“Graduation”
MAYA ANGELOU
Rhetorical Framework
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Terms for the Rhetorical Analysis Frame
EXIGENCE
(What’s in the writer’s craw or bothering the writer?)
AUDIENCE
(Primary and Secondary)
PURPOSE
(What does the writer intend the reader to do after reading the text?)
LOGOS
(The Central Argument or structure of argument)
(Appeals)
ETHOS
Appeal to character of the writer:
Good sense
Good character
Good Will
PATHOS
Appeals to emotions of the reader
ORGANIZATION/STRUCTURE/FORM
DICTION
SYNTAX
IMAGERY
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
Rhetorical Analysis
 Angelo separates the essay into two sections. The
first is made up of five paragraphs. How do they
serve as an Introduction?
 Cite examples of Figurative Language as you can in
the essay. How do they serve the author’s purpose?
 Note examples of Hyperbole. How do they affect the
piece?
 Find Angelou’s appeal to pathos. Explain the effect.
 How does Angelou use Rhetorical techniques
(tactics) to present her views in paragraphs 42-46.
 Compare paragraphs 1-5 to 6. Note differences in
style and rhetoric. How do those differences help
achieve her purpose?