Jigsaw: Speech to the Virginia Convention

Jigsaw: Speech to the Virginia Convention

AP LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION

Jigsaw: Speech to the Virginia Convention

Persuasive Appeals, Syntax and the Rhetorical Triangle

Each category below is not a rhetorical strategy/device, but elements of analyzing argument, specifically regarding the development of and effects of the persuasive appeals as combined with syntax and the rhetorical triangle.

LOGOS (Logical Appeal)

TASKS

  1. How is the speech organized? Does this organization contribute to the message and/or add to Henry’s discussion?
  2. Are Henry’s examples and supporting evidence clear, specific and convincing?
  3. Mark key evidences that are blatantly logical, and directly support the claim(s).
  4. Identify reasons, definitions, literal and historical analogies, testimony/quotations, allusions, citations, etc. that are particularly meaningful to Henry’s message.
  5. Are any reasons or arguments made by Henry misleading or inaccurate? Refer to the fallacy handout in binder.
  6. Consider rhetorical devices such as diction, syntax, organization, and allusions that create Henry’s logos appeal.

ETHOS (Ethical Appeal)

TASKS

  1. What are Henry’s qualifications? Consider earlier lessons and analysis of the rhetorical triangle (persona, perspective and making inferences about a speaker) and whether or not Henry is in a position to support his claims.
  2. Identify details in the writing that characterize Henry as reliable, trustworthy, fair-minded, and/or credible. Also, consider any clues that make you believe the otherwise.
  3. Identify where, if at all, Henry addresses any opposing arguments in his text?
  4. Are any reasons or arguments made by Henry misleading or inaccurate? Refer to the fallacy handout in binder. Are these noticeable enough to detract from Henry’s credibility?
  5. Consider rhetorical devices such as syntax, organization, point of view, figurative language and allusions that create Henry’s ethos appeal.
  6. Consider Henry’s diction and tone: Is his tone suitable for the audience/purpose? How does Henry’s tone differ when discussing the audience versus the subject?

PATHOS (Emotional Appeal)

TASKS

  1. Identify vivid descriptions/language, emotionally loaded language/connotative diction, emotional examples, narratives of emotional events, tone/tonal shifts, figurative language meant to arouse emotions.
  2. Identify the emotions Henry is trying to rouse throughout the speech. Consider how and why the emotions to which Henry appeals changes?
  3. Is the appeal to emotion appropriate and used with restraint – not exaggerated or fake in order to manipulate the audience?
  4. How does Henry’s appeal to emotion reinforce his appeal to reason (logos) and/or ethos?
  5. Identify where Henry appeals to the values and beliefs of the audience by using examples to which the audience can relate.
  6. Consider rhetorical devices such as syntax, organization, figurative language, point of view and allusions that create Henry’s logos appeal.

CLAIM(S)

TASKS

  1. What occasion gives rise to the need/opportunity for Henry’s persuasive speech?
  2. Who is the intended audience? How do you know?
  3. Identify the key claims made by Henry throughout the speech.
  4. What universal ideas emerge after reading Henry’s speech?
  5. Consider what this speech meant for the revolution: What was the result/effect? How can the aforementioned universal ideas be applied to today’s society? Does Henry’s message still reflect the current state of our nation? Discuss.
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