Final answer:
The author of "Never Retreat" assumes the reader has prior knowledge, which is crucial for understanding the nuances of the argument and recognizing when conventions are being challenged. Becoming familiar with the text allows for deeper engagement and more reasoned analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When contemplating the text "Never Retreat," it's evident that the author presumes certain prior knowledge in his readers. This foundational understanding is pivotal as it supports the main points with strong evidence and helps avoid stating the obvious. It is also assumed that the readers are familiar enough to recognize when the author challenges conventional expectations in rhetorically effective ways. The importance of knowing the audience, the topic complexity, and the nuances of argument writing are also highlighted, which typically originate from a history or English classroom experience. Moreover, it is imperative to become familiar with the text, so as to have a solid grasp of the content that will be interpreted, which facilitates a deeper engagement with the work and a more reasoned analysis.
Understanding concepts such as the importance of knowing one's enemy and oneself, as mentioned in lines 29 to 31, may hint at a reader's existing knowledge of strategic thinking or familiarity with similar philosophical or military texts. This prior knowledge enhances the comprehension of the author's argument and its context. Such expertise is essential since it enables the readers to fully engage with the material, perceive slight shifts in voice or tone, and unpack the argument espoused by the author.