Introduction to Rhetoric and the Rhetorical Situation

Instructor: Don Knight, English Teacher, Westfield, Indiana

Objectives of the Lesson

• Understand what rhetoric is.
• Familiarize with the concept of the rhetorical situation.

Illustration of Rhetoric

• Historical Example: Post-assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Riots occurred in over 100 cities except Memphis, TN, and Indianapolis, IN.
  • Robert Kennedy's speech in Indianapolis is credited with preventing riots there.
  • Highlights the power of words (rhetoric).

Definition of Rhetoric

• Study of effective, persuasive language use.
• Empowers students and enhances participation in important discussions.
• Skills learned are transferable to college and beyond.

AP Language and Composition

• Three essays in the exam test rhetoric skills.
• Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Analyze how effectively a writer uses language.
• Skills applicable to multiple-choice exams and beyond academic settings.

Analyzing Rhetoric

• Rhetorical Situation: Key components include:
  • Exigence: What prompted the message?
  • Purpose: Why convey the message?
  • Audience: Who is being spoken to?
  • Context: Circumstances surrounding the situation.
  • Writer: Who is doing the writing?
  • Message: What does the writer want the audience to know or think?

Rhetorical Triangle

• Components: Speaker, Audience, Purpose.
• Consider speaker's persona, audience's knowledge/attitude, writing purpose.
• Interaction among components determines argument structure and language.

SOAPSTone Method

• Alternative way to analyze rhetorical situations.
• Acronym for various analysis elements.
• Use what works best for delving deeper into the rhetorical situation.

Writing Choices

• Writers choose tone and style based on the rhetorical situation.
• Example: Different tones for political rallies vs. persuading opposing voters.

Example: Robert Kennedy's Speech

• Exigence: Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Purpose: Inform about King's assassination and eulogize him.
• Audience: Residents of Indianapolis at a political rally.
• Context: April 4, 1968, right after King's assassination.
• Writer: Robert Kennedy, Democratic Presidential Candidate.
• Message: Reinforce King’s message of peace and non-violence.

Key Takeaways

• Rhetorical situation is crucial for text analysis.
• Writers make choices based on the interaction of rhetorical elements.
• Effective use of rhetoric is evident in figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy.

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Closing Reminder: Be kind to yourself and others.