Writing Prompt: Rhetoric

The rhetoric used in writing is key to the interpretation and voice of a writer. This week I have been asked to look at two separate pieces of writing and determine the components of rhetoric that contribute to both. Rhetoric is the concepts in which a writer can relate to and arouse the audience. By appealing to the credibility of the facts which is known as "Ethos", the emotion of human life related to the word "Pathos", and lastly appealing to logical thinking which is referred to as "Logos."

In an excerpt of writing from John Gatto entitled Against School, John begins by catching the readers attention with a Pathos effect. He talks about being a school teacher for 30 years, which is also an Ethos rhetoric, and noticing that students often become board in school. Almost every person can relate to being board in school setting. Whether in an actual class room, listening to mom and dad give lectures, this educational point appeals to every reader. Continuing John applies a Logos rhetoric by going over his ideas and trying to persuade the audience to question their thoughts about schooling and the need for the public education system which America has built. He uses simple, yet strong language throughout this document to invoke thought.

The next piece of writing I will analyze was written by Mike Rose. After reading the whole article, it was apparent to me that Rose chose to use great detail and appeal to the writers senses through Pathos rhetoric. It was amazing to me how Rose explained his situation well enough to keep me interested, make me feel anger at those who treated him badly, and yet want to be observant like him. I also found a few hints of Logos in Mike's writing. He was able to logically explain about his situation as a student and I could relate to the thought of "Why work hard in a class that didn't grab my fancy?" Overall the rhetoric used in this writing made it both an enjoyable and a learning experience.