Part Two: Arrangement

Arrangement, from Latin dispositio is about the organization of ideas to gain effect. Rhetoric is often associated with persuasion, but arrangement is often specifically neutral, being more about internal logics.

In The Trivium

The canonical framework for arrangement comes from the Roman Cicero through Greek Aristotle, who outlined a five-part structure:

Exordium (introduction): establish rapport with the audience

Narratio (statement of facts): necessary background information or context

Confirmatio (proofs): present evidence, logical reasoning

Refutatio (counterarguments): anticipate objections and addresses them.

Peroratio (conclusion): reinforce the main points, leave a final impression.

Competence In Arrangement

This allows for arranging ideas in a logical sequence (opposed to scattered, dispersed ones). This offers unity, with arguments then presenting as wholes rather than fragmented pieces lacking continuity, connection, etc.. For the Trivium, effect(iveness) is the result of ordered and careful (deliberated) arrangement.

Issues In Arrangement

Improper sequencing results in ideas without clear beginnings and with hazy ends. These cursed origins fail to gain interest early, while underdeveloped conclusions give incomplete narratives. Correction involves re-ordering, sequencing to ensure each section functions within the whole.

Conclusion

In the classical view, a good narrative follows after this order naturally, even if informally. Classical speeches strictly followed this structure often, whereas that's less common today. So if arrangement today is a guiding principle, then one point would be that its effectiveness lies in its adaptability.