What is Exigence? AP Lang Guide for US Students

In Advanced Placement Language and Composition, rhetorical analysis constitutes a cornerstone of the curriculum, and it demands a nuanced understanding of the elements shaping effective communication. Exigence, a concept frequently tested by the College Board, represents the urgent need or prompting that inspires a speaker to communicate. Students aiming for success on the AP Language exam must therefore grasp what is exigence in AP Lang and how it operates within the rhetorical situation. An effective grasp of exigence enables students to fully understand the relationship between the speaker, the audience, and the message.

The Urgent Spark: Understanding Exigence in Rhetoric

In the vast landscape of rhetoric, understanding why communication happens is just as crucial as understanding how it happens. This is where the concept of exigence takes center stage. It's the spark that ignites discourse, the pressing need or urgency that compels a speaker or writer to communicate.

Defining Exigence: The Catalyst for Communication

Exigence, at its core, is an imperfection marked by urgency; it's a problem that demands a response. This imperfection could be anything from a social injustice to a practical need. It’s the catalyst that sets the rhetorical situation into motion.

Think of a political scandal, a natural disaster, or even a simple call for volunteers. Each of these scenarios presents an exigence that motivates individuals to speak out, write, and engage in communication. Without exigence, rhetoric would be a mere exercise in style, devoid of purpose and impact.

The Fundamental Role of Exigence in Rhetoric

Understanding exigence is not merely an academic exercise. It is the cornerstone of effective rhetorical analysis. It allows us to move beyond the surface level of language and style. It enables us to delve into the deeper motivations and intentions behind communication.

By identifying the exigence, we can begin to understand the speaker's purpose. We can also understand the intended audience, and the strategies they employ to address the pressing issue at hand. This understanding, in turn, allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication and its potential impact on the audience and the broader context.

Thesis: Exigence as the Key to Deciphering Communication

A comprehensive understanding of exigence is critical for effective rhetorical analysis. It enables students to decipher the purpose and impact of communication within specific contexts. By focusing on the urgent need that drives communication, we can unlock a deeper understanding of the message itself. We can also understand its potential to shape opinions, inspire action, and effect change in the world around us.

Exigence is not just a theoretical concept. It is a practical tool for understanding the complexities of human communication. By mastering this concept, students and practitioners alike can become more astute readers, listeners, and communicators. They can then critically evaluate the messages they encounter and craft their own persuasive arguments.

Deconstructing the Rhetorical Situation: Exigence in Context

The urgent spark of exigence doesn't exist in a vacuum. Rather, it operates within a broader framework that shapes and is shaped by the act of communication. Understanding this framework, often referred to as the rhetorical situation, is crucial for appreciating the multifaceted nature of exigence and its impact.

Lloyd Bitzer's Foundational Concept

Lloyd Bitzer, a prominent rhetorical theorist, introduced the concept of the rhetorical situation as a means of understanding the circumstances that give rise to rhetorical discourse. His framework provides a structured approach to analyzing the interplay between the speaker, the audience, and the context in which communication occurs.

The Interconnected Trio: Exigence, Audience, and Constraints

At the heart of Bitzer's model lie three core elements: exigence, audience, and constraints. These elements are not isolated entities but are interconnected and mutually influential.

• Exigence, as we've established, is the imperfection, obstacle, or need that demands a response.

• The audience consists of those individuals capable of being influenced by the discourse and of mediating the exigence.

• Constraints encompass the factors that can shape or limit the rhetorical response, including beliefs, attitudes, documents, facts, tradition, and more.

The interplay between these elements determines the nature and effectiveness of the communication. The exigence calls forth a specific audience, and the constraints influence the available means of addressing the exigence and persuading the audience.

Exigence as an Objective Condition

Bitzer posited that exigence exists as an objective condition in the world, independent of the rhetorician's perception. In this view, the exigence is a pre-existing problem that demands a solution, and the rhetorician's role is to recognize and address it. For example, a natural disaster creates an objective exigence: the need for aid, shelter, and recovery efforts.

The Constructionist Critique: Vatz's Perspective

Richard Vatz challenged Bitzer's objective view of exigence, arguing that meaning is not discovered but created by the rhetor.

