Final answer:
In a conversation between Riley and Brendan, Riley assumes Brendan is interested in politics based on a poster in his room, which turns out to be his roommate's. This illustrates how assumptions in dialogue can lead to misunderstandings and emphasizes the influence of cultural identifiers on communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Riley makes an assumption during a conversation with Brendan, it represents a common facet of dialogue where our perceptions and preconceived notions can color the communication between individuals. For instance:
Riley: "You're not going to the rally? I thought you'd be the first to support the cause."
Brendan: "Why would you think that? I've actually never been much into politics."
Riley: "Oh, I just assumed because of that poster in your room..."
Brendan: "Ah, that's just my roommate's stuff. I'm more into community service projects."
In this closed conversation, Riley's assumption based on cultural identifiers like a poster leads to a misunderstanding. This showcases how tone and cultural identity can shape dialogue, echoing concepts from Kenneth Burke's metaphorical parlor and the ongoing academic conversations he describes. The dialogue changes with the introduction of erroneous assumptions, highlighting the importance of clear communication.