Catastases

/kətæsˈteɪsiːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of catastasis; in rhetoric, the section of a speech where the main argument or crisis is fully developed and explained.

Etymology

From Greek 'katastasis' (a standing down, settling, or state of affairs), derived from 'kata' (down) + 'stasis' (standing). This term is from classical rhetoric and refers to the structural development of an argument.

Kelly Says

Ancient Greek orators were masters of structure—they knew exactly where to place their strongest arguments for maximum impact, using the catastasis as the moment when listeners would be most convinced.

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