Commonplaces are widely accepted ideas or beliefs that are often taken for granted in a culture or society. They serve as a foundation for communication and understanding, allowing people to connect through shared knowledge. Commonplaces can include proverbs, clichés, or general truths that resonate with many individuals. In literature and rhetoric, commonplaces are used as a persuasive tool to appeal to an audience's shared experiences or values. They can help convey messages more effectively by tapping into familiar concepts, such as love, honesty, or justice. By referencing these common ideas, speakers and writers can strengthen their arguments and engage their audience.