The 1984 campaign rhetoric of representative goorge hansen: A pentadic analysis

This essay employs Kenneth Burke’s pentad to examine rhetorical choices made by former U.S. Congressman George Hansen of Idaho as he dramatized two situations; his felony conviction in April of 1984 and his subsequent reelection bid. Hansen’s rhetoric was designed to eliminate any personal responsibility for his conviction and to encourage voters to support his reelection on the basis of his past record as a defender of their rights and as their protector from harassment by the federal government. 'The essay concludes speculatively, suggesting that although Hansen did not win the November, 1984 election, his rhetoric was largely effective because it resulted in substantial identification with the voters of Idaho’s Second Congressional District.