Kenneth Burke's theory of form: Rhetoric, art, and cultural analysis

Abstract

In this essay I argue that Kenneth Burke's early persona as a social/cultural critic can be seen as fundamental to understanding his later, more theoretical discussion of language. In defending this position, I demonstrate how Burke's rhetorical theory is enriched by reading it as an extension of his early socialist and cultural concerns. By recognizing the rhetorical qualities of artistic expression, Burke historicizes art, making it easier for rhetorical theorists to engage in cultural analysis.