Famous Speeches

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 4

12th Grade

Lesson 13 of 16

Objective


Analyze the rhetorical choices Stewart makes to develop her argument.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is Stewart’s message to her audience?

Draft an introduction paragraph for a rhetorical analysis essay on Stewart’s speech. 

Key Questions


  • What are the effects of the repeated rhetorical questions?
  • She begins with specific answers to her audience’s ills, then spells out how people who have continually had no opportunity will not be able to make a success of their lives. How is that idea both reflected and refined in the following paragraphs?
  • What allusion does Stewart employ in her speech? Why?
  • Describe her diction. Does it help her connect with the audience or drive home her point?

Notes


Background Information

  • Stewart uses repeated rhetorical questions throughout her speech.
  • The effect is to shame people into taking action. 
  • She makes allusions to pilgrims, a historic group of people who were able to overcome troubles.
  • She uses elevated diction throughout. Her diction, her solutions to her audience’s ills, and her development of her points indicate her own abilities and intellect. She serves as an example to her audience.
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Lesson 12

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Lesson 14

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