Activity Overview
In high school, the ELA Common Core Standards require students to develop formal writing skills, creating essays and arguments that are well-thought-out, and syntactically varied. They also require students to effectively use persuasive writing strategies to defend a claim or point of view.
A key to strong persuasive writing the ability to dissect and validate, or debunk, other arguments. This requires a basic working knowledge of rhetoric. A great way to enhance students' understanding of effective arguments is to teach the Aristotelian concepts of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Students can then identify and analyze the effectiveness of these strategies in a work of literature, a speech, or a letter.
The Moon is Down was written to encourage the resistances of occupied countries to rise up and fight against the Nazi forces during World War II. It is a noble cause, and an honorable effort, according to most Americans. However, to look at the novel from an historical standpoint, it actually was a piece of pro-Democracy propaganda, and it was a very successful one. The novel’s ability to sway its readers emotionally, ethically, and logically is what gave it so much power then, and why it’s endured as a popular piece for the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy for so long. Have students examine the text and come up with quotes from throughout the novel of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos rhetoric. Have students illustrate these examples in a storyboard.
Examples of Rhetorical Strategies in The Moon is Down
Ethos (Ethics/Credibility)
Example 1
"They elected me not to be confused. Six town boys were murdered this morning. I think we will have no hunt breakfast. The people do not fight wars for sport."
– Mayor Orden
Example 2
"In all the world, yours is the only government and people with a record of defeat after defeat for centuries and every time because you did not understand people."
– Mayor Orden
Logos (Logic)
Example 1
"This principle does not work. First, I am the Mayor. I have no right to pass sentence of death. There is no one in this community with that right. If I should do it, I would be breaking the law as much as you."
– Mayor Orden
Example 2
"...but we are a free people; we have as many heads as we have people, and in a time of need leaders pop up among us like mushrooms."
– Doctor Winter
Pathos (Emotions)
Example 1
"Alex, go, knowing that these men will have no rest, no rest at all until they are gone, or dead. You will make the people one."
– Mayor Orden
Example 2
"The people don’t like to be conquered, sir, and so they will not be. Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat. Herd men, followers of a leader, cannot do that, and so it is always the herd men who win battles and the free men who win wars."
– Mayor Orden
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows examples of ethos, pathos, and logos from the text.
- Identify two examples for each rhetorical strategy: ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Type the example into the description box under the cell.
- Illustrate the examples using any combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethos, Pathos, and Logos | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | Most of the elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are incorrectly identified and depicted. Quotes and summaries may be missing or too limited. Only one example may have been provided for each rhetorical element. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
In high school, the ELA Common Core Standards require students to develop formal writing skills, creating essays and arguments that are well-thought-out, and syntactically varied. They also require students to effectively use persuasive writing strategies to defend a claim or point of view.
A key to strong persuasive writing the ability to dissect and validate, or debunk, other arguments. This requires a basic working knowledge of rhetoric. A great way to enhance students' understanding of effective arguments is to teach the Aristotelian concepts of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Students can then identify and analyze the effectiveness of these strategies in a work of literature, a speech, or a letter.
The Moon is Down was written to encourage the resistances of occupied countries to rise up and fight against the Nazi forces during World War II. It is a noble cause, and an honorable effort, according to most Americans. However, to look at the novel from an historical standpoint, it actually was a piece of pro-Democracy propaganda, and it was a very successful one. The novel’s ability to sway its readers emotionally, ethically, and logically is what gave it so much power then, and why it’s endured as a popular piece for the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy for so long. Have students examine the text and come up with quotes from throughout the novel of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos rhetoric. Have students illustrate these examples in a storyboard.
Examples of Rhetorical Strategies in The Moon is Down
Ethos (Ethics/Credibility)
Example 1
"They elected me not to be confused. Six town boys were murdered this morning. I think we will have no hunt breakfast. The people do not fight wars for sport."
– Mayor Orden
Example 2
"In all the world, yours is the only government and people with a record of defeat after defeat for centuries and every time because you did not understand people."
– Mayor Orden
Logos (Logic)
Example 1
"This principle does not work. First, I am the Mayor. I have no right to pass sentence of death. There is no one in this community with that right. If I should do it, I would be breaking the law as much as you."
– Mayor Orden
Example 2
"...but we are a free people; we have as many heads as we have people, and in a time of need leaders pop up among us like mushrooms."
– Doctor Winter
Pathos (Emotions)
Example 1
"Alex, go, knowing that these men will have no rest, no rest at all until they are gone, or dead. You will make the people one."
– Mayor Orden
Example 2
"The people don’t like to be conquered, sir, and so they will not be. Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat. Herd men, followers of a leader, cannot do that, and so it is always the herd men who win battles and the free men who win wars."
– Mayor Orden
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows examples of ethos, pathos, and logos from the text.
- Identify two examples for each rhetorical strategy: ethos, pathos, and logos.
- Type the example into the description box under the cell.
- Illustrate the examples using any combination of scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethos, Pathos, and Logos | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | Most of the elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are correctly identified and depicted, and an appropriate quote or summary is provided. There are at least 2 examples provided for each rhetorical element. | The elements of ethos, pathos, and logos are incorrectly identified and depicted. Quotes and summaries may be missing or too limited. Only one example may have been provided for each rhetorical element. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Rhetorical Strategies in The Moon is Down
Introduce rhetorical strategies with a class debate
Engage students by having them participate in a structured debate using topics from The Moon is Down. This method encourages authentic use of ethos, pathos, and logos while building speaking and listening skills.
Assign students to debate teams with clear roles
Break students into groups and assign each team a specific stance and rhetorical strategy focus (ethos, pathos, or logos). This ensures everyone practices targeted persuasive techniques.
Guide students to research and plan their arguments
Support students as they gather textual evidence and plan arguments that align with their assigned rhetorical strategy. Encourage the use of direct quotes and clear reasoning for stronger impact.
Facilitate the debate and encourage active listening
Moderate the debate, prompting students to respond to opposing points using their strategy. Highlight moments when students effectively use ethos, pathos, or logos in their rebuttals.
Reflect with students on the effectiveness of each strategy
Lead a class discussion where students analyze which rhetorical strategies were most persuasive and why. This reflection deepens understanding and helps them transfer skills to their writing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhetorical Strategies in The Moon is Down
What are rhetorical strategies used in 'The Moon is Down'?
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are the main rhetorical strategies used in The Moon is Down. These techniques help convey credibility, appeal to emotions, and use logical reasoning, making the novel's arguments more persuasive and impactful.
How can I teach students to identify ethos, pathos, and logos in literature?
Encourage students to find direct quotes from the text that demonstrate ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). Have them analyze how each quote supports the author’s message, and use activities like storyboarding to visually illustrate these examples.
What is an example of ethos in 'The Moon is Down'?
An example of ethos from The Moon is Down is Mayor Orden saying, “They elected me not to be confused. Six town boys were murdered this morning. I think we will have no hunt breakfast. The people do not fight wars for sport.” This statement establishes his credibility and moral authority.
Why is teaching rhetorical strategies important in high school ELA?
Teaching rhetorical strategies helps students build critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. It enables them to analyze arguments, recognize bias, and craft effective essays—core requirements of the ELA Common Core Standards.
What is a simple classroom activity for analyzing rhetorical strategies in 'The Moon is Down'?
Have students create a storyboard that illustrates examples of ethos, pathos, and logos from the novel. They can select quotes, explain their significance, and pair them with images or scenes to deepen understanding.
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