Final answer:
To perform a successful rhetorical analysis, one must begin by identifying the author's purpose and audience. This involves a detailed examination of various elements such as the context, tone, and strategies used by the author to persuade the audience, rather than summarizing the text's content.
Step-by-step explanation:
To succeed in a rhetorical analysis, one must first identify the author's purpose and audience. This approach ensures that you understand the intent behind the text and the group of people the author is attempting to reach or influence. A rhetorical analysis goes beyond merely summarizing the plot or content of a text; instead, it requires a deeper examination of the strategies and techniques the author employed to convey their message and persuade their audience.
When undertaking a rhetorical analysis, it's important to focus on a variety of factors including the context of the piece, the medium through which it is presented, and the writer's tone and style. By completing sentence frames such as 'The subject of my rhetorical analysis is...' and 'My goal is to...', it helps clarify your own understanding of the text prior to presenting it to others. Moreover, considering the rhetorical situation—subject, author, purpose, context, audience, and culture—is imperative in your analysis, as these factors influence the effectiveness of the argument presented.
As part of your analysis, consider the rhetorical situation: the author, message, audience, and the strategies used. This involves asking questions about the author's goals, the impact of their rhetorical choices, and how the readers are likely to perceive the text. Effective rhetorical analysis is characterized by the identification and evaluation of how the text functions within its rhetorical context, which in turn enhances your critical understanding of the literature.