RHETORICAL ANALYSIS

 

Literary analysis often concerns the ideas and themes in work. Rhetorical analysis is a way to examine other aspects: the elements involved, the techniques used, the context for the writing, and the author’s overall stance. This type of analysis helps the reader get a sharper sense of the literary aspects of the writing, and its rhetorical dimension as a piece of communication. It also helps stimulate a different type of class discussion. A thorough rhetorical analysis of a short essay could end up being longer than the primary text itself. For our purposes in this class I ask for a 1½ to 2 pages. When you mention elements or techniques, give a brief example to illustrate your point.

 

Elements

Which of Barnhill's Seven Elements of Nature Writing are included in the essay? Which ones are emphasized and which ones used sparingly or not at all? Is there a shift during the essay from a predominance of some aspects to a greater use of others?

How deeply does the author go into these elements? For instance, does the essay contain a great deal of factual information on natural history, or some general observations? Does the author’s political critique go into detail, or is it a general complaint?

How are these elements related to each other? For instance, how is the ecopsychology connected to the philosophy of nature and the political critique?

 

Techniques

What techniques, images, voice, or stylistic traits are used in the essay? Distinguish those used for different elements of nature writing. For instance, in relating personal experience, what is the author’s style, what type of imagery is used, etc? In stating a political critique, what type of voice and style is used? Keep in mind the following:

  • use of imagery: types of imagery, patterns in their use, reference to physical sensations such as hearing and touch
  • word choice: figurative language, simile and metaphor
  • word sounds: alliteration and assonance
  • sentence structure and length
  • use of questions, commands
  • use of repetition

Which techniques are most effective, and why? Which techniques don’t work well, and why?

 

Structure

How is the essay, story, or poem structured? Are there clearly distinguished parts? What is the relationship among the parts? Is there a progression or development as the essay, story, or poem continues? What is the effect on the reader of structuring the text this way?

 

Rhetorical Stance

What personal, cultural, or historical situation does the essay arise out of? Is it the author’s attempt to establish a way of life in harmony with nature? Is it some environmental crisis? Is it an encounter with other cultures and their way of relating to nature? Is it a personal tragedy?

What kind of position is the author taking? What kind of persona does the author have? For instance, is the author a humble apprentice of nature speaking of ways to live in harmony with the land. Or is she a “jeremiad” shouting warnings to a blind society? Or is she a naturalist, detailing facts about natural history. There are many other kinds.

Does the rhetorical stance change over the course of the text? Why do you think it does?

What is the quality and degree of impact on the reader of this rhetorical stance? Is it effective or counterproductive or in some ways both?

 

AN EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT'S RHETORICAL ANALYSIS

 

Back Home

Last updated: March 14, 2007