An Analysis of An Analysis of Rhtorical Criticism: Rhtorical Criticism:

Exploration & PracticeExploration & PracticeReport By: Kyle Smith

The BookThe Book

Title:◦Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration & Practice

Author:◦Sonja K. Foss

Publisher: ◦Waveland Press, Inc.

Chapter 3Chapter 3

For this PowerPoint, I decided upon chapter 3. ◦The primary focus of this chapter was on Neo-

Aristotelian Criticism.

Neo-Aristotelian CriticismNeo-Aristotelian Criticism

The first formal method of rhetorical criticism developed in the communication field.◦Also called neo-classical or traditional criticism.◦Primary focus is rhetorical effect.◦First suggested in 1925 by Herbert Wichelns.

Herbert A. WichelnsHerbert A. Wichelns

First suggested the central features of neo-Aristotelian criticism.◦“The Literary Criticism of Oratory”

Distinguished literary criticism from rhetorical criticism.

Prior to 1925, there was no clear understanding of what rhetorical criticism was.

Procedures for Neo-Aristotelian Procedures for Neo-Aristotelian CriticismCriticism

1) Selecting an Artifact2) Analyzing the Artifact3) Formulating the Research Question4) Writing the Essay

1. Selecting the Artifact1. Selecting the Artifact

Generally speechesWritten languageProduced by a rhetor about which some

biographical information is available.

2. Analyzing the Artifact2. Analyzing the Artifact

Reconstructing the context◦Information about the rhetor◦Occasion on which the speech is given◦Nature of the audience

2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)

2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)

1. Invention2. Organization (Arrangement)• Determine the general pattern of arrangement• Chronological order• Problem-Solution order

2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)

1. Invention2. Organization (Arrangement3. Style (Expression)• Determining the general effect that results• Common and ordinary• Forceful and robust• Stately and ornate

2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)

1. Invention2. Organization (Arrangement3. Style (Expression)4. Delivery

Rhetor’s mode of presentation◦Delivered impromptu◦Delivered from memory◦Delivered extemporaneously◦Delivered from a manuscript

Bodily actions Vocal skill

2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)2. Analyzing the Artifact (con’t)

1. Invention2. Organization (Arrangement3. Style (Expression)4. Delivery5. Memory• Rhetor’s control of the materials from the

speech.• Relation of memory to the mode of presentation

selected

3. Formulating a Research 3. Formulating a Research QuestionQuestion

“Did the rhetor use the available means of persuasion to evoke the intended response from the audience?”

4. Writing the Essay4. Writing the Essay

Five Major Components1) Introduction2) Description of the artifact3) Description of the method of criticism4) Report of the findings of the analysis5) Discussion of the contribution the analysis

makes to the rhetorical theory

ReferencesReferences

Foss, Sonja K. Rhetorical Criticism: Exploration & Practice. Waveland Press, Inc. Denver, CO.

Ayotte, Kevin.Image:

http://www.amazon.com/Rhetorical-Criticism-Exploration-Sonja-Foss/dp/1577663187