Rhetorical Analysis

Individual Assignment 1: Rhetorical analysis of a New York Times’ article and commentary 500 words The purpose of this assignment is three-fold: 1. To help you gain a deeper understanding of the Rhetorical Triangle (Logos, Pathos, and Ethos) and how it is used in opinion and commentary in an influential, agenda-setting media outlet. 2. To learn how to deconstruct a rhetorical argument piece by piece. 3. To push you to think about how audience feedback and commentary are now both shaping and interacting with rhetoric on the web. To complete this assignment: • Read Virginia Heffernan’s article, “Comment is King” • Read “How to write a rhetorical analysis” • Familiarize yourself with the Rhetorical Triangle web page and with the video lecture led by professor Pearson. Next, carefully read “Why Our Memory Fails Us” by Christopher F. Chabris and Daniel J. Simons Once you have read through their arguments, and feel that you have a solid grasp for the case their making, click on the “Comments” section and select the tab for “Reader Picks”; carefully read the top three comments. Using Heffernan’s article, the Rhetorical Triangle website and video, and “How to write a rhetorical analysis” as your guide, methodically deconstruct arguments that are presented, both by Chabris and Simons, and the most popular comments. Drawing on your understanding of Logos, Pathos and Ethos, analyze the argument presented by Chabris and Simons: • How do they build their case in what they see as the problems of relying on one’s memory? • Do they play on the emotions of their audience or do they rely more heavily on facts and studies? • What is their tone as authors? Reflect on why the top three comments were found to be convincing by so many other readers. What techniques using logos, ethos and pathos did they use to make their points so effectively?