Rhetorical Theory: Journal Review
Use this kink to access Journal Article: http://www.kbjournal.org/foy
Provide a discussion of the concept of “mortification” as it is treated in our textbook (20%) and how the concept is used in the journal article “The Redemption of Jake “The Snake”: Guilt, Mortification, and Purification of Professional Wrestling’s Prodigal Sinner” (summarize article using mortification theory)–this is mostly descriptive but should include direct quote(s) from both our text and the journal article. Lastly, provide a final thought and any critical comment on both in the conclusion.
Additional info:
The Iron Law of History Redemptive rhetoric as described in Burke’s “Iron Law of History” involves movement through seven interlocked moments or stages: from order1, guilt2 and the negative3, through victimage4 and mortification5, to catharsis6 and redemption7. The paradigm of rhetorical ritual killing is described by Burke as follows:
Here are the steps
In the Iron Law of History
That welds Order and Sacrifice:
Order leads to Guilt
(for who can keep commandments!)
Guilt needs Redemption
(for who would not be cleansed!)
Redemption need Redeemer
(which is to say, a Victim!).
Order
Through Guilt
To Victimage
(hence: Cult of the Kill). . . . i
i Kenneth Burke, The Rhetoric of Religion (Boston: Beacon, 1961) 4-5.
