Rhetoric Retold summary

Reimagining the History of Rhetoric

In Rhetoric Retold, Cheryl Glenn sets out to reframe the history of rhetoric by reintroducing the voices of women who have been historically marginalized in the field. She begins by critiquing the traditional narrative, which predominantly features male figures such as Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero, and argues that this exclusion has perpetuated the marginalization of women in the discipline.

Glenn then takes us back to ancient Greece, where she introduces us to Sappho, the lyric poet, and Aspasia, the influential partner of Pericles. She highlights their significant rhetorical contributions and demonstrates how their exclusion from traditional rhetoric has shaped our understanding of the field. Moving forward, she discusses Diotima, the philosopher from Plato's Symposium, and how her teachings on love and wisdom have been largely overlooked.

Women in the Public Sphere

Shifting to ancient Rome, Glenn introduces us to Hortensia, a Roman woman who famously spoke out against the unequal taxation of women. Despite her eloquence and courage, Hortensia's voice has been silenced in traditional rhetorical history. The author then explores the contributions of Fulvia, a powerful figure in Roman politics, and how her oratory skills have been downplayed by historians.

In the medieval period, Glenn introduces us to Julian of Norwich, a Christian mystic, and Margery Kempe, an autobiographer, both of whom made significant rhetorical contributions. She argues that their exclusion from traditional rhetoric has led to a narrow understanding of the field. Glenn then examines the Renaissance period and the rhetorical prowess of Margaret More Roper, the daughter of Thomas More, and Anne Askew, a Protestant martyr.

The Tudor Women and Their Rhetorical Influence

Glenn dedicates a section of Rhetoric Retold to the Tudor era, where she focuses on the rhetorical influence of women in the royal court. She begins with Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, and her remarkable defense of her marriage. She then explores the rhetorical strategies of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, and the impact of her speeches and letters.

The author further discusses the rhetorical prowess of Mary I and Elizabeth I, highlighting their public addresses and their navigation of gender expectations in a male-dominated political sphere. She argues that the exclusion of these women from traditional rhetorical history has resulted in a distorted understanding of their rhetorical influence and the gendered dynamics of power in Tudor England.

Reclaiming Women's Rhetorical Legacy

In the final section of the book, Glenn emphasizes the need to reclaim and integrate women's rhetorical legacy into the broader history of rhetoric. She advocates for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the diverse voices and experiences that have contributed to the development of rhetorical theory and practice. Glenn also encourages scholars to critically examine the gender biases embedded within traditional rhetorical history.

In conclusion, Rhetoric Retold serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to reevaluate and expand our understanding of rhetoric by including the often overlooked contributions of women. By doing so, Glenn argues, we can create a more comprehensive and equitable narrative of rhetorical history.