According to Vatz, exigence doesn't exist independently but is brought into being through the act of communication. The rhetorician, in this perspective, shapes the audience's perception of what is important and urgent. For example, a politician might emphasize certain social issues to create a sense of urgency and garner support for their policies.

The Ongoing Debate: Objective vs. Constructed Realities

The debate between Bitzer's objective view and Vatz's constructionist view of exigence continues to shape rhetorical theory. This ongoing discussion highlights the complexities of understanding how exigence arises and how it influences communication. Is exigence a pre-existing condition, or is it a product of rhetorical invention? The answer, perhaps, lies somewhere in the middle, acknowledging both the objective realities that can create a need for communication and the rhetor's power to shape our perception of those realities.

Understanding this debate allows for a more nuanced analysis of rhetorical situations, acknowledging the interplay between objective circumstances and the art of persuasion.

Exigence and its Entourage: Exploring Related Concepts

The urgent spark of exigence doesn't exist in a vacuum. Rather, it operates within a broader framework that shapes and is shaped by the act of communication. Understanding this framework, often referred to as the rhetorical situation, is crucial for appreciating the multifaceted nature of persuasive discourse.

Exigence is rarely a singular force; it's often accompanied by a suite of related concepts that collectively influence the form and effectiveness of a rhetorical response. These concepts – context, purpose, audience, constraints, and kairos – are not merely tangential; they are integral components of the rhetorical situation, working in concert to define the landscape in which communication occurs.

Context: The Ground from Which Exigence Springs

Context provides the backdrop against which exigence emerges. It encompasses the historical, social, political, and cultural circumstances that give rise to a perceived need for communication.

Consider a protest movement, for example. The context might include decades of systemic inequality, specific discriminatory policies, or a recent triggering event. These circumstances provide the raw material from which the exigence – the urgent need for social change – arises.

Without understanding the context, the exigence itself may seem arbitrary or incomprehensible. Analyzing the context reveals the deep-seated issues that fuel the call to action and shape the nature of the response.

Purpose: Aligning Rhetoric with Need

The purpose of a communication is inextricably linked to the identified exigence. The speaker or writer's goal is, fundamentally, to address the exigence in some way, whether it be to resolve a problem, persuade an audience, or inspire action.

A politician addressing an economic crisis, for example, will likely have the purpose of reassuring the public, proposing solutions, and rallying support for their policies.

The exigence (economic instability) directly informs the speaker's purpose, shaping the content, tone, and delivery of the message. A clear understanding of the speaker's purpose is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of their response to the exigence.

Audience: Tailoring the Message to Meet Needs

Understanding the audience is paramount to effectively responding to the exigence. The rhetor must carefully consider the audience's values, beliefs, knowledge, and expectations in order to craft a message that resonates and persuades.

A scientist communicating climate change data to the public will need to adjust their language and approach to ensure that the information is accessible and compelling to a non-specialist audience.

A lawyer addressing a jury tailors their arguments to appeal to their understanding of the law and their sense of justice. By understanding the audience, the speaker or writer can more effectively address the exigence in a way that is meaningful and impactful.

Constraints: Navigating Limitations and Opportunities

Constraints are the limitations, obstacles, and resources that shape the speaker or writer's response to the exigence. These constraints can be internal (e.g., the speaker's own biases or limitations) or external (e.g., time constraints, legal restrictions, or audience skepticism).

A company facing a public relations crisis, for example, may be constrained by legal obligations, reputational concerns, and the need to act quickly.

A political candidate may be constrained by campaign finance laws, media scrutiny, and the need to appeal to a broad range of voters. Acknowledging and adapting to these constraints is crucial for crafting a persuasive and effective response. Resources, conversely, can also act as a kind of constraint insofar as they may limit the range of reasonable responses.

Kairos: Seizing the Opportune Moment

Kairos refers to the opportune timing or moment for communication. It recognizes that the effectiveness of a message is often contingent upon when it is delivered. A message that is well-received at one moment may be ignored or rejected at another.

A call for peace might be particularly effective in the immediate aftermath of a major conflict, when the public is weary of violence and eager for resolution.

