Rhetorical Strategies in Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah

Abstract

The paper examines rhetorical strategies in Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah and how they are used by characters for the purpose of persuading their listeners. Data for the study were selected specifically from chapters nine and twelve of the novel and analysed for their rhetorical effects based on the Gricean co-operative principle of conversation and argument. The two main speakers identified in the chapters were successful in persuading their audiences by making use of relevant strategies of reference to authorities, local and familiar materials, beliefs, attitudes and values of their listeners. This made them show a high degree of sincerity in their presentations, making it possible for them to achieve their aims of speaking.