Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Why we call it Language Arts
Based in large part on the teachings of Aristotle of Ancient Greece
... and David Jolliffe of the University of Arkansas
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Aristotle’ Rhetorical Triangle
Rhetor
Speaker
Writer
The audience is the
intended recipient
of the message.
Some are broad and
general. Most are
specific. Some are
intentional, some
situational. Understanding the audience is essential to
unlocking a rhetorical analysis.
Audience
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetor is the one who presents the message, whether in written form, spoken word, image, or some combination therein.
In our readings, it is the author; in the speeches we hear, it is
the speaker; in our essays, it is you.
Subject
Purpose
Aristotle taught that rhetoric was
the “art of making truth effective.” Plato
taught that it could be dangerous in the hands of a
salesman... or worse, a politician. Regardless, you are
being sold something in everything you read or hear.
The rhetor has an agenda to inform, influence, or entertain you. A key to unlocking a thorough rhetorical
analysis is understanding the purpose.
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Persona
The “character” that the rhetor assumes. A persona
comes loaded with cultural connotations and values.
A persona is selected to appeal to the intended audience.
General Categories:
Defining Categories:
Formal
Informal
Non-Standard
Gender
Age
Nationality
Political Affiliation
Religious Affiliation
Occupation
Subculture Affiliation
Regional Affiliation
Education
And so on...
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Audience
The group to whom the rhetor is directing the message.
Select Readership:
Select Listeners:
•Magazine
•Website
•Males 18-35
•Mothers
•Married women
who are still interested in feminist
issues.
•Radio/TV shows
•Political Speeches
•Commercials
•Males 18-35
•Mothers
•People concerned
about the use of
non-violent protest
vis-a-vis religious
teachings.
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Purpose
Intention of the rhetor
Why is this rhetor presenting this message to this audience?
To:
To:
To:
Educate
Inform
Explain
Illustrate
Demonstrate
Argue
Persuade
Influence
Convince
Convert
Entertain
Please
Anger
Make Laugh
Make Cry
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Exigency
Context when the message was given.
The given circumstances of the message’s time and place,
culturally speaking.
Occasion of the message in temporal and cultural terms.
Zeitgeist (German)
Definition: Time Ghost
Connotation: The sense of the spirit of the times
Apply generally (the 60’s, man)
Or specifically (graduation day)
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
The three appeals
logos
ethos
pathos
appeal to reason
appeal to authority
emotional appeal
Inductive: use of examples
to suggest a truth condition (preponderance of evidence)
How character or credibility
of source can influence belief
Tugging at heart strings, invoking pity, firing up... any
emotion
Dr says, research says, MIT
prof says, etc.
Author’s decision regarding
the emotions. Even a decision to stay formal and unemotional is a pathos based
decision.
Deductive: use of accepted
premises if not truths to establish a truth condition
Author’s choices in terms of
persona, arrangement, organization, diction, syntax,
etc.
Author’s usage of community or specific values to
reach audience and establish credibility with them.
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Organization and Arrangement
organization
arrangement
The rhetor’s meaningful selection of
form and structure.
The rhetor’s meaningful placement of
form and structure in a piece.
The rhetor chose a specific structure
to house the message, such as a
mode of writing (narrative, expository)
The rhetor chose to put this here and
that there.
The rhetor chose certain paragraph
lengths for purposes of pace and
emphasis.
The rhetor chose to start with X,
move through Y, and finish with Z.
Think of a museum. Organization is like the
building that will house the works. Arrangement
is like the placement of the works on the inside.
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
Diction, imagery, figurative language, syntax
diction
syntax
The rhetor’s choice of words to
advance the message
Denotation
Connotation
Imagery is the picture the rhetor
paints with the chosen words
Figurative Language is the use of
simile, metaphor, etc. to advance the
semantics
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
The rhetor’s choice of sentence
formations, structures, and lengths in a
meaningful pattern to establish purpose
and intention
Structure: sentence types
Formations: usage of punctuation to
move words, phrases, clauses to suit
purpose
Move Alpha
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp
tone
The rhetor’s attitude toward the subject.
The previous 8 elements of rhetoric come together to
form tone, yet tone is a part of the rhetorical choices
a rhetor makes.
Apologetic
Appreciative
Concerned
Critical
Curious
Defensive
Direct
Disappointed
Encouraging
Enthusiastic
Formal
An Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis
Frustrated
Hopeful
Humorous
Informal
Inspirational
Ironic
Judgmental
Lighthearted
Mimicking
Negative
Neutral
Nostalgic
Objective
Optimistic
Pessimistic
Sarcastic
Satirical
Sentimental
Sincere
Sympathetic
Urgent
Gaughen AP Lang & Comp