Rhetorical Analysis

1. Rhetorical Analysis Introduction; Features of Speeches; Essay Organization

2. Purpose and Methods • Thesis: author’s purpose (hint of methods perhaps) • Synonyms (argument & strategies, etc.) • These (purpose and methods) are the most important things to remember about Rhetorical Analysis.

3. Aristotelian Triangle • A way of discussing the methodology of speech-making • SAT (C) • Speaker • Audience • Topic • (Context) • Consider the interaction of the various elements with each other (relationship between each) S A T

4. Features of Speeches • Ethos in the beginning (to convince the audience to listen to/ trust the speaker) • Logos (with some pathos) in the middle – the meat of the speech • Anticipation of Opposition Arguments (shutting them down before they can raise the opposition); Refutation • Call to Action at the conclusion of the speech (take an action; change of belief)

5. Organizing Your Analysis • Paragraphs focused on (this is what the topic sentence is about) • sub-purposes • speech elements (chronologically: beginning, middle, end – articulate the sub-purposes for each part in the topic sentences) • separate components of larger purpose • topics • different audience groups • change in tone of the speaker • Paragraphs supported with details about the speaker’s methods and commentary about the effect(s) of these methods

6. PH Prompt • Patrick Henry spoke to the Virginia Convention that was assembled to consider how their colony and others might react to King George III behavior towards them on March 23, 1775 – about a month before the “shot heard round the world” at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. Read his speech carefully. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze Henry’s purpose and the methods that he uses to persuade his audience.

7. Insight • Work toward Universal Principles • Why is this relevant in contemporary life? • Discussion of complexity

8. MVPs • Through the use of rhetorical devices such as pathos and ethos, Patrick Henry conveys the mindset of the colonists for freedom during the pre-revolutionary era. (Chandni-1) • Henry fervently argues to the blindly loyal colonists the unsavory motives of the British and fallacy in America’s failure to act. (Yuxi-3) • In his speech to the Virginia Convention, Henry uses logical and ethical appeals to attempt to convince his audience that they must take up arms against the British. (Shiv-4)

9. MVPs (continued) • Henry utilizes rhetorical questions and spiritual references to convey the urgency for support in the upcoming fight for liberty. (Tram-5) • Through his elaborate use of logos and relationship with the audience Henry persuades the people of the convention to take action to fight for their independence from British rule. (Clare-6) • Henry uses a wide array of [rhetorical strategies] to [arouse] the anger and confidence among the colonists to be ready for the fight against the British. (Ooha-7)