Rhetorical Analysis Of Guys Vs. Men

Dave Barry’s “Guys vs. Men” is a satirical essay that explores the gender-based notions society has placed on the behaviours of individuals. Barry specifically focuses on males, and centers his essay on what characteristics a guy possesses as opposed to a man. He describes men who try to exhibit manly behavior as serious, and develop “stupid behavioural patterns” that produce violence. With a humourous tone, Barry argues that there is another way to look at males: “not as aggressive macho dominators; not as sensitive, liberated, hugging drummers; but as guys”. Barry proceeds to illustrate three characteristics guys embody: they like neat stuff, they like a really pointless challenge, and they do not have a rigid and well-defined moral code.

Firstly, the author uses hyperbole in the ‘Guys Like a Really Pointless Challenge’ section. After narrating a story, Barry states that there was “twenty-three Advil in (his) bloodstream”. Realistically, a dose of that amount could be counter-productive in his healing process, and thus the use of this exaggeration creates humour in over-emphasizing the severity of his pain. Secondly, the author uses personification in the ‘Guys like Neat Stuff’ section. Barry personifies a computer when he explains how “it sits there, humming impatiently, bored to death”. A computer is an inanimate object, and by giving it human abilities such as sitting, humming, and being bored, the author brings this example to life. Thirdly, the author uses imagery as a means to create humour. In his last section, Barry uses imagery when telling a personal story: “the kitchen floor has been transformed into GarbageFest USA”. The words he decides to choose in this section provides us with the ability to picture the extremity of a mess that was in his kitchen in our own minds. The figurative language that the author employs impacts the overall essay effectively by enhancing his argument. The figurative language enhances his argument because the reader is engaged to the text in a more interesting way that is memorable, and helps the reader understand his ideas on a

The first instance where contrast is used is when the author gives the example of how woman find it necessary to change around furniture at two in the morning on a weekly basis, and how guys don’t find the urgency in this. The comparison between both sexes in this specific example provides humour in the essay, and advances Barry’s point about how guys are simple and neat. The second instance of contrast is used in the section that states guys do not have a rigid and well-defined moral code, whereas women do. According to Barry, the “Basic Human Moral Code” was invented by women millions of years ago. Elaborating from this point, the third example of contrast is given when Barry talks about the faithfulness of men. Moral Code suggests that being faithful to your spouse is a must, and for the most part women obey this rule. On the other hand, guys are aware of this moral behavior, yet find it difficult to actually follow through with it. Barry advocates that men are easily tempted in contrast to women. The contrast found in this essay elaborates upon the author’s argument by giving the reader specific examples of the sexes differences. These differences allow the reader to further understand the characteristics found in guys. Moreover, the use of contrast also boosts the humourous