Eugene Debs

by / On October 6, 2020 / In English and Literature, MLA

For this essay, you will be required to use THREE (3) additional scholarly sources.

Topic: For this assignment, you will write an essay in which you analyze the rhetorical modes of Eugene Debs Canton, Ohio Anti War Speech. It will be your job to utilize the concepts we have covered in class (ethos, pathos, logos, objectivity, subjectivity, tone, diction, etc.) to uncover the sub-textual motives of the speech. Be creative and logical as you offer a variety of exploratory discussions/analysis to help your reader understand the rhetorical modes utilized in the text, their intended effect, and their overall effectiveness.

Rhetorical Analysis examines how a text is deliberately constructed or composed to create a persuasive argument (considering elements like rhetorical appeals, strategies of development, and presentation). Be sure to choose a text that will lend itself well to such an analysis.

Write a persuasive analysis of the text with a strong thesis statement, considering not only WHAT that text is arguing but also HOW it is making that argument. Specifically, you need to develop a persuasive claim as to how the primary text is designed to make a particular argument in relation to its:

Rhetorical situation and/or
Context, and/or
Use of rhetorical appeals (such as pathos, logos, ethos), and/or
Use of one or more strategies of development such as narration, definition, comparison/contrast, division-classification, description, example.

The goal is not to talk about as many elements as possible but instead to focus on those elements that you feel most contribute to the creation of the texts overall argument.

Remember that while you will need to delve into information, examples, and evidence that helps to support your analysis of rhetorical modes, you will need to keep the focus of the paper related to the objective of the piece you are analyzing. Remember to use the basic elements of writing that we have covered so far to develop your essay (introduction, thesis, topic sentences, transition sentences, examples, conclusion, etc.)