How Does Chris Gardner Use Ethos In The Pursuit Of Happiness

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The Pursuit of Happiness is a biographical drama film that tells the inspiring story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who faces tremendous adversity while trying to provide for his young son and achieve financial stability. In addition to its powerful narrative, the film also makes effective use of logos, ethos, and pathos - the three modes of persuasion - to convey its message and connect with audiences. In this essay, we will examine how The Pursuit of Happiness uses logos, ethos, and pathos to tell a compelling story about the pursuit of happiness, and how these modes of persuasion contribute to the film's impact and resonance with audiences. This film embodies the concept of ethos, or the credibility and character of the speaker, …show more content…

One of the key aspects of ethos in The Pursuit of Happiness is the authenticity of its story. The film is based on the real-life experiences of Chris Gardner, who faced incredible obstacles on his path to success. This authenticity gives the film a sense of credibility and makes it more relatable to viewers who may have faced similar struggles in their own lives. Furthermore, the performances by the cast, particularly Will Smith as Chris Gardner, lend further credibility to the film's ethos. Smith's portrayal of Gardner is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the character's determination, vulnerability, and resilience. His performance is so convincing that it's easy to forget that he is playing a role, and it adds to the sense of authenticity that permeates the film. In addition to its authenticity and strong performances, The Pursuit of Happiness also has a powerful message that contributes …show more content…

The film's use of logos, or the appeal to logic and reason, is evident in its portrayal of the difficulties and obstacles that Chris Gardner faces, as well as the emphasis on hard work and determination as keys to success. The film's use of ethos, or the appeal to credibility and trustworthiness, is evident in its biographical nature, which adds a sense of authenticity and realism to the story. Finally, the film's use of pathos, or the appeal to emotion, is evident in its portrayal of Gardner's struggles and triumphs, which create a powerful emotional connection with viewers and inspire feelings of empathy, compassion, and