Rhetorical Analysis

by

Humanities

: Read the transcript of David Foster Wallace’s graduation speech given at Kenyon College in 2005. If you prefer, you can listen to it as well. Just look up “This Is Water” and his name on YouTube. You will, though, probably have to refer to the document if you wish to quote from his speech. I recommend reading it twice: the first time to digest and react to it, and the second to give it a close reading for the analysis part. When finished, write an essay that does the following:

  1. Provides a rhetorical analysis of the speech itself. Refer to the questions from the previous assignment pasted below, if you’re unsure what to address. Make sure you address what you think the purpose (telos) of the speech is what DFW’s main argument is.
  2. Gives your reaction about the rhetorical effectiveness of DFW’s speech. Why or why not was it effective to you? Be sure to reflect on your own “context” as you assess its effectiveness.