Rhetorical Influence and Deception: Analyzing Persuasive Tactics in Ancient Texts

Abstract

This paper explores the rhetorical strategies employed by ancient figures to influence and deceive their audiences. By applying Aristotelian concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos, the study examines how these rhetorical elements were used to create persuasive, yet misleading, narratives. The analysis focuses on the intersection of language, power, and belief, revealing how authority and emotional appeal were harnessed to influence public opinion, often at the expense of truth. Through a close reading of specific ancient texts, this research highlights the enduring impact of rhetoric on belief systems and its potential to manipulate collective consciousness. The findings offer insights into the mechanisms of persuasion in historical contexts, with implications for understanding similar dynamics in contemporary discourse.