TTTC: Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Choose a significant passage from the novel and write a rhetorical analysis.
FIRST, choose a passage. When choosing a passage, consider the following:

• Think about the “big ideas” discussed in class―storytelling, memories, coping, life and death, and love, among others. Consider choosing one of the passages discussed in class.
• Review the post-it note reflections you completed in your initial reading of the book.
• Review your reflections from our Socratic Seminars. Did a particular passage stand out to you?
• Consider length, choosing a passage that is neither too long nor too short. Be sure that your passage is long enough to write a substantial analysis, but not so long that your analysis becomes overwhelming. If you are unsure about a passage, run it by me in class.
• Last, but not least… choose a passage that speaks to you. Chances are, you’ll be in a better position to write about the passage because it stood out to you while you were (re)reading.
• IMPORTANT: You may NOT choose a passage from the title story, “The Things They Carried.” You may also not choose the passage on pages 76-77 that begins with “How do you generalize?” and ends with “the truth is ugly.”

SECOND, after choosing a passage, photocopy the excerpt. Then annotate the excerpt thoroughly. You’ll bring this to class for review on Thursday, 1/7, and then turn this in with your final essay on Tuesday, 1/12.
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THIRD, begin drafting/writing/revising your rhetorical analysis. Your final rhetorical analysis essay should be about two pages in length (between 400-600ish words). Some tips:

• Review your photocopied annotation.
• Review the steps to writing a rhetorical analysis and rhetorical precis (see Quick Links).
• Review the sample rhetorical analyses from class.
• Consult your lists: powerful verbs, tone words (see Quick Links).
• Think RLW (“How to Read Like a Writer”), especially the reminder below: