Prepare for Essay 1, by breaking down a “text” in to its different parts
Utilize a “text” that you are more comfortable with, from an entertainment standpoint, to introduce the first step of a rhetorical analysis in a non-traditional academic format.
Key Terms
Rhetoric – the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.
Rhetorical Analysis – break down a text into parts and then explain how the parts work together to create a certain effectwhether to persuade, entertain or inform (Purpose).
Rhetorical Appeals – See readings in next section.
Readings
Review Chapter Five
Appealing to Audiences
Rhetorical Appeals
Assignment
Select a visual text (movie, television … etc) – This can be anything. Pick something you enjoy, have some fun with this assignment.
Re-Watch your selection
Prior to and while watching, identify the parts listed below. When you are done, in an organized manner post to the discussion board. Then respond to a classmates post with thoughtful engagement, as if you were having a discussion about their choice.
Title
Author/Director
Publication/Release Date – And briefly explain how you think this impacts analysis
Thesis – What is the main point? Now, with a work of fiction this is going to be more subjective – So, no wrong answers here.
Author’s Purpose – Fiction is primarily to entertain us, but is there another purpose – Is the director trying to inform us of an important issue? This may be connected to thesis. Think deeper below the surface.
Intended Audience – Be specific. What demographics does this appeal to? (age, gender, race, socio-economic … etc.) How does the intended audience factor in to the choices the director made and how an audience responds?
Methods – How does text present the main ideas? – strong dialogue, visually, music .. etc. (With non-fiction, this will be the evidence, in fiction you can be a creative)
Tone/Voice – How would you describe the style of the text? (comedy, drama .. etc.) Was it an effective choice? Why or why not?
Rhetorical Appeals – Which of the appeals does the text rely on primarily? All may be used, but what would be the order of importance, from your analysis? Be sure to explain.
