Rhetorical Analysis Examples of Pathos, Ethos, Logos
The term “rhetorical analysis” means a critical review form that uses the oratory principles to study the author’s interaction, text, and audience.
A rhetorical analysis can be applied to almost any text or image – a public speech, an advertisement, an essay, a literary work, or even bumper stickers. It reviews the text as an artistically structured tool of communication, but not as an aesthetic object. As Edward P. Corbett remarked, rhetorical analysis “is more interested in any work for what it does than for what it is.”
One of the best ways to improve rhetorical analysis is to study Aristotle’s pathos, ethos, and logos concepts. The key to convincing writing is analyzing and verifying or refuting the arguments’ rhetorical principles. For additional information on ethos, logos, and pathos analysis and combinations of rhetorical appeals, visit wr1ter.com.
Rhetorical Triangle: Pathos, Ethos, Logos
Ethos is the speaker’s or writer’s authority. To draw the audience’s attention to a particular topic, the person presenting the arguments must first declare himself or herself as a person who can be trusted or as a person with extensive experience working with this topic. It is also known as ethics.
Ethos refers to:
– intelligence
– virtue
– manners
– perception of credibility
Ethos in action on the example of TED talks rhetorical analysis:
“I am Sir Ken Robinson, creativity and education expert, TED speaker, the New York Times best selling author of “The Element.” My speech “Do schools kill creativity” was written to convince the people that the public education system can be improved to promote the students’ creativity to let them reach the highest potential.”
Pathos gains access to the feelings and deep beliefs of the audience to attract them to the subject. Pathos often makes people feel that they are personally interested in the provided information and is often the catalyst that encourages them to act.
Pathos refers to:
– feelings and emotions
– prejudice and bias
– motives
Pathos in action on the example of TED talks rhetorical analysis essay:
“The line between misunderstanding and creativity is blurred. The system of education stigmatizes mistakes through a strict learning program and various tests. It focuses on subjects that will not be significant for the child’s future career. Children require an individual approach to show how to reach the highest potential.”
Logos uses logic, evidence, reasoning, and facts to support the arguments. It appeals more to the rational side and provides support for the subject. Logos strategies can often be used to enhance the influence of pathos on the audience.
Logos refers to:
– evidence
– proof
– statistics and various data
– universal truths
Logos in action on the example of TED talks rhetorical analysis essay:
“In his arguments, Robinson uses logos appeals regarding the public school system’s negative effects. He provides statistics to show that students still need to continue studying to become successful after receiving their first degree. This way, he persuades the audience to rethink the notion of creativity in the public education system.”
