Strength of the Argument: Ethos, Pathos, and Logosbell Hooks' essay, "Keeping Close to Home," uses three important components of the argument (ethos, pathos, and logos) to support it complaint. hooks develops his essay by establishing credibility with his audience, appealing to the reader's logic, and arousing his emotions. He questions the role a university should play in the life of a nation, arguing that higher education should not distance a student from his roots, but help him build an education on his background. Bell Hooks earns readers' trust and credibility through knowledge of the topic at hand, establishing common ground with the audience and demonstrating fairness. Ethics is the distinctive moral character of a writer that instills confidence in the audience. Bell Hooks is a highly respected writer and teacher, known for her strong opinion and academic background. He establishes his credentials through his personal struggles with the university system and his efforts to maintain his own individuality and background. The reader gains respect for Hooks as he courageously resists the pressure to adapt to his new academic life. For example, he says, “It [is] my responsibility to formulate a way of being that allows [me] to participate fully in my new environment while integrating and maintaining aspects of the old” (hook 92). Bell Hooks writes not only to help others find the strength to hold on to their past, but also for their own resistance. Its audience is assured by its motivations to educate and inform. While Hooks' personal experience strengthens his ethics, a certain rigidity used in addressing the public at the same time weakens his credibility. For example, Hooks's tendency to label academics and groups different from herself causes the reader to see her as hypocritical. He separates people into classes of those he perceives as right and those he sees as wrong. Therefore, it creates a smaller readership and weakens its message. This tendency makes his argument seem one-sided and prevents common ground from forming. Hooks' efforts to help others preserve the background that "enable[s] one's personal development in the present, that sustain[s] and sustain[s], that enrich[s]", however, prevents his voice and his opinions are ignored (91 ).bell hooks' use of logical proof is not as strong as his ethics. With the help of facts and studies, that of an author