Rhetorical Analysis - Essay Example

Discussion In a rhetorical analysis, one attempts to analyse how the artist (speakers/authors/filmmakers) attempt to persuade, motivate, and/or acquaint their audiences by viewing the different components that combine to make up the persuasive art (Black, 1965). Thus, we can say that rhetorical analysis is: Rhetoric Persuasive art Analysis Disintegrating something into its component parts, in order to interpret and understand how the broken down parts fit together and combine to form the final thing.

Components of rhetoric: Rhetoric is generally divided into certain basic key areas: 1. Purpose: This comprises of trying to comprehend the intended objective of a speech or a text matter. 2. Audience: here one must try to locate the targeted audience, since a speaker/author's intended audience plays a significant role in the manner in which the speaker/writer addresses the targeted audience. 3. . Logos: The appeal of logos refers to the application of reasoning by the speaker/author to address his audience.

This is evident in the use of the statistical representations, legal analysis, definitions, and comparative analysis. There are various aspects within a rhetorical analysis: 1. Verbal Rhetoric (written and/or spoken) V/O narration; monologue, dialogue, captions, mode of address (formal/informal, eg ‘George’, ‘Mr Bush’, or ‘President’) 2. Presentational Rhetoric Tone of voice (as for example the differences in the tone of voice between the radio jockeys of two different stations) Style of dress Nature of setting Non-verbal communication Features in setting (as for example, authority of speaker enhanced by quiet location, bookshelves, pot plants, etc.

; diminished by bustle, competing voices, etc) 3. Photographic (Framing) Rhetoric Type of shot (for enabling viewers to identify with a character’s emotions) Camera movements (movement of the frame) Movement of objects in relation to camera (movement within the frame) 4. Editing Rhetoric Editing creates responses by juxtaposing images Editing rhetoric is conventional but dynamic Conventions themselves change over time (as for example, the passing of time) Speed of cutting – increased over time.

Why might this be? Case study 1: Rhetorical analysis of the end scenario in Shawshank redemption The Shawshank Redemption is a movie where the chief protagonist Andy Dufreine maintained his hope even in face of daily tribulations and ordeals, he faced during his prison, this rhetoric was communicated to the audience through the perfect use of verbal, photographic, presentation and editing rhetoric throughout the entire movie.