Similarly, a product launch might be timed to coincide with a particular season or event to maximize its impact. Mastering kairos involves recognizing the propitious moment and delivering the message in a way that aligns with the prevailing circumstances.

Putting it into Practice: Applying Exigence in Rhetorical Analysis

The urgent spark of exigence doesn't exist in a vacuum. Rather, it operates within a broader framework that shapes and is shaped by the act of communication. Understanding this framework, often referred to as the rhetorical situation, is crucial for appreciating the multifaceted nature of persuasive discourse.

This section aims to equip you with the practical tools to identify and analyze exigence in a variety of contexts, from the crafted words of a speech to the collective outcry of a social movement.

Identifying Exigence: A Step-by-Step Approach

Identifying the exigence in a text or situation requires careful observation and critical thinking. The process can be broken down into several key steps:

1. Contextual Analysis: Begin by thoroughly examining the surrounding context. What are the social, political, historical, and cultural circumstances in which the communication is taking place?

2. Purpose Identification: What is the speaker or writer attempting to achieve? What problem are they trying to solve, or what need are they trying to address?

3. Audience Awareness: Who is the intended audience? What are their values, beliefs, and expectations? How might they be affected by the communication?

4. Constraint Recognition: What limitations or obstacles might be influencing the speaker or writer? What resources are available to them?

5. Synthesizing Observations: Once you have gathered information about these elements, look for the underlying need or urgency that is driving the communication. What is the rhetor responding to?

Exigence and the Rhetorical Appeals: A Symbiotic Relationship

The effectiveness of any rhetorical act hinges on the skillful deployment of ethos, pathos, and logos. However, these appeals do not operate in isolation.

They are intricately linked to the exigence, serving as the means by which the speaker or writer attempts to address the perceived need or urgency.

• Ethos (Credibility): A speaker's credibility becomes paramount when addressing a pressing exigence. By establishing their expertise and trustworthiness, they increase the likelihood that their audience will accept their proposed solution or course of action.

• Pathos (Emotional Connection): Appealing to the audience's emotions can be a powerful way to galvanize support for a particular cause. By tapping into feelings of anger, fear, sadness, or hope, the speaker can motivate the audience to take action.

• Logos (Logical Reasoning): Presenting a clear and logical argument is essential for convincing the audience that the proposed solution is sound and effective. This involves providing evidence, reasoning, and examples to support the speaker's claims.

Case Studies: Exigence in Action

To illustrate the practical application of exigence in rhetorical analysis, let us consider a few concrete examples.

Speeches: Responding to Moments of Crisis

Examine how historical speeches respond to moments of national crisis.

• Consider Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Pearl Harbor Address" in the wake of the Japanese attack. The exigence was clear: a nation in shock and in need of direction. Roosevelt responded by declaring war, outlining the path forward, and reassuring the American people.

Essays: Articulating a Need for Change

Explore how essays use language to address particular social or political needs.

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" responded to the criticisms leveled against the Civil Rights Movement.

  King articulated the moral imperative for racial equality, challenging the complacency of moderate whites and urging immediate action.

Advertisements: Creating and Capitalizing on Perceived Needs

Analyze how advertisements create and respond to perceived exigencies.

• Consider commercials that promote security systems. These ads often tap into the fear of home invasion, creating a sense of urgency and positioning their product as the solution.

Social Movements: The Collective Response to Exigence

Social movements are often born out of a shared sense of exigence.

• The Civil Rights Movement, for example, arose in response to systemic racial discrimination and inequality.

  The movement's leaders and activists articulated the need for change, mobilized public opinion, and pressured policymakers to enact legislation that would dismantle segregation and protect the rights of African Americans.

  By analyzing the speeches, writings, and actions of social movements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying exigence that drives collective action.

Current Events: Exigence in the Making

Major current events provide potent contemporary examples of exigence in action.

• Consider the ongoing debates surrounding climate change.

  The scientific consensus on the urgency of addressing greenhouse gas emissions has created a clear exigence, prompting governments, businesses, and individuals to take action.

  Analyzing the various responses to this exigence, from international agreements to grassroots activism, can offer valuable insights into the complexities of rhetorical persuasion.

By applying these principles and engaging with diverse examples, you can develop a sophisticated understanding of exigence and its role in shaping effective communication.

