What Is the Difference Between Exigence and Purpose?

Exigence: the event or occurrence that prompts rhetor

rhetor
Rhetoric originated in a school of pre-Socratic philosophers known as the Sophists circa 600 BC. Demosthenes and Lysias emerged as major orators during this period, and Isocrates and Gorgias as prominent teachers.
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ical discourse; the exigence is that which begins the “cycle” of rhetorical discourse about a particular issue. Purpose: the intended outcome(s) of the rhetorical discourse identified (implicitly or explicitly) by the rhetor.

What does Exigence mean in writing?

Exigence is a rhetorical concept that can help writers and readers think about why texts exist. You can use the concept to analyze what others' texts are responding to and to more effectively identify the reasons why you might produce your own.

How do Exigence and purpose affect persuasion?

Understanding the exigence is important because it helps you begin to discover the purpose of the rhetoric. It helps you understand what the discourse is trying to accomplish. Another part of the rhetorical context is audience, those who are the (intended or unintended) recipients of the rhetorical message.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.