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This dissertation, divided into 3 main parts, follows the classical tradition with the purpose of proving its significance in modern writings.
This first part is about the definition and the domain of rhetoric.In the second part, I retrospect the history of rhetoric by dividing it into six periods. I believe looking back enables us to see the present better, especially for such a subject like rhetoric, which underwent so many twists and turns.Sociological works have two main features. The arguments are shaped by situational influence, besides the authors own theories and thoughts. Furthermore, no fixed principles can be applicable to all cases, so there are lots of uncertainties.
To sum up, this thesis does not intend to make an accurate summary of classical theories, nor to make a survey of rhetorical history, but to adapt some of them in the light of their appropriateness for contemporary theory and practice. What I argued is only from of the numerous aspects of the subject. Rhetoric is still developing in multiple directions.