The Effectiveness of Rhetoric in “Jackie Brown”: Analyzing Melanie Ralston’s Persuasive Strategies

The Effectiveness of Rhetoric in “Jackie Brown”: Analyzing Melanie Ralston’s Persuasive Strategies

In Quentin Tarantino’s film “Jackie Brown,” the character Melanie Ralston engages in strategic and calculated rhetoric as she navigates the criminal underworld. As a key player in the criminal enterprise, Melanie uses her wit and cunning to achieve her ultimate goal of securing financial gain and survival. By analyzing Melanie’s rhetorical appeals through the lens of the rhetorical triangle—author (Melanie), audience, purpose—we can gain insights into the effectiveness of her persuasion techniques.

Introduction

“Jackie Brown” is a crime thriller that follows the story of individuals involved in a high-stakes criminal operation. As law enforcement intensifies their efforts to bring down the criminal network, characters like Melanie Ralston are pushed to employ rhetorical strategies to outmaneuver their adversaries. Through the lens of the rhetorical triangle, we will examine how Melanie strategically communicates with different audiences to achieve her goal of financial success and self-preservation. The thesis statement asserts that Melanie Ralston effectively utilizes pathos, logos, and ethos to manipulate her surroundings and secure her own interests.

Melanie Ralston’s ultimate goal is to secure financial gain and ensure her survival in the criminal world. Throughout the film, she employs a range of rhetorical appeals to manipulate those around her and advance her agenda. Melanie relies heavily on pathos, appealing to emotions and desires, to establish connections and gain trust. Additionally, she leverages logos, logical reasoning and evidence, to persuade others of the benefits of aligning with her plans. Lastly, Melanie uses ethos, establishing her credibility and authority, to influence decisions and secure her position within the criminal network.

Body

Pathos: Emotional Appeals

In one pivotal scene, Melanie engages in a conversation with Louis Gara, appealing to his emotions to sway his allegiance towards her scheme. She says, “I love you, Louis. I love you more than anything. I always have.” By professing her love and creating an emotional bond with Louis, Melanie taps into his feelings of loyalty and attachment, ultimately manipulating him into supporting her agenda. This emotional appeal allows Melanie to influence Louis’s decisions and secure his assistance in executing their plan.

Logos: Logical Appeals

Melanie also employs logical reasoning to convince Ordell Robbie, a key player in the criminal operation, to trust her intentions and cooperate with her strategy. She presents a well-thought-out plan backed by evidence and reasoning, stating, “We have a great deal here. We have a lot of money to make.” By emphasizing the financial benefits and logical feasibility of their collaboration, Melanie appeals to Ordell’s practicality and self-interest, effectively persuading him to align with her agenda.

Ethos: Credibility Appeals

Throughout the film, Melanie establishes her credibility and authority within the criminal network through her actions and demeanor. Her confident and assertive demeanor exudes a sense of authority and control, positioning her as a formidable figure within the organization. By exuding confidence and reliability, Melanie gains the trust of her allies and adversaries alike, solidifying her position as a persuasive and influential player in the criminal underworld.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Melanie Ralston in “Jackie Brown” demonstrates a mastery of rhetorical appeals—pathos, logos, and ethos—to manipulate those around her and achieve her ultimate goal of financial gain and survival in the criminal world. Through emotional connections, logical reasoning, and credibility-building tactics, Melanie effectively navigates the complexities of the criminal enterprise and secures her position within it. Her strategic communication skills highlight the power of rhetoric in influencing decisions and shaping outcomes in high-pressure environments. Ultimately, Melanie’s persuasive strategies showcase the importance of knowing one’s audience and skillfully leveraging rhetorical tools to achieve desired objectives in challenging circumstances.