Gorgias’ “undeclared” theory of arrangement: A postscript to Smeltzer

Abstract

In a recent essay, Mark A. Smeltzer finds in Gorgias’ speeches a theory of arrangement that has two components: a four‐part division of the speech as a whole and a three‐step pattern of individual argument construction. In response we argue: 1) the four‐part division is not apparent in Gorgias’ speeches; 2) the three‐step pattern is characteristic of “ring composition” rather than an explicit theory of composition; 3) recognizable patterns of composition do not constitute proof of a theory at work; and 4) writing about the history of rhetoric would be enhanced by recognizing the concept of an “undeclared” theory.