Rhetorical Tactics of Emerson

In Emerson's Divinity School Address, he makes good use of different rhetorical tools and his word choice as he addresses the graduates of the Divinity College of Cambridge in 1838. As he is addressing the graduate class, he takes more of a formal tone that suits the idea that they are passing on into the next stage of their lives. This address also seems to be written in a divine tone, and feels deep and true; particularly in the introductory paragraph.This tone goes in line with the public speaking of the time as pretty much all public speaking was through speeches or sermons, more the latter than the former. As his audience is a group of graduates who will presumably become pastors, it makes sense to give them their own sermon to mark their transition to learning from doing God's work, or what they perceive as moving on to perform their sacred duties.

Emerson also displays a skillful use of Kairos, or perfect timing. His address is speaking on how the role of the pastor or minister must change in society. This is before the Civil War, and many were pushing for social changes, as well as Emerson. Society wouldn't continue on with the constant struggles between the North and the South U.S. Change was going to happen at some point, and suggesting a change before everything falls into chaos generally goes over better than when everything has fallen apart. 

Emerson also makes use of Ethos, or a persuasion based upon his character, as he is a known speaker and is a divinity school graduate. He is able to take on the tone of one who would normally give a sermon because that is what he learned to do throughout the equivalent of his college education. In this cause, he is using a situated discourse as his character was most likely known to his audience. In terms of Ethos, character is made by your position in society, moral habits, and reputation. Emerson was able to give a speech to those graduating from a divinity school because of his known Ethos. Unfortunately for those organizing the ceremony, it appears they were unaware of his change in beliefs.