former

Writing Center Consultants, in fulfillment of an assignment for the Writing Center staff development course,

Topics in Composition. [It was later modified by Tonja Nelson, Communications Lab Assistant.] The purpose

of this guide is to provide insight into the Classical Essay as well as to provide helpful hints and advice to

anyone who may be completing a similar assignment.

Classical Argument Outline

Introduction

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Narration/Background

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Partition/Thesis/List of arguments

1.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Confirmation/Arguments/Evidence

1.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Opposition/Refutation

1.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3.________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Refute/disprove_____________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion

__________________________________________________________________________________________