Rhetorical Analysis Examples

Analytical Approach #1: Aristotle’s Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Persuasive Rhetoric

Aristotle was an Ancient Greek philosopher whose work is largely referred to even today. 

He believed that a rhetorical triangle, and use of three particular components, ethos, pathos, and logos, enabled a speaker to be successful in engaging and persuading audiences. 

Here are each of the terms defined simply:

• Ethos refers to the speaker’s trustworthiness. The person listening to or reading the rhetoric must consider the source’s credibility or authority. 
• Pathos is when the speaker appeals to the audience’s emotions. Emotions can be powerful. If we feel upset or angry, we are more likely to act, listen, or follow further directions according to the speaker. 
• Logos is an appeal to the audience’s logic. This happens when the speaker uses facts, evidence, and examples to validate and boost their argument in an effort to persuade the audience. 

These three elements are often important components of rhetoric that is aimed at persuading an audience to believe or do something in particular. 

Many famous political speeches and successful advertising campaigns have employed the use of these three elements in order to capture attention and stimulate action. 

Analytical Approach #2: Features of Rhetoric

In order to analyze rhetoric, whether it be for a classroom activity or for a longer writing task, the audience or analyzer must consider the purpose, audience, topic, writer, and context.

Though these are key points for analysis, it is important to keep in mind why the speaker chooses to focus on certain topics or evidence within their speech. Focusing on speaker intention and the impact on the audience is the primary purpose of a rhetorical analysis. Simply put, it is important for writers to keep in mind why a speaker is saying (or writing) something and what they hope to achieve. 

Rather than merely highlighting what the purpose is, who the audience is, what the speaker’s topic is, whose voice it is, and even the context of the speech, it is most important to determine and analyze the speaker’s intent and desired outcome. 

• Purpose refers to the reason behind a message.
• Audience is the intended recipients, either listeners or readers
• Topic is the subject, thing, event, etc. being discussed. 
• Speaker is the person delivering the message. Remember that this matters a great deal!
• Context refers to the situation or environment in which the communication happens.
• Medium is another important consideration. For instance, through what means is the speaker’s messaging communicated? A video? A speech? With the use of images? Why are they using that particular medium and what is their expected outcome? This is an especially important part of developing one’s digital literacy skills.
• Tone is also be critical to analysis. How does the speaker sound? What is the purpose of that emotion? Why are they choosing to deliver the speech in that manner or to let that emotion reveal itself to the audience?

Organizing a Rhetorical Analysis

Close and repeated reading is a necessary part of rhetorical analysis.

Depending on the lesson or assignment, the organization of a rhetorical analysis may be different. Always check the guidelines or directions when completing this type of task. 

Generally, it is advised to begin with a brief, but general description of the source, title of the speech, if available, and pertinent information such as date of delivery. 

Then, the writer should choose points of analysis and validate their analyses with clear and specific evidence from the source. 

Using a rubric, referencing samples, practicing with other speeches, and thorough planning will enable success with rhetorical analysis tasks.