Bitzer's Rhetorical Situation

In speaking of the essence of rhetoric, Lloyd F. Bitzer says that it is effectively defined and created according to the situation from which it arises.  He says that "rhetorical discourse... does obtain its character as rhetorical from the situation which generates it."  Understanding this situation however, is not merely understanding the historical or societal contexts with which a rhetorical discourse interacts.  Understanding a given rhetorical situation requires understanding the whole of the situation which calls a certain discourse into existence.  To examine the factors comprising Bitzer's rhetorical situation, let us look at the following scene from the movie "Braveheart."  Mel Gibson/William Wallace's "Freedom" speech is one of the better known speeches in pop culture.  Wallace is rallying the Scottish troops to fight the Brits in a key battle.  The Scots had shown up for battle but were discouraged, not committed, fearful and divided.  A rhetorical situation had been created, in which Wallace spoke.

Bitzer's first feature of rhetorical situations is this:  rhetorical discourse (Wallace's speech) is called into existence by situation which functions to the rhetor as "an invitation to create and present discourse."  The situation here is clear:  there is a battle to be fought in the Scottish rebellion against England.  Further than that, the situation was one where the Scottish troops were not very motivated (or even unwilling) to fight what was an important battle against the English.  These circumstances served as an invitation for Wallace to speak.

Rhetorical situations also invite a fitting response.  Not just any response is appropriate for a specific situation.  In the "Braveheart" situation, there were any number of ways that Wallace could have approached the situation.  Not all potential responses would have been appropriate.  However, he appealed to Scottish patriotism and desires for freedom as "fitting" ways to motivate an army to fight.

The situation must also prescribe the response that fits.  This means that the situation determines the way in which a response is delivered, as well as that which the response is composed of.  In this situation, the situation of war, rebellion and battle effects Wallace's tone, delivery and also the substance of his speech.  He tells a joke or two to lighten the mood, but the situation restricts him from a merely light hearted speech.  Likewise, the dejected spirits of his countrymen keeps him from a harsh, biting speech.  The situation shapes Wallace's speech and the fact that he stayed within the constraints of the situation goes a long way to determining how successful and meaningful the speech is.

The rhetorical situation is also located in reality- as are the "complex of persons, objects, events and relations" which generate discourse.  These are obviously true for our "Braveheart" example.  The rebellion against England is real, the soldiers are real- the exigence of the imminent battle and the need for motivation for the troops is also based in reality.  Finally, the "Braveheart" situation is a rather simple and organized structure- the need is to fight for freedom, and audience which is needed to act are the soldiers.

William Wallace's speech in Braveheart is a good, simple example of a rhetorical discourse arising out of necessity from a rhetorical situation.  Bitzer points out that it is possible for a situation to pass without creating discourse, but it is impossible for rhetorical discourse to exist outside of the situation.  What is required then, is for the orator to be in the right place at the right time, and to "accept" the invitation into the situation compelling him (or her) to speak.  Wallace does just that, and the rest- as they say- is history.