ipl-logo

Jk Rowling Rhetorical Analysis Essay

941 Words4 Pages

Rhetorical Analysis of J.K. Rowling Harvard Speech J.K. Rowling is an author who is known worldwide for her Harry Potter series. In 2008 she was selected to be the honorary speaker at the Harvard graduation ceremony. She makes connections with the audience by mentioning her book, using strategies such as repetition and juxtaposition, and also by throwing the audience into her past where she commemorates the struggles and triumphs she has endured since her own college experiences. She uses her past as an instrument to display the things she has learned throughout her years as well as to advise students to use knowledge constructively in the future. During the introduction of her speech as well as the closing, Rowling uses her novels to relieve …show more content…

Because this piece was written to be spoken, the use of repetition has a greater impact. While the audience listens, they can detect the emphasis the speaker puts on certain words. For example, Rowling reveals a specific instance from her past, where a young man who lost everything wished happiness for Rowling’s future. Not only was this ironic considering the horrible acts this man has endured, but it was also very impactful because of the way Rowling depicted it. This highlights another main idea, that life is a gift and there are always people who have it worse. This same concept returns in the last line of her speech when Rowling finishes with, “I wish you all very good lives”. This statement is directly related to the prior words of the young man. As well as this, Rowling repeated this to her audience in hopes of keeping the cycle going. To Rowling, aiding in others happiness as well as helping those who cannot help themselves is important. The use of repetition is to emphasize the idea of maintaining one 's values and working hard to make sure this happens. By placing her wishes for the students at the end of her speech, she leaves them thinking about what their values are, and how important it is to preserve them. Also, Rowling uses juxtaposition as a form of showing that there are two sides to every situation. She wants her audience to know that depending on perspective, outcome can be affected.

Show More
Related

  • Amy Tan Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    201 Words  | 1 Pages

    In the passage written by Amy Tan the author uses adjectives and feelings to reveal that an embarrassing experience in her youth changed her prospective on her heritage by showing her she needs to always be reminded of her heritage. One of Amy’s emotions in this passage is she feels embarrassed that her Chinese family that came over would get up to get their while the American would wait patiently for the food to be passed. One thing that made Amy embarrassed was when her dad took the fish cheek and said “Amy your favorite.” Another emotion was she was scared that the boy wouldn’t like their Chinese food or wouldn’t like there Chinese Christmas. But Amy’s fear was realized because the ministers family didn’t eat a lot nor did they talk.

    Read More

  • Allusions In Abigail Adams's Letter

    1103 Words  | 5 Pages

    The most noteworthy example is the long sentence that makes up the entirety of the final paragraph and reads, “The strict and inviolable regard you have ever paid to truth, gives me pleasing hopes that you will not swerve from her dictates, but add justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue which can adorn a good citizen, do honor to your country, and render your parents supremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother.” Instead of giving logical reasoning as to why John Quincy Adams should continue his travels, Abigail Adams shifts to a more emotional approach. The words she uses, such as “truth,” “justice,” “virtue,” and “honor” carry a positive connotation that presents the case that her son should continue his travels not only to better himself, but because it is his duty to his parents and country to do so. The antithesis present in the quote reinforces the contrast between his two options and presents him with a clear choice. Presenting an argument through an emotional lens can touch the reader in ways that logic cannot.

    Read More

  • The Inquisitor Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    530 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout our lives, we are faced with challenges that require us to persuade the trust and support of our peers and followers. Whether speaking or writing, we can earn this certitude through the manipulation of rhetorical strategies. In his speech, the Inquisitor evokes a cognitive, rational response through logos and conjures an emotional response through pathos while demonstrating his own reliability and competence through ethos. In order to provide his message with consistency and clarity, the Inquisitor adds logic to his reasoning regarding Joan of Arc's fate. He warns the audience that Joan will rightfully suffer the most cruel and just punishment that the men of the court have ever seen due to her mindless treason and disrespect

    Read More

  • Does Texting Affect Writing Michaela Cullington Analysis

    697 Words  | 3 Pages

    This allows the audience to know that she can relate to the situation. Most everyone texts and it can be easy to allow such language to bleed over into any type of formal writing. She, however, believes that people have enough common sense and control and that most people don't allow themselves to use such language in their final drafts of their formal writings. Despite establishing her credibility and strong use of logos, she does, however, lack in pathos. She fails at truly connecting with the reader on a more personal and emotional level.

