Rhetorical Analysis How to Get That Elusive 9
Learning Target I can analyze a text using elements of the rhetorical web. I can connect rhetorical strategies to an author’s overall purpose and argument.
Basics You get a short piece of writing to read You get directions telling you how to analyze that piece of writing You read the piece carefully You write an insightful essay analyzing specific elements of the writing
Scoring 9 is the best 1 is the worst 0 or –
Reading Comes First Read the directions! *** Always read for purpose and tone Annotate while you read. Read through the prompt twice & create a brief outline b4 you write
The Directions In an article first appearing in Time Magazine, James Poniewozik offers a solution for what he considers our society’s prevalent, but empty, happiness. Read this selection from “The Art of Unhappiness” carefully. Then write an essay in which you analyze the rhetorical techniques Poniewozik uses to convey the value of art for our society.
Introducing… Don’t waste time! Historical context or the big picture Mention the author and title when available. Thesis statement= overall point &major techniques (link back to directions!)
Sample Introduction The most intelligent people in the world would readily admit that wisdom doesn’t always bring happiness. In fact, the more we reflect on our own position in the universe, the more we question our future and our purpose. James Poniewozik contemplates these same issues in his article “The Art of Unhappiness.” However, instead of describing the parallel between learning and sadness, he explores the depressing side of art. Through his light, sometimes facetious tone and colorful imagery, he shows us that the darker arts may be just what the doctor ordered for our “happy” society.
The Body Use topic and closing sentences to relate back to the prompt’s purpose. Option 1: Organize by the main points you want to bring up. Option 2: Organize by techniques. Option 3: Chronological. Careful!
In Conclusion… Analyze the prompt’s conclusion in your conclusion. Restate the author’s purpose. Give a sense of closure. Doesn’t have to be long!
Rhetoric & Rhetorical Web! You can discuss: –3 rhetorical questions –The Rhetorical Situation –Modes –Anything from rhetorical web
Style Tips SSSSHOW, don’t tell RRRRelate everything back to purpose DDDDon’t mention a technique if you don’t know why it’s there DDDDon’t worry too much about technical names. SSSStitch and weave
SHOW, don’t tell Not this… –Johnson really uses pathos in his third paragraph. But this… –Using abstract words such as “freedom” and “dignity,” Johnson reels in his audience, grabbing them intellectually as well as emotionally.
Relate Everything to Purpose Not this… –In his 2 nd paragraph, Millikin uses anaphora several times. But this… –As Millikin calls for unity among all nations, he uses anaphora to emphasize the need for all nations to come together. –As Millikin calls for unity among all nations, he uses a succession of “we must” clauses to emphasize the necessity of unity.
Talking About Style Only mention a particular stylistic technique if it adds something unique to that particular text. –Ex: Any author can use anaphora once. It’s worth talking about if anaphora makes a powerful impact and it clearly relates to the purpose of the piece.
Stitch and Weave Not this… –“Laughing, crying, running, sleeping, breathing are all human actions, human emotions, that make us alive.” This quote uses parallel structure to make its point. But this… –To support his point that humans are complex creatures, Brown creates a parallel string of human actions: “laughing, crying, running, sleeping, breathing.”
More Stitching and Weaving NNNNot this… –“–“–“–“We as Americans need to stand up for our rights and fight for our freedoms.” This emotional call would clearly have an affect on Jameson’s audience. BBBBut this… –J–J–J–Jameson calls for Americans to “stand up for [their] rights and fight for [their] freedoms,” stirring his audience to action.