Rhetoric: The Art of Making Truth Effective AP Language and Composition Test Preparation and Review

Rhetoric Is… “The Art of Making Truth Effective” - Aristotle

Analyzing Rhetoric Rhetoric is the art of being persuasive Another way to put it: Using language strategically to influence, convince, inspire Analyzing Rhetoric: What does the speaker or author want? How do you know? How does the speaker/author construct their writing strategically so that they can get what they want?

Author’s/Speaker’s Purpose Rhetorical analysis begins by stating the purpose. What does the author/speaker want you to think, do, feel, or understand? What is the moral/message about life that the author/speaker suggests? Always an argument, never a summary.

Author’s/Speaker’s Purpose Pro Tips: 1 – 2 sentences. Use this frame: In ___[Title of piece]__, __[author]__ __[strong, specific verb]___.

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle Speaker (Persona) Think: given the Purpose & Audience, how does the speaker choose what to say & how to say it? Audience Purpose

Author’s Purpose Direct Address Known audience, clear context Often letters, speeches Main purpose is clear BUT may also contain broader message—purpose statement needs to address this

Example of Direct Address Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech, 7/3/39 Photo courtesy: http://www.maniacworld.com/Lou_G ehrig.htm

Rhetoric is Always Situational It has an occasion – the time and place the text was written or spoken The occasion exists in a certain context – the circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding the text Finally, the purpose is the goal the author/speaker wishes to achieve With these factors in mind, does Gehrig make an effective speech? Please explain

Author’s Purpose Indirect Address Audience unknown, but speaker/author may have general idea, demographics Often book excerpts, magazine/news articles, narrative essays STILL HAS AN ARGUMENT—what’s the big idea? End here – keep the Olbermann for a later date

Example of Indirect Address Keith Olbermann reflects on the 75th anniversary of Gehrig’s speech, 7/3/14 https://www.youtub e.com/watch?v=xbae BHEt5uk

The Situation