    Read More

  • Universal Declaration Of Human Rights Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    570 Words  | 3 Pages

    By saying this, Eleanor presents the rhetorical device pathos, because she uses inspirational words to grab attention and connect with the listeners in a way that relates to them. She also uses vivid language to truly intrigue the audience to compromise and work together to provide peace for the country. Eleanor uses a strong form of ethos in the quote from paragraph 10 , “ This declaration is based upon the spiritual fact

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Speech By Florence Kelley

    966 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the beginning of her speech, her first few paragraphs range from about two sentences to four. This improves her speech because it gives the audience background information. She then changes her long syntax to short syntax near the end of her speech. Near the end, she has many short sentences that are around six to eight words. For example, “We do not wish this,” or

    Read More

  • Rebecca Watson Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    651 Words  | 3 Pages

    Rebecca Watson, the speaker, made it clear her purpose was to inform you that while Martin Shkrelli had a huge role in the raising of Daraphim prices, he was not the only one to blame. She blames the entire pharmaceutical community for making it harder for people to access the medicine they need by constantly changing the prices. Watson builds upon her purpose by pulling out more opinions such as: “Homeopathy is bullshit and many chiropractors are dangerous quacks (Watson).” These opinions allows the reader to fully believe she is dislikes and puts blame on the pharmaceutical industry and the people within it. She specifically points out chiropractors which indicates there might have been an issue with one previously that allowed her to draw this conclusion.

    Read More

  • Roll Of Thunder Hear My Cry Courage Essay

    597 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mama also stands up to Mr. Granger when he asked her to teach topics she did not have the books for. On page 184 Mama said, “ That’s because they’re not in there.” This is when Mama is explaining to Mr. Granger that she cannot teach what is in the books due to the fact that “‘Because all that’s in that book isn’t true.’” Mama stayed true to her convictions and

    Read More

  • Scarlet Letter Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    838 Words  | 4 Pages

    Puritan’s harsh beliefs represented the beginning of the Nineteenth Century in the newly colonized America. Their community ruled with an iron fist: unforgiving, pitiless, stern. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne expresses his disagreement with puritan priorities by revealing the hypocrisy widely practiced throughout their community. Hawthorne’s utilization of dim diction aids in the establishment of his scornful tone, while inclusion of symbols and intricate juxtaposition all serve to accentuate the Puritan’s duplicity. All these factors combine to develop a critical tone which rebukes puritan society.

    Read More

  • House Of The Seven Gables Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    759 Words  | 4 Pages

    You’re a Big Fat Phony!: Corruption in The House of the Seven Gables Appearances can be everything. In today’s society, especially, appearances are a major factor in how society views and values individuals. However, while one can appear to be high-principled and faithful, he or she can easily be deceiving the public in order to maintain his or her reputation. In The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne, through a collection of oxymoron, syntax, tone, rhetorical question, connotation, details, metaphor, and direct characterization, reveals the corrupt nature of Judge Pyncheon.

    Read More

  • Malala Rhetorical Analysis Essay

    586 Words  | 3 Pages

    Rhetorical Analysis Malala is known for her couragous battle to fight for education for the children in her country, but to me i know her for something else. The way she conveyed her message using rhetorical strategies is how i know Malala. She makes the reader experience in his or her mind what it is to live in pakistan. Malala used very good rhetorical strategies to convey her message and to inspire many around the world, including me.

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Malcolm Gladwell

    1028 Words  | 5 Pages

    Essay #1: Malcolm Gladwell, Successful Rhetorician? Introduction: Hook: To think of success is like monitoring a tree grow, the branches split into different paths one can take, each split is another opportunity to prosper and grow beautiful leaves like trophies. Follow up: In the mind of Gladwell, the process of becoming successful is like a tree branch, if one starts off strong, more paths appear growing from the strong branch, and as you achieve your goals, leaves grow to show your wealth. Paragraph 1: (Background for Gladwell)

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Malala Yousafzai's Speech

    544 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout her speech, Malala Yousafzai exemplifies the rhetorical methods of Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. At the beginning of the speech Yousafzai addresses how it’s an honor to be speaking to the United Nations. This section uses the rhetorical method, Logos which means logical, to

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Jk Rowley Speech

    877 Words  | 4 Pages

    She only needs one reference to Harry Potter and then everyone knows who she is. She uses a lot of energy on humor in the first part. Maybe because she is nervous, which she indicates that she is with “But the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose weight. A win-win situation!” (Page 1, column 1, line 7-10) maybe she wants to get rid of her nervousness or perhaps she just wants a bond with the audience before talking more serious.

    Read More

  • On Immortality Rhetorical Analysis

    924 Words  | 4 Pages

    In one instance she is discussing the topic of immortality and what were to happen if we really did achieve it and asks “If we stop dying will our species stop evolving?” (548) This question is harder to answer than just simple yes or no which is why it is so engaging to the reader, it really makes them think about what all the possible outcomes

    Read More

More about Jk Rowling Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Open Document