O Ethos na Carta ao Povo Brasileiro

Abstract

This paper analyzes the construction of the Lula ethos in the letter to the Brazilian people. The theoretical basis is based especially on Charaudeau (2006) and Meyer (2007). This research is documentary and of qualitative approach, due to the interpretation and the construction of meanings. The corpus of analysis is the speech of the ex-president Lula in the Letter to the Brazilian people from which eleven fragments were chosen for analysis. In these excerpts, the ex-president mentions his trajectory alongside the people, shows the reasons for his candidacy for the presidency, affirms that he did not commit a crime, so his imprisonment is unjust, that he would always fight, even though he lost his partner and suffered accusations; declares that the UN has recognized its right to the candidacy, but the courts have denied it. In addition, it exposes that it is censured, that perhaps was not arrested if it did not lead the intentions of votes; shows certainty that one day he will be acquitted, when he will be ruling with Haddad; thanks those who show solidarity and asks that they vote for Haddad, who will be a Lula for millions of Brazilians. The research shows the construction of several ethos, among them the ethos of honesty, humanity, seriousness and innocence. We can see from the research that the construction of the ethos is an efficient persuasion strategy of the audience for which the discourse is intended. Thus, the speaker constructs a positive image before an audience as an efficient argumentative strategy in the attainment of persuasion.