Document Type

Article

Abstract

English author Francis Bacon's letters to the courtiers of King James VI before the monarch succeeded Elizabeth I reveals his concept of rhetoric as a tool for political advancement. Bacon wrote several letters to gain the king's confidence, in which he expressed his intent to portray the king in the most positive light to his subjects once he enters England and assumes the throne. The letters are remarkable in the way they suggest that Bacon can create a persona for the king through the power of rhetoric, since Bacon includes the draft of a speech which he hoped would be used by the king in a public appearance.

Rights

Holcomb, C. (1995). Kings and counselors: the politics of Francis Bacon's rhetorical theory. Philological Quarterly, 74(3), 227-247.

Copyright © 1995 University of Iowa.

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