1. AP Language: Rhetorical Analysis of Poetry

2. Agenda: Notes on rhetorical analysis of poetry
Practice with Dulce Et Decorum Est
Compare messages of Dulce Et Decorum Est and The Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong
I can analyze a poem rhetorically and compare common themes across texts.

3. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
You read poetry differently when you’re reading for literary analysis and when you’re reading for rhetorical analysis.
DO NOT FEAR POETRY! Follow these steps!

4. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Steps for reading poetry rhetorically.
Step 1: You MUST commit to reading any poem you encounter AT LEAST TWICE.
Step 2: Read the entire poem all the way through WITHOUT analyzing at all. Focus on getting a “feel” for the poem and what it’s saying. Pay attention to how the poem makes you feel about the topic. Chances are—that will matter.

5. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Steps for reading poetry rhetorically.
Step 3: Read through a second time paying attention to and annotating for the various elements of rhetorical analysis.
*WHEN YOU READ POETRY RHETORICALLY, YOU READ SENTENCE – BY – SENTENCE, NOT LINE-BY-LINE. Find the end punctuation and focus on each sentence.*

6. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Think “Poetry SSTRIPTD down”
S – Structure
S- Syntax
T – Title
R – Rhetorical Devices and Appeals
I – Imagery
P – Purpose
T – Tone
D - Diction

7. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Also, make sure you pay attention to shifts in purpose, tone, or perspective.
Sometimes an author will begin with a reflective/neutral tone and shift to a bitter tone or a grim tone or a joyful tone.
Sometimes it will be the opposite.
Usually, when shifts happen, the poet will begin a new stanza.

8. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Before we try our hand at reading poetry rhetorically, look at the SSTRIPTD organizer and look at the questions provided about each element.
How is this different than how you would normally analyze a poem?

9. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Listen as I read Dulce Et Decorum Est twice.
Remember: YOU ARE JUST LISTENING AND FEELING on the first read. On the second read, you will begin annotating.
If I don’t feel like reading today:

10. Analyzing a Poem Rhetorically
Now, with a partner, begin filling out the SSTRIPTD down organizer for this poem.

11. Exit Slip:
Write a well-developed paragraph comparing or contrasting the messages about war in Dulce Et Decorum Est and the story Rat Riley tells in The Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong.