2.5: Rhetorical Analysis

Introduction to rhetorical analysis.

A rhetorical analysis looks closely at the methods of persuasion a writer uses in an argument. Instead of asking what the argument is, it asks how is it argued. Often the analysis focuses on specific criteria such as style choices or the rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos.

In other words, a rhetorical analysis looks closely at persuasive language and techniques. You, as the analysis writer, interpret how the author of creates their argument. You identify the type of rhetoric the author uses. Then, you use that as a lens to examine all the parts of the text such as the thesis, examples, and evidence. As you look closely, ask questions like "what rhetorical choices are made," "how do they use rhetoric" or "why do they make this choice?"

Be careful, though. When writing an analysis, it is easy to start summarizing rather than analyzing. That is not a rhetorical analysis. That is summary. Summary asks what is being said while analysis asks how

Ask questions like:

• What kind of rhetoric am I identifying?
• How does the writer present ideas?
• What genre and tone are evident?
• How is the argument organized?
• How effective are the persuasive techniques?
• Is the argument persuasive?
• Do the rhetorical techniques enhance the argument?

Most of the words and ideas presented in your essay should be yours. You will only use quotations from the author as evidence to back up what you are saying. If you have a lot of quotations or find that you are reiterating the text, you need to check that you are still analyzing.

Assume your reader is familiar with the content of the text. Summarizing relevant parts of the text in your introduction, however, is a good way to add contextual information. Choose the key ideas that directly relate to your thesis. This will help your reader understand what you think is important right away.

Writing a rhetorical analysis.

When you write a rhetorical analysis, you will use the writing process. If you are not familiar with it, chapter 6, "The Writing Process" will be helpful.

Steps to write the rhetorical analysis.

1. Understand the assignment, the audience, and purpose. Know what rhetorical strategies you will be use as criteria for your analysis. Often it is the rhetorical appeals, but it may be methods.

2. Critically read the text to be that you are analyzing. Annotate and take notes.

3. Summarize the text. Note the argument and what the author is saying.

4. Look for examples of the rhetorical appeals used within the text. Refer back to the previous section on the rhetorical appeals.

5. Evaluate how and how well the author uses the rhetorical appeals. Was the argument effective, interesting, creative, efficient, or none of these? Part of the argument may be effective but not other parts. For example, the appeal to pathos may be effective, but the article failed to show the author's credibility.

6. Write a working thesis statement. This is just a starting idea that evolves as you work.

7. Organize your ideas using an outline or other organization methods as described in chapter 6.

8. Write a rough draft with a final thesis statement.

9. Get some feedback.

10. Revise

Repeat 9 and 10 as often as needed.

11. Proofread and edit.

Writing analysis rhetorical thesis statements.

To write your thesis statement, you need to make a claim on the author's use of rhetoric and their ability to persuade. A thesis will state a writer's opinion (the claim) and the reasons why (evidence). For a more thorough explanation, see the discussion on argumentative thesis statements in chapter 5.

A rhetorical thesis statement template you could follow is:

In “(Title), “ Author adverb* appeals to _(ethos, pathos, or logos) to argue that author’s argument.

*Adverbs describe how. Often they end in -ly, but do not have to. Some possible adverbs are effectively, successfully, convincingly, strategically, humorously, delightfully, carefully, skillfully, etc. You could also the antonyms of these.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\) rhetorical analysis thesis statement.

These are example thesis statements a student might use in their rhetorical analysis.

Example 1. In “The Importance of Local Elections,” Helen Armstrong's lackadaisical appeals to ethos and logos fail to convince readers to participate in local elections.

The claim is Armstrong's attempt to appeal to ethos and logos lacked spirit or interest.

The evidence includes explanation and examples of how Armstrong makes those attempts. Each body paragraph will address one way Armstrong fails to persuade with ethos or logos.

An example topic sentence might say: "The argument failed to include enough evidence to encourage community members to get involved in local politics."

Example \(\PageIndex{2}\) More rhetorical analysis thesis statements.

Example 2. Ben Crumblebiscuit tries to argue that the “Sherlock” series is better than the “Sherlock Holmes” movies but fails because he depends too much on readers' sympathy for the series' character of Holmes.

Example 3. With her dynamic use of imagery and humor, LauraLee Miller, delightfully argues in “Any Other Choice is ‘Inconceivable’” that “The Princess Bride” is the best movie of all time.

Notice how these thesis statements make a judgement of the persuasive techniques and why that judgement is made.

You want to make the same sort of moves. Remember, you are making your own argument as you analyze the rhetoric used in another's argument. Your claim needs to be arguable. That means someone could disagree with your thesis. It should be more than that the author appeals to ethos, pathos, or logos. That is not very disputable. You want to include an assessment of those rhetorical methods in your claim.

Your entire thesis statement reflects your opinion on how well the author persuades their readers and why. Since you are one reader, it may be useful to ask yourself if you were convinced by the author's persuasive techniques. You will not talk about yourself in your essay, but you can use that as the perspective of readers in general. This might help you figure out why you feel the author's techniques were or were not successful.

Example \(\PageIndex{3}\) Rhetorical analysis essay

You can find an example rhetorical analysis here: Rhetorical Analysis Example.

Notice that the important elements are labeled. Use this paper as a model and check that you have all the labeled parts in your own paper.

Whenever you write or analyze an argument, you should consider the rhetoric used. Being intentional in your choice of rhetorical appeals strengthens your arguments. It will also help you connect to your reader, making you more persuasive.

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Works Cited

Clark, Harriet. "Not Quite a Clean Sweep: Rhetorical Strategies in Grose's 'Cleaning: The Feminist's Final Frontier.'" College Writing Center, St. Louis Community College -

Meramac, stlcc.edu, https://marymount.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/Rhetorical-Analysis-Sample-Essay.pdf