AP Language: Shifts and Rhetorical Analysis AP Prompt

Agenda: Reminder of purpose of shifts in tone/perspective Analyze shifts in The Man I Killed Rhetorical Analysis essay on The Man I Killed I can analyze the rhetorical purpose of shifts in perspective and tone in a text.

Shifts in perspective and tone Reminder: an author will purposefully change his/her tone toward the subject OR change the perspective from which the story is told. He/she does this in order to develop his/her argument or theme. How to find shifts: -Paragraph breaks sometimes indicate a shift—not always, but it’s a good place to start. -Look for a noticeable change in the connotation of the words chosen or a noticeable change in the author’s style -Look for a change in POV or perspective

Why shift? -Author could be presenting different ways to look at a topic in order to indicate which one he/she thinks is the right one. -Author could be indicating that this topic is a difficult one to take a firm stance on -Author could be indicating conflicting feelings about a topic or presenting the counterargument to his/her own stance What other purposes can you think of?

Notes on Sequence of Events: We have talked about plot structure (linear, non-linear, etc), but now we are going to go even further by talking about why authors choose to put certain events before others in their text.

Relationship between events Authors purposefully sequence their events in order to show relationships: -Cause/effect -Problem/solution -Showing similarity -Showing contrast (difference) -Showing emphasis

Cause/Effect Relationship An author will often purposefully sequence events to show or suggest a cause/effect relationship. In this case, the event that happens first is usually the cause and the event that happens next is usually the result of the first event.

Problem/Solution Relationship An author will often purposefully sequence events to show or suggest a problem/solution relationship. In this case, the event that happens first is usually establishing a problem and the event that happens second is the solution to that problem.

Showing Similarity An author will often purposefully sequence events to show or suggest a similarity between the two events. In this case, the event that happens first is meaningful and the event that happens second is one the author wants us to compare to the first. Usually the similarity relates to the theme of the story.

Showing Difference An author will often purposefully sequence events to show or suggest a contrast (difference) between the two events. In this case, the event that happens first is meaningful and the event that happens second is one that is starkly in contrast to the first. Usually the difference relates to the theme of the story. Juxtaposition is one way an author shows difference!

Showing Emphasis Sometimes authors will purposefully sequence events to place emphasis on one event over another. Remember that humans tend to remember what we see/hear first and last. Authors will sometimes use this concept when sequencing events because they want to make one event more important than another.

Look at The Man I Killed Together, let’s look at the chapter “The Man I Killed.” With a partner, complete the organizer, where you will look at this chapter section-by-section. We are particularly focused on shifts and the purpose of the sequence of events. After you have completed the organizer together, complete the paragraph on your own. You have 30 minutes to work on this.

Deconstructing the prompt Read the prompt carefully, including all introductory information. Circle or underline the essential terms and elements in the prompt. To understand the rhetorical context: Rhetorical Triangle or SOAPSTone (Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone) Look for hints of specific rhetorical strategies in the prompt. Identify the specific task the prompt asks you to address.

Read and Annotate the passage: Always Consider: Tone and Style Rhetorical Strategies Connection to the Prompt HOW do the rhetorical strategies help the author achieve his/her purpose? WHY does the author chose those strategies for that particular audience and for that particular occasion?

Common Rhetorical Devices: All Writing Utilizes: Tone Style Diction Syntax Most Writing Utilizes: Rhetorical Mode(s) Rhetorical Appeal(s) DIDLS for Style: Diction Imagery Details Language Syntax

Intention: The goal the author wants to accomplish by producing the piece of rhetoric. To define an issue To reflect on the importance of something To persuade the audience to do something To evaluate the truth of a claim or another’s argument To explain/inform about an issue/topic/event To clarify difficult material Effect: How certain choices made by the author contribute to the intention Author’s Choices/Strategies Diction Rhetorical appeals Rhetorical devices Style Tone/Mood Syntax With each, determine the effect – does it create emphasis? Contrast? Etc.

Emphasis on Analysis For each choice the author makes, you must: Identify where is the strategy used in the text [include example(s)] Explain the effect of the strategy Explain the speaker’s intention [how does this connect to the purpose] Paragraph structure: `1. Topic Sentence [strategy + message/purpose] 2. Example 3. Effect 4. Intention

AP Rhetorical Analysis Prompt Now that we have broken down the prompt, write a thesis statement and outline for how you would respond to AP rhetorical analysis prompt for The Man I Killed.

Homework: Finish your organizer and paragraph response if you did not Complete the Rhetorical Analysis Essay Read the next section of the book