Rhetorical Analysis The Magic of understanding Language

What is Rhetoric? “Rhetoric writings the study of effective speaking and the art of persuasion” (Silva Rhetoricae). “Finding Rhetoric." Finding Rhetoric. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June

What is Rhetoric ? Cont.. "Transmedia Me." Visual Rhetoric «. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June The fundamental character of Rhetoric as a discipline is to train students “1) to perceive how language is at work orally and in writing, and 2) to become proficient in applying the resources of language in their own speaking and writing” (Silva Rhetoricae).

What is Rhetoric? Cont. Persuasion, according to Aristotle and other authorities is only brought about through three kinds of proof (persuasive appeals) Logos = the appeal to reason. Pathos = the appeal to emotion Ethos = the persuasive appeal to one’s character (Silva Rhetoricae). "Larval Subjects." Larval Subjects. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June

What is Logos? “Logos names the appeal to reason. Aristotle wished that all communication could be transacted only through this appeal, but given the weaknesses of humanity, he laments, we must resort to the use of the other two appeals” (Silva Rhetoricae).

What is Pathos? “Pathos names the appeal to emotion”. (Silva Rhetoricae). Pathos includes a wide array of emotions from the mild to the intense. Basically, all emotions either draw you toward the subject being discussed or make you want to distance yourself from it.

What is Ethos? “Ethos names the persuasive appeal of one's character, especially how this character is established by means of the speech or discourse. Aristotle claimed that one needs to appear both knowledgeable about one's subject and benevolent” (Silva Rhetoricae).

Also important… Kairos The term kairos has a rich and varied history, but generally refers to the way a given context for communication both calls for and constrains one's speech. Thus, sensitive to kairos, a speaker or writer takes into account the contingencies of a given place and time, and considers the opportunities within this specific context for words to be effective and appropriate to that moment (Silva Rhetoricae).

What are the components of rhetoric? As a review form English 1301, rhetoric is quite often divided into the following general areas” 1. Purpose: What is the author attempting to do with his/her work? Understanding the intended purpose of a text first (and crucial) step in a deeper understanding of the text and author.

Components of rhetoric cont.. 2. Audience: Who is the text written for? Obviously, an author’s intended reader plays a large role in how the author appeals to theh audience. 3. The Appeals: Aristotle, when referring to the strategies that writers use in their texts, discusses three main groups: Logos, Pathos and Ethos.

Rhetorical Analysis is NOT A summary of a literary work or scholarly article. In times past you may have analyzed a novel’s plot line or taken apart the meaning of a certain poem however this is NOT the goal of Rhetorical analysis.

Rhetorical Analysis Defined An RA (rhetorical analysis) requires you to apply your critical reading skills in order to break down a text. So, think of it, as breaking a text into pieces and analyzing it. The goal of a RA is for you (the writer) to articulate HOW the author writes, rather than WHAT they wrote. This is where you critical thinking skills will come into play.

RA defined cont. You will need to analyze the strategies the author uses to achieve his/her goal or purpose in writing their piece. Something to remember is that writers of different disciplines often use varying strategies to accomplish their goals. This simply means if you would use different strategies to analyze a historical article vs. a scientific one.

RA Review Rhetoric = the art of persuasion Analysis = the breaking down of something into its parts and interpreting how those parts fit together. In rhetorical analysis, we examine how authors attempt to persuade their audience by looking at various components that make- up the art of persuasion.

Where to start for this paper? Leonard, Sue. "Committed to the Writing Process." All things Fulfilling. Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC, Web. Web. 19 Dec

So now you start the pre-writing process. So you need to read the complete Rhetorical Analysis Essay assignment. Then start brainstorming about possible texts to analyze. You are given several examples and suggestion in the assignment. We will continue to work together, demonstrating how to analyze using commercials and advertisements.

Works Cited. "Ethos." Silva Rhetoricae. Bringham Young University. Web. 19 Dec “Finding Rhetoric." Finding Rhetoric. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June "Larval Subjects." Larval Subjects. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June Leonard, Sue. "Committed to the Writing Process." All things Fulfilling. Cornerstone Fulfillment Service, LLC, Web. Web. 19 Dec "Logos." Silva Rhetoricae. Bringham Young University. Web. 19 Dec "Pathos." Silva Rhetoricae. Bringham Young University. Web. 19 Dec "Persuasive Appeals." Silva Rhetoricae. Bringham Young University. Web. 19 Dec "Transmedia Me." Visual Rhetoric «. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June "What is Rhetoric." Silva Rhetoricae. Bringham Young University. Web. 19 Dec