The rhetorical web OR the rhetorical being

1. The rhetorical webOR the rhetorical being The Tools You Need to Break It Down

2. Overall learning target • I can analyze a text using elements of the rhetorical web.

3. RS 1:I can identify the rhetorical situation of a text. rhetorical situation

4. Speaker Context Context Purpose Subject Audience

5. Speaker Speaker • The person presenting the text • NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS • Persona – the character the author creates to present the text.

6. audience Audience • Those meant to hear or read the text. • Can have major impact on how text is presented.

7. Subject Subject • Overall topic of text • Often contains an argument, something the author wants to prove or claim

8. Context • The existing situation that creates a need or urgency for a rhetorical response • Consider: the occasion, the time and place written • Understanding the context is key to understanding the meaning and purpose.

9. Purpose • The goal that the speaker or writer expects to achieve with the text • The intention

10. RS 2: I can explain how the different components of the rhetorical situation influence the author’s choices. • All aspects of the rhetorical triangle are INTERRELATED. • They impact each other. • Understanding one is essential to understanding the others. • Examples????

11. Examples….

12. ART 1: I can explain logos, pathos, and ethos and how they influence each other. Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle

13. logos • Appeal to reason • Logical content: • Clear, rational ideas • Strong thesis • Support of specific details, examples, facts, etc. • Counterargument

14. Pathos • Appeal to emotion • Using language that engages the emotions of the audience • Strong images • Figurative Language • Relying exclusively on emotional appeals is rarely effective

15. ethos • Appeal to character • To demonstrate that one is credible and trustworthy, use: • Shared values • Knowledge, expertise • Sincerity

16. Keep remembering… • A successful author will use a variety of these appeals, depending on other elements of the rhetorical triangle. • Examples:

17. Arrangement: Organizing the text in the best possible way to achieve its purpose

18. Purposeful arrangement • Variety of patterns can be used. • Classic: clear beginning, middle, end. • Organization and structure can be part of the rhetorical strategy. • Ex: putting most important point last or first, depending on the effect you want. • Some Types: • Chronological • Cause & effect • Problem – solution • Compare/Contrast

19. Other Rhetorical modes • Description • Narration • Process analysis– explaining how to do something, presenting steps in order. • Illustration – using examples to back up an idea • Definition – defining key terms • Division & Classification – arranging info. into groups, categories or parts.

20. The nitty gritty Elements of style

21. diction • The author’s word choices • Word choice is directly linked with all other elements of the rhetorical web. • Examples of types of diction: • Formal or informal • Ornate or plain • General or specific • Two main choices: Imagery & Figurative Language

22. imagery • The sensory details used to describe, arouse emotions, or represent abstractions • 5 senses • Visual • Auditory • Tactile • Gustatory • Olfactory • One image can represent more than one thing.

23. Figurative language • Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid • Examples: • Metaphors and similes • Symbolism • Personification • Hyperbole

24. syntax • The deliberate sentence structure – arrangement of words - the author chooses to make his or her point • Consider… • Sentence length • Number of sentences • Sentence beginnings • Order of words – subject-verb, or inverted? • Important ideas at beginning or end? • And more!!

25. Diction + Syntax = tone • Tone: The author’s implied attitude toward his subject and his audience • Examples of tone: • Playful • Sarcastic • Somber • Tone is created through diction and syntax