An introductory tour through appraisal theory 18

The heteroglossic options.

A basic distinction, then, under engagement is that between meanings which acknowledge in some way the heteroglossic diversity associated with all utterances (the heteroglossic) and those which ignore that diversity (the monoglossic). Within this broad space of heteroglossic acknowledgement there is an array of alternative meanings, each of which has its own distinctive rhetorical properties in that each differs in the terms by which it acknowledges or invokes the heteroglossic context.

Let's consider some of the options.

1. Some scholars contend that Francis Bacon wrote The Tempest (attribution)
2. Reportedly Francis Bacon wrote The Tempest (hearsay)
3. Francis Bacon may have written The Tempest. (probability)
4. It seems Francis Bacon wrote The Tempest / The evidence suggests Francis Bacon wrote The Tempest (appearance)

1. Therefore I declare that, beyond any shadow of a doubt, Francis Bacon wrote The Tempest / I am compelled to conclude that Francis Bacon did write The Tempest. (proclamation)

Return to Appraisal Homepage