Kenneth Burke (Rhetorician)

Kenneth Burke was an influential American rhetorician and literary critic, known for his ideas on language, symbolism, and the role of communication in human interaction. He introduced concepts like "identification," which explains how people connect with others through shared experiences and values. Burke believed that rhetoric is not just about persuasion but also about understanding and creating meaning in society. His work emphasized the importance of context and audience in communication, influencing fields such as literary theory, social criticism, and psychology. Burke's approach underscores the complexity of language and its power in shaping human relationships and cultures.