Exigence and the AP Language Exam: Mastering the Rhetorical Situation

The urgent spark of exigence doesn't exist in a vacuum. Rather, it operates within a broader framework that shapes and is shaped by the act of communication. Understanding this framework, often referred to as the rhetorical situation, is crucial for appreciating the multifaceted nature of persuasive discourse. For students preparing for the AP Language and Composition Exam, a firm grasp of exigence is not merely beneficial; it is essential for success.

The Direct Relevance of Exigence on the AP Exam

The AP Language and Composition Exam fundamentally assesses a student's ability to analyze and understand rhetoric. This includes not only identifying rhetorical devices but, more importantly, understanding why and how those devices are used to achieve a particular purpose. Exigence, as the catalyst for communication, provides the crucial context for this analysis. Without understanding the underlying need or problem that prompts a speaker or writer to communicate, the analysis remains superficial.

Therefore, when approaching any rhetorical analysis task on the AP exam, the first and perhaps most important question to ask is: "What is the exigence?" What specific event, situation, or problem prompted this communication? Identifying the exigence allows students to understand the purpose of the communication and the strategies employed to address it.

Exigence and the Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

The Free-Response Questions (FRQs) on the AP Language exam are specifically designed to assess students' understanding of the rhetorical situation. Whether it is a rhetorical analysis essay, an argument essay, or a synthesis essay, each type of FRQ requires students to engage with the context of communication.

The rhetorical analysis essay, in particular, demands a close reading of a text and an understanding of how the author uses rhetorical strategies to achieve a specific purpose. Identifying the exigence is the crucial first step in unpacking this purpose.

Similarly, the argument and synthesis essays require students to develop their own arguments in response to a given prompt. Understanding the underlying exigence of the prompt – the problem or issue that the prompt asks them to address – is crucial for crafting a compelling and effective argument.

Therefore, when you read FRQs, always think: What makes the rhetor speak? What prompts them? How can they respond effectively to the situation at hand?

Analyzing Sample Essays: Exemplifying Exigence

Examining high-scoring sample essays from past AP exams can provide valuable insights into how to effectively analyze exigence. These essays typically demonstrate a clear understanding of the context in which the communication took place and how the author's rhetorical choices were shaped by the exigence.

Pay close attention to how these essays identify the specific event, situation, or problem that prompted the communication and how they connect the author's rhetorical strategies to the need to address that exigence.

For instance, a speech delivered in response to a national crisis will likely employ appeals to pathos to unite the audience and motivate action. A successful essay will not simply identify the use of pathos but will explain how and why it is used in response to the specific exigence of the crisis.

The College Board's Standards

The College Board, the organization responsible for developing and administering the AP Language and Composition Exam, clearly emphasizes the importance of understanding the rhetorical situation in its course framework and exam rubrics. The rubrics for the FRQs specifically reward students who demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the context of communication and how the author's rhetorical choices are shaped by that context.

The College Board provides resources such as sample questions, scoring guidelines, and student samples that can help students and teachers understand the expectations for analyzing exigence on the exam. Reviewing these materials is an essential part of preparing for the AP Language exam.

Tips for Approaching FRQs: Identifying and Analyzing Exigence

Here are some practical tips for approaching FRQs with an eye toward identifying and analyzing the exigence:

• Read the prompt carefully. Pay close attention to any contextual information provided, such as the date, the audience, or the purpose of the communication.

• Identify the speaker/writer and their purpose. What is their goal in communicating? What do they hope to achieve?

• Consider the historical, social, and cultural context. What events or issues might have prompted this communication?

• Look for clues in the text itself. Are there any direct references to the problem or issue that the speaker/writer is addressing?

• Don't just identify the exigence; analyze its impact. Explain how the exigence shapes the speaker/writer's rhetorical choices and how those choices contribute to the overall effectiveness of the communication.

By mastering the concept of exigence, students can elevate their rhetorical analysis skills and achieve success on the AP Language and Composition Exam.

So, that's exigence in AP Lang in a nutshell. It might seem a bit abstract at first, but once you start spotting it in everyday situations and persuasive pieces, it'll become second nature. Keep practicing, and you'll be analyzing arguments like a pro in no time! Good luck!