Rhetorical Analysis for Language Structure and Devices

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Rhetorical analysis requires an individual to analyze how writing utilizes language structure and devices to convey the message. The analysis evaluates how the writer uses supporting evidence to appeal to the audience's senses' logical, emotional, and credibility aspects. In this rhetorical analysis, we will compare Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther and Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat by Winston Churchill. Both texts utilized various rhetorical devices to persuade the audience to take action or adopt a particular position. Letter from Birmingham Jail was written to persuade and appeal to the people to stand against racial prejudice. The audience included whites, the oppressors, and the African Americans, who were the oppression victims. Churchill's Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat was delivered to the British parliament at the time when Hitler had invaded France. Churchill was the newest prime minister of Britain and aimed to persuade the parliament to intensify the war against Germany. He counted on the audience to give him support, and he made a very persuasive argument about the case. The essay will compare and contrast the strategies used by both authors to appeal to the audience.
From both texts, we can see that the author used ethos, logos, and pathos to evoke the audience's senses and earn their trust. Both writers' goal is appealing to the audience to take a particular stand about the issue affecting them. In King's letter, we see ethos when he states his position as the President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This allows him to create a moral and ethical connection with the audience. The title of President makes him someone who can be trusted and validates his message. He also honors the ethos of the people opposing him. He acknowledges that they are "men of genuine goodwill and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth" (King Jr). He also intends to respond to the opponents' remarks in a "patient and reasonable" way. This gives him a strong basis to argue his case because he is perceived as credible (King Jr). Churchill's ethos arose from his experience as a decorated public figure in British political life. There were various roles he had served on, including a Navy position. This equipped him with knowledge about war and was easy for him to convince the audience. When he says, "I am working for you as much as for the king; indeed, we are all working for the Nation," he proves that his actions are in the best interests of the nation (Churchill). This appeals to the audience's ethos and affirms his...