Literary Timeline and Rhetorical Analysis/Argument Test

Rhetorical Analysis

is a challenging set of skills to learn, but it's the most important thing you can learn moving into adulthood. Understanding the messages being sent to you, how they're being manipulative, and how to make a decision based on that message is what will make you an informed, thoughtful citizen and consumer.

Rhetorical Triangle

A diagram that illustrates the interrelationship among the speaker, audience, and subject in determining a text.

Speaker

the narrator of a poem

Audience

Who the speaker is directing his/her message towards

Message

What the speaker is attempting to communicate towards the audience; the central claim of the argument

Context

The circumstances surrounding the argument. This includes things like year, weather, historical context, etc.

Purpose

The reason why the speaker is sending the message to the intended audience

Exigence

The immediate need to deliver the message

Choices

Rhetorical devices a writer or speaker uses to achieve meaning, purpose, or effect of their message to the audience.

Appeals

Pathos: emotional connection; Ethos: reputation, experience, & knowledge of the speaker; Logos: logical connection

Tone

Attitude of the author toward the audience

Speaker Example

Lumiere from Beauty & the Beast

Audience Example

Belle from Beauty & the Beast

Message Example

Beauty & the Beast: Lumiere is trying to tell Belle to relax and enjoy herself at the palace

Context Example

The magical spell, the ultimatum with the rose petals, story about Belle & her father, setting of castle in woods

Purpose Example

Lumiere is attempting to distract Belle from her circumstances and warm her up to the idea of being in the castle. He needs to undo the negative first impression that the Beast gave her

Exigence Example

The deadline for their transformation back to human is imminent; the first possibility of true love has presented itself and the Beast is going to screw it up

Choices Example

RHETORICAL QUESTION: Lumiere provides Belle with a long list of delicious food that they can offer her, and asks, "Don't believe me?" This rhetorical question deepens his credibility, as he is ready to give her someone to talk to should she not believe him. In his humorous style, he urges her to confirm the delicious grey stuff with "the dishes". Clearly, dishes would know what items people love and which people leave behind - this is also a playful form of personification, as in "real" life we know that dishes are inanimate, but this further helps Lumiere pamper Belle with the best of the best he can offer.

Appeals Example

PATHOS - He identifies her fear "You're alone / and you're scared" but attempts to make her feel welcome and reverse that feeling of fear with "we tell jokes / I do tricks / with my fellow candlesticks"

Tone Example

ENTHUSIASTICALLY PLAYFUL - With an upbeat tempo to the song, a prismatic use of color and light, Lumiere has created a fun and playful environment for Belle to experience her first meal at the castle. He uses images of "entertaining" flatware and candlestick tricks to keep the song upbeat and fun.