Rhetorical Analysis Day 1: “The Communist Manifesto” I can determine an author’s use of rhetorical strategies, the effect, and how it helps achieve purpose.

Agenda Bell Ringer: Rhetorical Device Rhetorical Strategy: Classification Style through Language Diction Figurative Language Rhetorical Analysis of “The Communist Manifesto”

Classification Separates items into major categories and details the characteristics of each group and the way each member of that group is placed within the category. It is possible to divide the categories into subgroups.

Classification Classification is a process that authors use in all kinds of genres–and it is often used in the service of other rhetorical strategies. For example, one might: classify elements of an analysis. use classification to break down the elements of an opposing argument. A classification essay takes a group of things and breaks it down in one of the three ways: Parts. Ex: Three important parts of a car are the engine, the axis, and the body. Types. Ex: Three types of rock music are punk, emo, and progressive. Characteristics. Ex: Important features of a sports car are a bright color, a high speed, and an attractive interior.

Classification (Topical) Order There are four basic kinds of writing: each mode may take different forms but has a primary purpose. The first is expository writing, which has a purpose of explaining something or giving directions, such as providing directions to your house.  The second mode is persuasive writing, which has a purpose of influencing the reader’s way of thinking.  A politician’s speech is an example of persuasive writing. The third mode is descriptive writing, which has a purpose of providing vivid details so that the reader can picture what is being presented. An essay that depicts the glorious Grand Canyon fits into this category. The fourth mode is narrative writing, which has a purpose of presenting an experience in the form of a story. A personal account of a vacation is an example of narrative writing.  Through these four modes, or combinations of modes, writers have several options for expressing their ideas.   What categories does the writer break the content of the paragraph into?   Why do you think the writer put the topics in this particular order?  What purpose might the writer have for ordering his points this way?

Style The specific choices made by an author, strategically and self-consciously, to influence an audience. Today, we will only focus on language choices made by the author: Diction Figurative Language

Diction Use your Strategic Language Use handout to help you determine the type of diction and the style! Words MATTER. The words an author chooses help define the style of text. By focusing on the diction of a piece, you can determine the level of style the author has chosen: High or formal- language that creates an elevated tone. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions. It often contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice. Middle- uses standard language and vocabulary without elaborate words and may include contractions. Low or informal/Colloquial- the language of everyday use. It is relaxed and conversational. It often includes common and simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.

Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Extended Metaphor Personification Definition: Examples: A type of literary element where an author makes a comparison using language that is NOT literal. What they’re saying cannot be understood literally. Simile Metaphor Extended Metaphor Personification Hyperbole Idiom We will talk about these later! Based on needs, go over notes (slides are hidden, so you will have to unhide any that you want to go over) ALL EXAMPLES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE ARE LITERARY ELEMENTS BUT NOT ALL LITERARY ELEMENTS ARE EXAMPLES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE!

SIMILE A comparison of two things (nouns) using “like, “as,” “than,” or “resembles.” Example “She is as beautiful as a sunrise.” Nouns being compared

METAPHOR A direct comparison of two unlike things Example Life is a roller coaster. She is a walking dictionary.

EXTENDED METAPHOR A metaphor that goes several lines or possible the entire length of a work. Example: "I graduated from the University of Life. All right? I received a degree from the School of Hard Knocks. And our colors were black and blue, baby. I had office hours with the Dean of Bloody Noses. All right? I borrowed my class notes from Professor Knuckle Sandwich and his Teaching Assistant, Ms. Fat Lip Thon Nyun. That’s the kind of school I went to for real, okay?" (Will Ferrell, Commencement Address at Harvard)

“The Communist Manifesto” Class Discussion – checking for Understanding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0GFSUu5UzA

Rhetorical Analysis Determine the authors’ overall argument Determine the authors’ purpose. Identify the author’s main rhetorical strategy and explain the effect of using this strategy. Cause/Effect Compare/Contrast Classification Definition Description Process Narration Exemplification Analyze Style: Diction Figurative Language

Practice Complete the “Fill in the Blank” Rhetorical Analysis Essay for the Introduction and Body Paragraph #. We will work more with essay writing and the AP Test next class! 