Title
Symbolic convergence and abolitionism: A terministic reinterpretation
Abstract
In The Force of Fantasy, Ernest Bormann creates a misleading dichotomy between evangelical, conversionary abolitionists and secular, radical abolitionists. By relying on superseded historical interpretation, he has constructed a narrative based on this dichotomy which leads to confusion about the origins and dynamics of abolitionist rhetoric. This essay seeks to amend Bormann’s narrative by employing terministic analysis to trace the development of radical abolitionism to its origins in evangelical religion. Such analysis can enrich our understanding of abolitionist rhetoric and point to new directions for research in rhetorical movement studies. © 1993 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Department(s)
Communication
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/10417949309372921
Publication Date
1-1-1993
Recommended Citation
Smith, Ralph R., and Russel R. Windes. "Symbolic convergence and abolitionism: A terministic reinterpretation." Southern Journal of Communication 59, no. 1 (1993): 45-59.
Journal Title
Southern Communication Journal
