1. Write: How do today's readings about Egyptian rhetoric extend, challenge, confirm your readings of Fox and Lipson? Discuss, using specifics.
2. Presentations
3. Share writings in small groups
4. Whole class: what productive generalizations/observations can we make about Egyptian rhetoric?
5. Brief reflection: How are we doing as a class meeting the class goals from your perspective? Please address the role of the discussion questions and presentations.
• Expand your knowledge of a range of rhetorical traditions;
• Develop your abilities as a rhetorician, or someone who reads and studies rhetoric;
• Engage the active, ethical, and productive prospects of rhetoric (what rhetorical study helps us know, do, and believe);
• Increase fluency with key concepts in rhetorical studies, including how they change meaning and value across time, place, and cultures
With time...some discussion questions to talk about:
Lesko explains how the rhetoric of women in Ancient Egypt was generally much more direct, bold, and boastful (which she believes is due to lack of formal education which was given to most young men). While Lesko does point out this difference between gender and rhetorical style, she never mentions whether this brazen style characteristic of women was effective. Could this direct, truthful even if slightly bragging style of rhetoric have been effective? How do we conform to "mens" vs "womens" rhetoric today? (Emma)
Lesko gives many examples of writings (or dictated writings) from women, and she explains the differences between these writings and the image of Egyptian rhetoric presented by Fox. However, she does not go far into analyzing the rhetorical techniques used by these women in these excerpts. Using either Western or Non Western tools, what rhetorical moves can we see these women making in these texts? (Andy)
Lesko states in her conclusion “women’s rhetoric seems far from what would have then by deemed “proper” speech” (108). The examples of women’s writing that Lesko includes in this text go very strongly against the canons that Fox spoke of, particularly those of restraint and silence. How might going against the method of silence be more productive for women and minority figures as opposed to its strict adherence? Is Fox’s theory of the canons only applicable to males in positions of power, or can it be adapted to suit the needs of other groups? (Brittany)
1. How does Lesko’s consideration of “non-traditional” texts reinforce her perspective of women’s voices existing outside of the “proper” (male) discourse of Egypt? (Ryan)
It almost seems that no matter what, even in the lack of truth or evidence, eloquence wins in the court of law. As long as a person can speak well and present themselves calmly, they will win a case brought against them. Who does this benefit? More specifically, What does this do for the power structure of ancient Egypt? (Zack)