Discusses the contrasting relationships between ironic and conventional evaluations. Examines the pragmatics of ironic evaluation in the context of the pragmatics of evaluation per se. Argues that the study of irony makes an important contribution to the general epistemology of evaluation. (JMF)

Using Barthelme as a representative of current avant-garde American writers, the author analyzes his works from a traditional critical approach, outlining themes and structural patterns, and then from an "art as object" approach, in which fictional works are viewed as constructs in themselves, not as descriptions of anything. (SJL)

The present study, in an attempt to suggest factors which were at work in giving a man of such varied interests and predispositions the peculiar shape that they did, focuses upon the pathway that Wilson took during the 1920s, while questing for the mysteries of Axel's castle. (Author)

Discusses coalition rhetoric as creating a sense of unity and facilitating cooperative action. The proposed phenomenological framework suggests that the search for rhetor intent and motive in cooperative communications may be approached through attention to "Coalition Form,""Dominant Phenomenological Themes," and "Representative Linguistic Cues."…

Examines the history of the "Blavatsky" phase of the London Theosophical movement. Focuses on the disparity between the public rhetoric of the Theosophical Society's leadership and the deeper motivations which inspired many Londoners to join the movement. (JMF)

Suggests that symbolic acts of power (threats and promises) in the context of conflict resolution are within the domain of rhetorical study, and that their consideration refocuses the attention given to invention, strategic choices, and ethical questions. (PD)

Examines difficulties children may have in reading Virginia Hamilton's "M. C. Higgins, the Great"; discusses the book and shows how teachers can promote children's appreciation for it by discussing some basic traditions as they appear in the book and by bringing into play children's knowledge of their own belief systems. (ET)

Offers an approach to teaching and interpreting the novel "Watership Down" that emphasizes the secondary belief in an imaginary world of rabbits (rabbitness). (RL)

Examines Chicano poetry and how it presents Chicano identity in terms of four general themes: the movement, the barrio, the Anglo world, and Chicanismo. (JMF)

Discusses Jimmy Carter's use of religious-political discourse in the 1976 presidential campaign. Concludes that his speeches reaffirmed our civic piety and faith in America, communicated trustworthiness, served as a source of identification with evangelicals and religionists, and generated media attention. (JMF)

Cudjoe discusses the major movements of Afro-American literature, its particularity, and its universality. He depicts the manner in which Afro-American experiences shape the literary forms, while describing the perspective and methodology which underlie his teaching of Afro-American literature. (Author/SK)

Discusses the concepts of political myths and rituals which guide the formation of public opinion and policy and their uses in political communication. (JMF)

Presents evidence of a correspondence between the political perspective a speaker advocates and the types of rhetorical strategies the speaker employs. The rhetoric of radicals, liberals, and conservatives indicates that the political ideas these three groups of speakers share are reflected in consistent stylistic and argumentative strategies.…

Notes that the brief but crucial appearances of Prince Escalus in "Romeo and Juliet" offer a key to the understanding of how plot proceeds in any dramatic or comedic work. (FL)

Connections and associations in metaphors are examined in terms of "tenor,""vehicle,""bridge," and "framework." (HTH)