Implicit and Explicit Arguments

Explicit arguments state a belief or argument directly and support it with evidence and reasons. Implicit arguments are less direct and don't appear to be an argument. Implicit arguments can take the form of a poem, short story, or a photograph. However, both explicit and implicit arguments try to push an audience towards a certain point of view. Owen's poem does not directly state that it is not heroic to die for one's country. Instead he uses imagery to show the horrors of war, making heroism seem less important. The Veterans Day photo shows a Pearl Harbor veteran embracing a younger Marine sergeant. The photo shows and brings out emotions and presents and implicit argument of honoring and serving one's country. Both the photo and poem are examples of implicit arguments because they do not state the argument directly, but instead show and create images to display a point.