Forms of appeal

Here we take a look at how Alex Bilmes applies appeals to pathos and ethos in the article “Paul McCartney is Esquire’s August Cover Star".

Pathos

Alex Bilmes also employs pathos in his article to construct a beautiful portrait of Paul McCartney. He initially appeals to the emotions of the readership – especially to the emotions of those who knew and loved The Beatles – when he depicts the success of the band. The purpose of the following excerpt is also to make readers nostalgic about past times:

From their first mainstream popular success, The Beatles were the acceptable face of youth culture, not like those dangerous, switchblade teddy boys who preceded them or the oafish, longhaired Rolling Stones who followed. (ll. 212-219)

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Ethos

Ethos is employed when Bilmes hints at his authority as the editor of “Esquire” magazine during the interview with Paul McCartney. Readers realise that very few journalists would have had the opportunity to spend so much time with the singer:

I met McCartney on two occasions for this story. Each interview lasted a few minutes over half an hour, and it was made clear to me that this was far more than most journalists are permitted. The standard arrangement, I was reassured, is one sit-down of 20 minutes. Plenty have to make do with a phone call. (ll. 324-331)

The above quotation restates the authority of Bilmes and makes readers trust him more when they read the article,...

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