The picture entitled Photo journal, Tales of rape in DR Congo has an extremely compelling story behind it. The way that the photographer composed this image, however, does more than simply document the event: it produces an argument which in turn is backed up using the appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos. In writing a rhetorical analysis on this photo, I will be attempting to explain and provide some insight as to what this argument is, as well as depicting the reinforcing evidence using the modes of appeal. Although my primary purpose is to reveal the message by clearly decomposing and sifting through the argument, I also have a secondary objective, which is to fulfill a requirement for my English 151 class.
One aspect that is extremely important
when developing an argument is to think about the audience, or recipients, of the information. In doing this, one understands the best way to go
about delivering the message, as well as what to say within the paper in order to clearly address the argument. As pertaining to the rhetorical analysis, my primary audience includes my teacher, current classmates, as well as future students in English 151. When looking at these members in particular, my teacher will ultimately be the one assessing how well I am able to depict the message of the photo. As such, I need to consider the various regulations and suggestions he gives for the assignment, and use these in order to develop a strong analysis. As far as the rest of my primary audience, they will more than likely be familiar with the technical terms used within rhetorical analysis papers (such as the modes of appeal), and as such, it gives me the ability to use these terms freely. In addition, they are already familiar with the blog format used, which is an advantage to posting an essay in this medium.
Based on the fact, however, that the rhetorical analysis will be published in this blog setting, there is no predicting who might stumble across it. Thus, besides the primary audience, a secondary audience can be established. This category includes viewers who may come across the blog as a result of a google search for the Democratic Republic of Congo, etc. Furthermore, it may even consist of administrators from UNL who are seeking examples of student work. This is also relevant information to consider when crafting the argument, especially because they might not have the same viewpoint as my primary audience. For example,
it is unlikely that the secondary audience will be as familiar with terms pertaining to rhetorical analysis essays. In addition, the blog environment may appear to be less creditable to these people than an argument in paper format. As such, it is important that I consider my creditability as an author.
After looking at both the primary and secondary audiences, it can be established that neither group will have likely seen the image before, and that everyone will view the blog via a computer. In considering this context, which is another essential element to assess when communicating, I need to depict the essay in a concise manner, explaining and perhaps defining important terms. In addition, it is necessary to validate the essay in its blog format through the use of respectable sources (such as Compose, Design, Advocate) to give the essay credibility. In addition, using various strategies of logos, including parallel structures, deductive reasoning, etc, are also essential in the creation of the argument. Overall, if I keep these various elements in mind, as well as the purpose of the essay in general, my analysis will be much more complete and effective.
