Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples

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In multiple news outlets today, one can find a plethora of rhetorical devices in a single segment. In each instance, the anchor, reporter, or tv personality is attempting to sway viewers’ opinions in subtle and unsubtle ways. Rhetorical devices are used for almost any topic, especially politics. The following examples were found in the MSNBC article over the price increase of the EpiPen written by Steve Benen on August 25, 2016, and a transcript of the Bresch Interview given with the essay prompt. The four rhetorical devices were a dysphemism, a rhetorical analogy, repetition, and a rhetorical explanation. The first device is a dysphemism found in the MSNBC article. “We are the only developed nation that lets drugmakers set their own prices, maximizing profits the same way sellers of chairs, mugs, shoes, or any other manufactured goods would.” “Drugmakers” is used as a dysphemism. This choice of wording elicits a negative connotation. The use of the word “Drugs” is not as neutral as “Medicine”. It carries negative connotations, as most news stations report “drug busts” or “drug overdose”. “Pharmaceutical companies” could easily replace “drugmakers” and give the sentence a neutral connotation. As a result of using this dysphemism, the writer attempts to either sway or strengthen the …show more content…

Uses of dysphemism and rhetorical analogy were found in the MSNBC article, and examples of repetition and rhetorical explanation were found in the Bresch interview. In the MSNBC article, the rhetorical devices were used to cast a negative light on the price increase of the EpiPen. However, the rhetorical devices found in the Bresch interview were used to facilitate a positive outlook on the increase. Rhetoric can be used by both sides of an issue, and it is incredibly helpful to be able to identify different examples. If one is able to, then they are likely to be able to better understand the issue at