A Rhetorical Analysis is a study of how writers and speakers use certain words to influence an Audience. In a rhetorical analysis, Pathos, Ethos and Logos are writing techniques used to grab attention from the viewers. Pathos is used to activate an emotion, Ethos is defined for credibility, and Logos is based on logic. Each of these techniques used in writing, commercials and so on are identified in the poem “Please God, I’m only 17!” by Dr. Michael Polling. The poem is based on a young boy Jimmy Rowe, who was killed in a car accident at just 16 years old. It was written by Dr. Michael Lee Polling, from the perspective of his dead best friend Jimmy. Kids are always excited for that new car and that little taste of freedom on the road. But, is it all really worth the risk? Some writers and readers wouldn’t know what pathos is unless they have searched for the definition on the internet. Pathos is used in everyday activity and we have yet to realize it. Pathos is a technique used to evoke emotions. For example, in ASPCA commercials the creators use pathos as a way to grab viewers attention with abused animals and sad music. Now, in the poem “Please God, I’m only 17!” Dr. Michael Polling states “I wish someone could wake me up and get me out of this casket! My mom and dad are so broken up. …show more content…
One reason in particular that shows how credible Dr. Michael Lee polling is, is because as it is known Teenage Drivers have always frightened the world, especially when speeding is involved. “ I want to laugh and sing. Please don’t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me one more chance, I’ll be the most careful driver in the whole world” (Polling 1997). This shows that even though it was not written in the perspective of the victim, his best friend knew how Jimmy would respond if that never happened to him. It is almost as if he would be pleading for a second shot at life to make sure his accident never