Rhetorical Analysis Timed Writings

Steps for Analysis

1. Dissect the prompt.

• Each rhetorical analysis prompt will have two components.

--the rhetorical device (aka DIDLS or other component of the rhetoric web) --the tone, theme, argument, purpose or other main element you are asked to identify and to prove

Explication

Audience

Purpose

LOGOS

ETHOS PATHOSOrganization/Structure/Form

Diction Syntax Imagery Figurative

Language

RHETORIC WEB

for Argumentation

The Scarlet Letter TW #1

In the following passage from The Scarlet Letter, the narrator introduces the reader to the Puritan community of the novel. Read the passage carefully. Then write an essay analyzing how the narrator’s description of the Puritans and their community suggests his attitude toward them. You might consider such elements as selection of detail, manipulation of language, and tone.

The Scarlet Letter TW #1

In the following passage from The Scarlet Letter, the narrator introduces the reader to the Puritan community of the novel. Read the passage carefully. Then write an essay analyzing how the narrator’s use of rhetorical devices to depict the Puritans and their community suggests his tone toward them. You might consider such elements as selection of detail, manipulation of language, and tone.

2. Literary Element

• The literary element (tone, theme, etc.) or argument (purpose; position) is the primary focus of your assertion. This is what you will PROVE about the text.

• The literary element is implied in the text by the author’s rhetorical choices—diction, imagery, details, language, syntax, etc.

• Your specific identification of the author’s choices is your textual proof for your assertion.

3. Rhetorical Devices

• The rhetorical devices are the specific choices the author has made to communicate his argument, tone, theme, etc.

• When discussing style, these devices are your DIDLS.

3. Rhetorical Devices (cont.)

• Ask yourself the question: --What devices help me see the author’s tone?

Hint: The prompt mentioned description. --What DIDLS focus on description? diction imagery details

3. Rhetorical Devices (cont.)

• Choose the device for which you can quickly identify textual evidence.

• Diction— “awful business”

“anticipated execution” “venerable and awful”

“good people”

• What kind of words are these?

ironic contradictory satiric

Name them.

“grim rigidity”

2. Literary Element (cont.)

• Think of the literary element as a question: What is the tone (author’s attitude) toward the

specified subject?

• Using your tone words from your rhetoric handbook, answer the question.

• Satire means the author wants to bring about change. The author is critical of the Puritan society so—tone = critical.

4. Assertion

• Decide how the two elements are connected to create your assertion.

• Ask yourself the question:

--How does the diction show the author’s

tone?

(Remember to NAME both elements.)• The answer (in a complete sentence) becomes

your assertion.• Your assertion IS your thesis.

4. Assertion (cont.)

Example:

—Hawthorne uses satiric diction to define

his critical tone.

Refined example:

—Hawthorne uses satiric diction to criticize the

hypocrisy inherent in the Puritan community.

5. Critical Essay: Introduction• Building backward from your assertion, create an

introductory paragraph. (Your thesis should typically be the last sentence of your introduction.)

Hawthorne uses satiric diction to criticize the hypocrisy inherent in the Puritan community.

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a romantic who believed we all must journey inside our hearts to find truth. No external force can define us. If we fail to look inward, our lives become a lie. In his novel The Scarlet Letter, he creates a society of Puritans who hide behind their laws to disguise their real emotions. To expose this travesty,

6. Critical Essay: Paragraph 1

• Each body paragraph should consist of:

—a topic sentence—a concrete detail (quote)—commentary —commentary —a concrete detail (quote)—commentary —commentary (etc.)—concluding sentence (final

comment)

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Topic sentence

Initially, Hawthorne seems to show respect for the Puritan community, but his satiric diction veils his true criticism.

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Concrete Detail (Quote)

He calls the Puritans “good people” even though he has already described their “grim rigidity.”

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Commentary

By using these contrasting images to emphasize his real purpose, Hawthorne shows that these people are not as good as they appear on the surface to be.

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Commentary (2)

In reality, they are a cold and vicious group who are willing to whip a child simply for his unruly behavior.

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Concrete Detail (Quote)

Instead, they are people who are involved in an “awful business” and are awaiting an “anticipated execution.”

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Commentary

Hawthorne’s use of the word “anticipated” implies an eagerness in this community to watch someone die.

6. Paragraph 1(cont.)

• Commentary (2)

The multiple connotations implicit in the word “anticipated” allow Hawthorne to satirize this community more disposed to sentence lesser crimes with death rather than with simple ridicule.

7. And it all comes together…

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a romantic who believed we all must journey inside our hearts to find truth. No external force can define us. If we fail to look inward, our lives become a lie. In his novel The Scarlet Letter, he creates a society of Puritans who hide behind their laws to disguise their real emotions. To expose this travesty, Hawthorne uses satiric diction to criticize the hypocrisy inherent in the Puritan community. Initially, Hawthorne seems to show respect for the Puritan community, but his satiric diction veils his true criticism. He calls the Puritans “good people” even though he has already described their “grim rigidity.” In reality, they are a cold and vicious group who are willing to whip a child simply for his unruly behavior. By using these contrasting images to emphasize his real purpose, Hawthorne shows that these people are not as good as they appear on the surface to be. Instead, they are people who are involved in an “awful business” and are awaiting an “anticipated execution.” Hawthorne’s use of the word “anticipated” implies an eagerness in this community to watch someone die. The multiple connotations implicit in the word “anticipated” allow Hawthorne to satirize this community more disposed to sentence lesser crimes with death rather than with simple ridicule. This harsh treatment of the accused for crimes any person could commit speaks to the hypocritical nature of the Puritans who are eager to condemn others to better themselves.