English
abdlla5
rhetoricalanalysis-2.pptx
Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetoric
How writers influence readers through language
Means of persuasion
Rhetorical Analysis
Separate the parts of an argument to better understand how the argument works as a whole
Four Elements
Situation
Purpose
Claims
Audience
Situation
What moves the writer to write?
What problem is the writer addressing?
Often located in first paragraph, first page
May be multifaceted, complex
Purpose
How does the writer respond to the situation?
What does the writer want readers to do?
Should we change our thinking? Become aware of a problem? Behave differently? A combination?
Purpose may unfold with the argument
Claims
Assertions the writer must justify and support with evidence and good reasons
Main claim = Thesis
Supported by minor claims
Thesis is tied to purpose
Often hints toward some kind of resolution
Audience
Readers whose opinions and actions the writer hopes to influence or change
Who is the author appealing to?
References (or jargon)
Understood knowledge
Language
Construction
Formality
Tone
I think human consciousness is a tragic misstep in evolution. We became too self-aware; nature created an aspect of nature separate from itself. We are creatures that should not exist by natural law.
We are things that labor under the illusion of having a self; an accretion of sensory experience and feeling, programmed with total assurance that we are each somebody, when in fact everybody is nobody.
Maybe the honorable thing for our species to do is deny our programming, stop reproducing, walk hand in hand into extinction, one last midnight, brothers and sisters opting out of a raw deal.
Questions
Consider rhetorical appeal- how does Rust use ethos, pathos, logos?
What affect does his argument have on Marty?
What affect does his argument have on you personally? Are you convinced? Unsettled? Irritated? Unfazed?
Appeal to Ethos
Does the author:
Identify an issue worth addressing?
Argue fairly (without noticeable bias)?
Support their claims with credible evidence?
Bring up a variety of viewpoints?
Is the author qualified to speak about the subject? Why or why not?
Appeal to Pathos
Does the author:
Appeal to the values and principles of readers?
Find common ground with readers?
Use personal examples?
Use examples that impact readers emotionally?
Set a relevant tone?
Does the author seem to be aware of your reactions and emotions as a reader? How and why?
https://amp.twimg.com/v/28d29a5a-ec69-471b-90ba- 472b741e4457
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p- iFl4qhBsE
Logical Appeals
To appeal to logos, an author must:
State the premises of the argument
Use credible evidence
Demonstrate that the conclusion follows from the premises
The author’s claim
Outside support
A conclusion drawn from that support
Identify Types of Claims
Claims of Fact
Claims of Value
Claims of Policy
Claims of Fact
Assertions that a problem/condition has existed, exists now, or will exist
Based on evidence
Debatable - not necessarily verifiable facts, but what the author believes to be true
Ex. “Gender inequality is an issue in the U.S. today”
Claims of Value
Express an evaluation of a problem or condition that has existed, exists, or will exist
Is a condition good or bad? Important or unimportant?
Presents a judgment
Uses value words or tone
Ex. “Gender inequality in the U.S. is a disgrace.”
Claims of Policy
Arguments for what should exist- a call for change.
Often signaled by “should” or “must” or “need”
Probably follow/combine with claims of fact or value
Ex. “We need to fix gender inequality in the U.S.”
Read through your source. Note places where the author makes a claim of fact, value, or policy. Your author might use a combination or rely heavily on one of the three.
Does the author adequately back up these claims with outside evidence?
How does Watson appeal to ethos, logos, and pathos? Specific examples?
Which appeal does she use most?
Who is her audience? How do you know?
What part of the speech resonated with you most? Why?
Thesis
A rhetorical analysis thesis should
Offer a unique interpretation/analysis
Outline the subjects of your analysis
Indicate what interpretive framework you plan to use
In other words:
What are you arguing about how this source uses language?
What parts of the source are you using to make this argument?
How are you going to frame this argument?
Interpretive framework
How are you approaching this source? What lens are you using to consider it?
For example:
Feminist
Educational
Political
Medical
Governmental
Environmental
Sometimes your framework will be implied by your language
Example
I will be analyzing the rhetorical strategies used in Emma Watson’s speech to the UN about gender equality. I will argue that she creates a “new feminism” by appealing to a previously marginalized audience– not either men or women, but both, in solidarity. I will approach this speech as a feminist, with the objective of understanding how it furthers the goals of this movement.
Topic Sentences
Each one should support your thesis
You can break up your essay by
Ethos, pathos, logos
Situation, purpose, audience
Claims
You’ll most likely end up blending these components
Think about your audience
What about your argument might be problematic to readers?
How can you preempt this reaction?
Ex. Stephanie obviously loves Emma Watson. Her desire to believe her is clouding her judgment.
My response?
What is your bias? How can you address it?
