Semantic topoi as a tool for ethos and pathos appeal (based on forensic speeches by N.P. Karabchevskii)

The article observes semantic topoi functioning as a tool for constructing ethos and pathos modes of persuasion. A description of modern approaches to understanding the commonplaces and their systematizations is given. Three-part classification, according to which all commonplaces can be divided into logical, pragmatic and semantic, is used as a basis for the analysis. The article also provides a brief overview of existing approaches to ethos and pathos appeals in russian and western rhetorical traditions. Based on forensic speeches by N. P. Karabchevskii, the conducted research allows to highlight various thematic groups of semantic topoi and provides the analysis of specific examples, which makes it possible to draw a conclusion about the effective usage of semantic topoi in cases, when logos appeal is not sufficient for meeting the communicative goals of orator and the usage of ethos and pathos appeal might be more expedient.