Literary Term - Bandwagon

 

Literary Term

Bandwagon 

The literary term "bandwagon" does not refer to a specific literary device or technique but is more commonly associated with a rhetorical and persuasive strategy. It is often used in the context of persuasive writing, speeches, or advertising.

The "bandwagon" technique involves appealing to the idea that something is popular or widely accepted, and therefore, the reader or listener should join in or support it simply because others are doing so. It plays on the human tendency to want to be part of a group, to conform, or to follow trends. The underlying message is that if everyone else is doing it, you should too, because it's the right thing to do.

In literature, authors and advertisers may use the bandwagon technique to persuade their audience to adopt a certain viewpoint, support a cause, or purchase a product by suggesting that doing so aligns them with the majority or with what's currently fashionable or desirable. This can be an effective persuasive tool, but it is also a form of logical fallacy when used to manipulate opinions without providing substantive reasons or evidence for a particular choice or action.

Examples of Bandwagon in Literature

The bandwagon persuasion technique is often used in literature to depict characters or situations where individuals are influenced by the prevailing opinions, trends, or beliefs of the majority.

 

"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller: In this play, set during the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century, many characters jump on the bandwagon of accusing others of witchcraft to protect themselves or gain social advantage. As the accusations gain momentum, more and more characters join in, whether they truly believe in the accusations or not, out of fear or a desire to conform.

 

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell: In this allegorical novella, the animals on a farm rebel against their human owner, but over time, the pigs in leadership positions begin to adopt the same oppressive practices as the humans. The other animals go along with these changes, even though they originally revolted against such behavior. This illustrates how the animals, like the masses, follow the bandwagon of those in power.

 

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding: In this novel, a group of boys stranded on a deserted island initially tries to establish order and rules, but as fear and chaos grow, many of them join the bandwagon of violence and savagery, following the lead of those who give in to their darkest instincts.

 

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The characters in this novel, set in the Roaring Twenties, are often motivated by a desire to be part of the glamorous and extravagant lifestyle of the upper class. They eagerly join the bandwagon of decadence and wealth, even if it means engaging in morally questionable actions.

 

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: In this classic novel, the town of Maycomb, Alabama, is deeply divided over issues of race and prejudice. Many characters, including the jury in Tom Robinson's trial, go along with the prevailing racist attitudes of the time, even if they privately harbor doubts or moral objections.

 

These examples demonstrate how the bandwagon effect can be a powerful theme in literature, highlighting the ways in which individuals are influenced by societal pressures, peer pressure, or the desire to fit in with the majority, sometimes at the expense of their own moral principles.

Function of Bandwagon

The bandwagon technique serves several functions in literature, rhetoric, and persuasive writing:

Persuasion: One of the primary functions of the bandwagon technique is to persuade the audience or readers to adopt a particular viewpoint, belief, or action by suggesting that it is the popular or majority opinion. People often feel more comfortable aligning themselves with what appears to be the prevailing consensus.

Creating Conformity: The bandwagon technique can illustrate the power of societal or peer pressure to make individuals conform to the prevailing norms or beliefs. It shows how people may abandon their own opinions or values to fit in with the crowd.

Building Credibility: When an argument or idea is presented as being widely accepted or endorsed by a large number of people, it can enhance the credibility of that argument or idea. This is because people tend to trust ideas that appear to have broad support.

Strengthening Emotional Appeals: Bandwagon appeals often tap into emotions like fear, the desire for belonging, or the fear of missing out. By suggesting that everyone else is doing something or believing in a particular way, it can create a sense of urgency and emotional resonance with the audience.

Simplifying Decision-Making: Bandwagon appeals can simplify complex decisions for individuals. Instead of critically evaluating all the options or arguments, they may choose to follow the crowd because it seems like the easiest or safest choice.

Highlighting Social Dynamics: In literature, the bandwagon can be used to explore social dynamics and the effects of peer pressure, conformity, and mob mentality on characters and their actions. This allows authors to comment on human behavior and society.

Critiquing Social Issues: Some authors use the bandwagon technique to critique or satirize societal trends and the blind following of popular opinion. By portraying characters who mindlessly join the bandwagon, authors can shed light on the negative consequences of groupthink and conformity.

Creating Conflict: The bandwagon effect can be a source of conflict in literature when characters must grapple with the pressure to conform to prevailing beliefs or values, even when those beliefs may be harmful or unjust.

In literature and rhetoric, the function of the bandwagon technique often depends on the author's purpose and message. It can be used to illuminate the complexities of human behavior, criticize societal norms, or simply persuade the audience to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint.