Rhetorical Analysis
How to Get That Elusive 9
Learning Target
I
can analyze a text using elements
of the rhetorical web.
 I can connect rhetorical strategies to
an author’s overall purpose and
argument.
Basics
 You
get a short piece of writing to
read
 You get directions telling you how to
analyze that piece of writing
 You read the piece carefully
 You write an insightful essay
analyzing specific elements of the
writing
Scoring
9
is the best
 1 is the worst
 0 or –
Reading Comes First
Read the
directions! ***
 Always read for
purpose and tone
 Annotate while you
read.
 Read through the
prompt twice &
create a brief
outline b4 you
write

The Directions
 In
an article first appearing in Time
Magazine, James Poniewozik offers a
solution for what he considers our
society’s prevalent, but empty,
happiness. Read this selection from
“The Art of Unhappiness” carefully.
Then write an essay in which you
analyze the rhetorical techniques
Poniewozik uses to convey the value
of art for our society.
Introducing…




Don’t waste time!
Historical context or
the big picture
Mention the author
and title when
available.
Thesis statement=
overall point &major
techniques (link back
to directions!)
Sample Introduction

The most intelligent people in the world would
readily admit that wisdom doesn’t always bring
happiness. In fact, the more we reflect on our
own position in the universe, the more we
question our future and our purpose. James
Poniewozik contemplates these same issues in his
article “The Art of Unhappiness.” However,
instead of describing the parallel between
learning and sadness, he explores the depressing
side of art. Through his light, sometimes
facetious tone and colorful imagery, he shows us
that the darker arts may be just what the doctor
ordered for our “happy” society.
The Body
 Use
topic and closing sentences to
relate back to the prompt’s purpose.
 Option 1: Organize by the main
points you want to bring up.
 Option 2: Organize by techniques.
 Option 3: Chronological. Careful!
In Conclusion…
Analyze the
prompt’s
conclusion in your
conclusion.
 Restate the
author’s purpose.
 Give a sense of
closure.
 Doesn’t have to be
long!

Rhetoric & Rhetorical Web!
 You
can discuss:
– 3 rhetorical questions
– The Rhetorical Situation
– Modes
– Anything from rhetorical web
Style Tips
 SHOW,
don’t tell
 Relate everything back to purpose
 Don’t mention a technique if you
don’t know why it’s there
 Don’t worry too much about
technical names.
 Stitch and weave
SHOW, don’t tell
 Not
this…
– Johnson really uses pathos in his third
paragraph.
 But
this…
– Using abstract words such as “freedom”
and “dignity,” Johnson reels in his
audience, grabbing them intellectually
as well as emotionally.
Relate Everything to Purpose

Not this…
– In his 2nd paragraph, Millikin uses anaphora
several times.

But this…
– As Millikin calls for unity among all nations, he
uses anaphora to emphasize the need for all
nations to come together.
– As Millikin calls for unity among all nations, he
uses a succession of “we must” clauses to
emphasize the necessity of unity.
Talking About Style
 Only
mention a particular stylistic
technique if it adds something
unique to that particular text.
– Ex: Any author can use anaphora once.
It’s worth talking about if anaphora
makes a powerful impact and it clearly
relates to the purpose of the piece.
Stitch and Weave

Not this…
– “Laughing, crying, running, sleeping, breathing
are all human actions, human emotions, that
make us alive.” This quote uses parallel
structure to make its point.

But this…
– To support his point that humans are complex
creatures, Brown creates a parallel string of
human actions: “laughing, crying, running,
sleeping, breathing.”
More Stitching and Weaving
 Not
this…
– “We as Americans need to stand up for
our rights and fight for our freedoms.”
This emotional call would clearly have
an affect on Jameson’s audience.
 But
this…
– Jameson calls for Americans to “stand
up for [their] rights and fight for [their]
freedoms,” stirring his audience to
action.