Naveen Rao Mr.

Hackney Rhetoric 101 25 September 2013 A Spike in Technology: Inspired by Hollywood For decades, fans have wondered when technology would make science fiction dreams, such as exoskeleton flight and brain-controlled interface, a reality. Seeing popular movies and blockbuster hits portray their favorite action scenes and creative gadgets, fans cant help but question, Can these ideas exist outside of theatre and in reality? In the July 2013 edition of Popular Science, author Erik Sofge addresses this question and questions like these in his article entitled, Science of Blockbusters by strategically referencing famous blockbuster films while maintaining professional, scientific views. In doing so, Erik Sofge not only utilizes pathos to win readers over with a lighthearted movie-type feel, but also effectively applies logos with the use of scientific facts, statistics, and quotes from credible professionals to answer certain fans skeptical questions. Upon first glance of the article, one can see that the main theme revolves around famous blockbuster movies, like Superman (posted as the title page) for example. With this basic understanding, it is rather difficult to find any educational or didactical relevance as theme seems rather childish. However, everyone has heard of Superman; this is exactly why the author chooses to introduce the article with this famous superhero, thusly broadening the appeal in result of age and the articles overall demographics. With this strategic use of pathos, Sofge can emotionally appeal to his audience with the use of popular superheroes and characters like these to connect to a broader spectrum. Apart from the image of Superman on page 70, Sofge uses popular films like Pacific Rim, Star Trek into Darkness, Iron Man 3, and Elysium to connect the science/technology aspect of his article to his audiencemaking the article both visually and emotionally appealing. In other words, with the common theme of films, the author can effectively and creatively communicate his ideals and opinions on popular science related debate topics. Within the confines of this article, Erik Sofge successfully blends the emotional appeal of the blockbuster films (pathos) with the logic of his underlining scientific theme (logos). In some cases, Sofges blends these devices together in his transition sentences, which is what really draws the readers attention in. For example, Sofge writes, Superman may be able to lift a bus or an oil platform, but humans come with pretty strict limits on strength, the first of which is the nature of muscle (71). Analyzing the quote, it is obvious that Sofge introduces the idea of Superman in the beginning of the sentence and slowly transitioning it to his first main point, which is the capability of human strength. In another instance where this fusion is effective, Sofge says that Iron Mans jet boots work underwater, which ignores that [jets] drown when submerged (74). In other words, the author takes an argument usually geared towards a smaller

demographic and widens it with the use of blockbuster movies. This sort of rhetoric is ideal because it hooks the reader in with pathos and uses to logos to make his point clearly understood. Apart from movies examples utilizing pathos, Erik Sofge uses another device called logos, or logic, to make his point more credible. To do this, Sofge finds experts and scientists specializing in certain fields and quotes them to form his article. By doing this, it is apparent that Sofge not only uses his own knowledge, but also finds sources to strengthen his point. For example, Erik Sofge writes, NASA engineer Chris Beck says that todays systems, such as the X1 that hes developing, will lead to the superhuman systems of tomorrow (74). By stating Chris Becks title as a NASA engineer, Sofge is able to gain validity in his statement on superhuman systems. Later on in the article, Erik Sofge utilizes a quote from Larry Jasinski, the CEO of Argo, which states, What if you combined ultralight planes and our auto-balancing techniques (74). By quoting a CEO of a company that helps manufacture personal flight and rocket devices, Erik Sofge can properly provide insight on his answer pertaining to exoskeleton flight. With this rhetorical device (logic), the author provides immensely supported arguments and a truthful, yet informative article. Erik Sofge is one of those authors who can make a valid point while entertaining and informing the audience. His use of entertainment, or pathos, revolves around a common theme: blockbuster movies. And Eriks use of logos, or logical facts and credible evidence from sources, helps inform the reader on current scientific struggles and technological products inspired by true blockbuster films. With these two devices, Sofge can successfully share his findings with a larger population of audience members.

Sources Sofge, Erik. "Science of Blockbusters." Political Science June 2013: n. pag. Print.