THE RHETORICAL

WEBOR THE

RHETORICAL BEING

The Tools You Need to Break It Down

OVERALL LEARNING TARGET I can analyze a text using elements of

the rhetorical web.

RHETORICAL SITUATION

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

Speaker

Audience Subject

Purpose

Context C

ontext

SPEAKER

Speaker

The person presenting the text

NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUSPersona – the

character the author creates to present the text.

AUDIENCE

Audience

Those meant to hear or read the text.

Can have major impact on how text is presented.

SUBJECT

Subject

Overall topic of text

Often contains an argument, something the author wants to prove or claim

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.

PURPOSE The goal that the speaker or writer expects to achieve with the text

The intention

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????

EXAMPLES….

ARISTOTLE’S RHETORICAL TRIANGLE

ART 1: I can explain logos, pathos, and ethos and how they influence each other.

LOGOS

Appeal to reason Logical content:

Clear, rational ideas

Strong thesisSupport of

specific details, examples, facts, etc.

Counterargument

PATHOS

Appeal to emotion

Using language that engages the emotions of the audienceStrong imagesFigurative

Language Relying

exclusively on emotional appeals is rarely effective

ETHOS Appeal to

character To demonstrate

that one is credible and trustworthy, use:Shared valuesKnowledge,

expertiseSincerity

KEEP REMEMBERING… A successful author will use a variety of

these appeals, depending on other elements of the rhetorical triangle.

Examples:

ARRANGEMENT: ORGANIZING THE TEXT IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY TO ACHIEVE ITS

PURPOSE

A 1: I can identify the choices an author makes in arrangement.

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:

ChronologicalCause & effectProblem – solutionCompare/Contrast

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.

ELEMENTS OF STYLE

The nitty gritty

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 informalOrnate or plainGeneral or specific

Two main choices: Imagery & Figurative Language

IMAGERY The sensory details used to describe,

arouse emotions, or represent abstractions

5 sensesVisualAuditoryTactileGustatoryOlfactory

One image can represent more than one thing.

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 similesSymbolismPersonificationHyperbole

SYNTAX The deliberate sentence structure –

arrangement of words - the author chooses to make his or her point

Consider…Sentence lengthNumber of sentencesSentence beginningsOrder of words – subject-verb, or inverted? Important ideas at beginning or end?And more!!

DICTION + SYNTAX =

TONE Tone: The author’s implied attitude

toward his subject and his audience Examples of tone:

PlayfulSarcasticSomber

Tone is created through diction and syntax