Rhetorical Analysis of A Festival of Rain By Thomas Merton

Description

Paragraph 1 – Introduction: Pose the thesis question, “What features make Merton’s essay good / effective writing?” Briefly (one sentence) introduce Merton’s subject matter (topic). State, explain, and give support of Merton’s: Genre Original intended audience Rhetorical aim/purpose Where his essay falls on the Continuum of Essay Types: Closed to Open Forms Make sure you clearly state, explain, and support (give one example from Merton’s essay) point 1-4 above Refer to Chapter 3. Transition to how Merton’s essay persuades. Paragraph 2 – Persuasion: •&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ; Introduce the concept of persuasion and how it works to make Merton’s essay effective. •&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ; State, explain, and provide one example of Merton’s: 1. Angle of Vision 2. Logos 3. Ethos 4. Pathos Refer to Chapter 4. Transition to the Style of Merton’s essay. Paragraph 3 – Style: •&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ; Introduce the factors of style: sentence structure, types of words, voice, tone (Refer to Concept 4.3 Chapter 4). •&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ; Explain and give one example of Merton’s use of: 1. Shaping sentences 2. Types of words 3. Voice 4. Tone Transition how Merton’s essay affected you as a reader/writer. Paragraph 4 – Your Voice: •&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ;&νβσπ; Clearly respond to, explain, and support each question: 1. What did you learn from Merton’s essay? 2. What is a line you love and why? 3. In your opinion, what makes Merton’s essay most effective? 4. Finally, conclude by explaining what rain means for you.