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Rhetorical Analysis Of I Am Not Pocahontas

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“Washuta is a compelling individual to contemplate with respect to identity and ethnic identity, not even because she is an American Indian… but rather because she is also a personal essayist,” (O'Connor). “I am not Pocahontas” was a personal essay written by Elissa Washuta. Washuta receives her Native American heritage from her mother. She is a member of the Cowlitz tribe, which is located on the West Coast. She grew up in New Jersey and is a professor at the University of Ohio. In addition to “I am not Pocahontas'', Washuta also wrote “White Magic'' and “My Body is a Book of Rules''. Washuta wrote this essay about Hollywood, and how they depict Native Americans. Additionally, she also wrote to people who try to define Native Americans by …show more content…

Amongst all of the author's rhetorical devices, Washuta also used figurative language to evaluate her thoughts. One of the most notable was her final sentence, in which she alluded to Dirty Dancing. The author exclaimed on page 5, “Nobody puts this Indian in the cupboard,” (Washuta 5). This brought a humorous tone to the essay, whereas before it had been rigorous and tense. Another type of figurative language she used was hyperbole to describe how she felt when people asked her about her blood quantum. Washuta explained on page 5, “I cringe every time I hear “part Indian,” feeling my arm sliced off at the shoulder,” (Washuta 5). This statement created a feeling of heartache. This made the audience understand her pain and helped communicate the importance of her argument by adding a very human nature to it. The author also included many rhetorical devices in this essay. One of these devices was repetition. Washuta mimicked throughout the essay, “How much Indian are you?” (Washuta). This repetition developed the tone by defining the irritation and frustration Washuta felt throughout the essay. She also used a rhetorical question. Washuta asked on page 1, “ What did it mean to be Welch? French?” (Washuta 1). This question made Washuta very relatable, opening up her audience to her argument and the importance of self-discovery. All of these literary techniques elevated Washuta’s essay, improving the theme and tone, and making her argument

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