Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons^™

The Reality Of Fiction: A Textual Analysis Of Verisimilitude In The Appeal, Stephanie M. Taft

Communication Studies

This project assesses the verisimilitude and plausibility of John Grisham's novel, The Appeal. While labeled as a fiction work, I argue that his book should resonate with readers and be taken seriously as it mirrors American culture. It speaks back to America's government, judicial and legal systems. I invoke statistics and a prominent law case that show why Grisham's book is not completely fictitious in any regard. The novel is highly applicable to society today, as corporate scandals and corruption seem to always surface. I also discuss how the book is relatable to the real world by discussing some of …