Final answer:
The difference between the purpose and effect of a rhetorical strategy lies in intent versus outcome. Purpose is the writer's intended goal, such as to persuade or inform, whereas effect is the actual impact on the reader, which may vary based on various factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the purpose and effect of a rhetorical strategy can indeed be subtle, as the two are closely linked yet distinct concepts. The purpose refers to the writer's intent or goal in employing a specific rhetorical strategy, which could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain a concept to the reader. For instance, using analogy might serve the purpose of clarifying a complex topic by relating it to something the audience already understands. On the other hand, effect is the actual impact or outcome that the use of a rhetorical strategy has on the reader. It is the response that the reader has, whether it is to be convinced by an argument, to gain a deeper understanding of a topic, or to feel emotionally stirred by a narrative.
Consider an author who writes an editorial to persuade an audience on a political issue; the purpose might be to change public opinion or encourage legislative action. However, the effect of the editorial will vary based on factors such as the audience's pre-existing beliefs, how well the argument is constructed, and if the rhetorical techniques employed resonate with the reader. While the author's purpose is to evoke a particular response, the actual effect may or may not align with this intended purpose due to the complexity of communication and individual differences among readers.