Explicit Vs. Implicit

Arguments must justify the claim they are making by seeking the truth and using the art of persuasion. Arguments can be either explicit or implicit. Explicit arguments state their claim or stance directly. They use evidence and reason to support their position to persuade others to agree. Implicit arguments do not look like arguments as they are implied. They can take the forms of poems, short stories, photographs, cartoons, personal essays, and autobiographical narratives. However, they are similar to explicit arguments in that they try to persuade others to take a certain point of view.

Two examples of implicit arguments are the Veterans Day Photograph and the “Dulce et Decorum Est” poem. They portray two different opinions about war. The photograph is trying to make an argument about how it is good to honor one’s country by serving in the armed forces. Even though the one soldier has an artificial hand, he appears strong and proud of what he has done. The older veteran’s embrace suggests that he is proud of the younger soldier and at the same time understands and sympathizes with him as he knows the pain and scars wars leave.

The poem “Dulce et Decorum Est” makes the implicit argument that war is horrible and pointless. It does this by describing in great detail how a soldier drowns in mustard gas because he did not get his mask on in time. The author, Wilfred Owen, says this experience is not something one would tell children to make them feel dying for one’s country is honorable or glorious. Instead, he views “Dulce et Decorum Est propartria mori” is a lie.

Both these works make persuasive implicit arguments. They are not explicit arguments as there is no position or thesis stated, followed by reasons and evidence to support this position.