Perspective

Burke dances the line between authoritative philosopher, a man to be trusted and who is capable of making the assertions he is making, and a modest and humble observer who is basing his theories on the sort of common-sensical judgments and prudent observations most anyone is capable of.

As someone wishing to project the persona of an intellectual, rational philosopher who is basing his assertions on sound rhetoric rather than wild speculation, Burke is careful to lay out his theories in a very systematic, step-wise way, by way of discrete Sections which build upon one another, but which are "digestible" enough to ensure maximum comprehensibility.

Burke uses a variety of methods to prove his various assertions and theories. He may quote a passage from Virgil or Milton to demonstrate the power of words; or provide anecdotal scientific or anthropological evidence; or provide an analogy that would provide a...