What is rhetorical analysis?

Defining rhetorical analysis

A common writing exercise undertaken by students and professionals alike, a rhetorical analysis is the examination of intent of a text and the author’s technique to achieve that intent.ⁱ It’s not about what is on the page, it’s about how it got on the page and why it’s there.

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Understanding rhetoric

Classically, rhetoric is the art of speaking or writing effectively—especially its effectiveness for communicating an idea or persuading an audience.ⁱⁱ The basis of rhetoric, the modes of persuasion, was developed by Greek philosopher Aristotle in the 4th century BCE and outlined in his aptly titled treatise Rhetoric:

• Logos, using logic (or something that appears to be logic) to appeal to an audience.
• Pathos, appealing to an audience’s emotions, sometimes by agreeing with these emotions.
• Ethos, using the authority or credibility (or appearance of) to appeal to an audience.

Roman philosopher Cicero further defined how to structure arguments in his work De Inventione, creating the five steps, or canons, of rhetoric:^iii,iv

1. Invention, or “What should be said?”: Coming up with the idea for the work—the brainstorming step.
2. Arrangement, or “In what order should it be said?”: Putting your thoughts in order—the outlining step.
3. Style or Elocution, or “How should it be said?”: Writing begins, with special consideration given to who the audience will be, tone, and mood.
4. Memory, or “How should this evoke memory?”: Crafting memorable components as well as details that will stir memories in the audience.
5. Delivery, or “How should this be presented?”: While delivery is most visible in speeches or visual media, matters of structure and formatting are still relevant details when crafting a written piece.

SOAPSTone: The components to consider in a rhetorical analysis

In order to undertake a thorough rhetorical analysis, you need to consider each component of a piece, often remembered with the acronym SOAPSTone:^v

• Speaker: The author or authorial voice.
• Occasion: When the work is created and in what context.
• Audience: Who the work is for.
• Purpose: What the author of the work wants to achieve.
• Subject: What the work is about.
• Tone: What attitude the author has about the subject.

These are the pieces against which the success of a text is measured.

How to complete a rhetorical analysis, step by step

Once you’ve thoroughly familiarized yourself with the text, you’ll have everything you need to start your rhetorical analysis:

1. First, be able to identify each of the SOAPSTone components. Take notes, especially of any questions you might have.
2. Find instances of the three modes of persuasion—logos, pathos, ethos—in the text.
3. Understand how the three modes of persuasion are used to convey purpose to the audience.
4. Build your analysis. This often takes the form of an essay, so summarize your findings in your introduction and state your thesis.

How rhetorical analysis can help your own writing

Turning an analytical eye on your own work can help you take your writing to the next level. Even if you already undertake a revision process of your own, adding a separate round of rhetorical analysis can help you sharpen your points and tighten your arguments. Sharing your work with a trusted reader well-versed in the rhetorical analysis process is an ideal way to grow as a writer and strengthen your analytical skills.

Rhetorical analysis isn’t just helpful for persuasive essays—ensuring your work is structured effectively can ensure writing of any kind connects with the intended audience.

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