I realize that the basics are important. The rhetorical devices that are used must be analyzed. In my opinion though, the bigger picture matters more. By looking at the context, we open ourselves up to a larger world. In today's society, simply looking at rhetoric will not help us come to a conclusion about a certain piece. However if we come to realize that there is a larger conversation, a door has been cracked open just wide enough for us to slip through so that we may make further analyzations that are guided by a knowledge of context.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Contextual Analysis
A large portion of the material has been introductory and foundational, all of which is important to growth as writers and rhetors. In my opinion though, the most important topic we have covered is contextual analysis. Contextual analysis is fairly basic conceptually. It is simply looking at the rhetorical situation that the text has been put it. Yet, despite the possible simplicity of the analysis, it plays such an important role in understanding the rhetoric.
I find contextual analysis to be both fascinating and effective. By recognizing that the piece we are examining is part of a greater conversation, we are deepening our understanding. Say that we were to simply focus on the rhetorical devices used in a given piece. Yes, we can see that the rhetor is using different devices to appeal to a certain audience. Yes we can see that there writing is effective and well written. However all of this is irrelevant if we cannot look at the bigger picture to realize that there is a reason behind the rhetoric employed. Contextual analysis provides the necessary tools to allow someone to see the motivation behind the rhetoric, to understand what influenced it, and to find out why the piece was created. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a better and more clear understanding.
I realize that the basics are important. The rhetorical devices that are used must be analyzed. In my opinion though, the bigger picture matters more. By looking at the context, we open ourselves up to a larger world. In today's society, simply looking at rhetoric will not help us come to a conclusion about a certain piece. However if we come to realize that there is a larger conversation, a door has been cracked open just wide enough for us to slip through so that we may make further analyzations that are guided by a knowledge of context.
I realize that the basics are important. The rhetorical devices that are used must be analyzed. In my opinion though, the bigger picture matters more. By looking at the context, we open ourselves up to a larger world. In today's society, simply looking at rhetoric will not help us come to a conclusion about a certain piece. However if we come to realize that there is a larger conversation, a door has been cracked open just wide enough for us to slip through so that we may make further analyzations that are guided by a knowledge of context.
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Hi Tim, I definitely agree that contextual analysis is an important part of evaluating a piece. I do, however, think that textual analysis is also an important part of the conversation. A piece individually has the power to influence us and call us to action sometimes in spite of the context. All of the experts might be saying one thing, but the one piece that contradicts them might offer us a different, and sometimes more valuable, perspective.
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