One could say that the way both authors approached the theme in their writing styles was almost secretive. Yet, the theme that they develop in long run tells an important life lesson. The commencement speech given by Mary Schmich, and the poem given by Max Ehrmann both seem to be simple compilations of helpful advice, but both share an underlying theme that runs through the two pieces thoroughly. The two pieces both express to have your own opinion and awareness even if others are different.
After reading the graduation commencement speed given by Mary Schmich, The author develops the theme by telling the listener at the beginning of her speech to “Wear sunscreen” (Schmitt, 1), but then goes on to say random and sometimes illogical pieces of advice such as “Floss” or “Be kind to your knees: you'll miss them when they're gone” (Schmitt, 1). One that is reading the speech might be outraged by the absurdness of the fact that the paper actually possesses a theme from the irrelevant nonsense, but the purposeless advice is used as a rhetorical device to make the reader believe that not all advice that one receives can be creditable to their
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The second piece by Max Ehrmann takes on a different approach, but says essentially the same message using a variety of rhetorical devices to show the theme. Max states “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should” (Ehrmann, 2) What she means is that however life is to the individual, the universe will always have more to offer. She then goes on to say to “be at peace with God whatever you conceive Him to be” (Ehrmann, 2). The rhetorical device used in this line shows the reader that however the world is in there eyes, one should accept the reality that God has put them in (however you perceive God to be). Even though she mentions God, the poem has nothing to do with religion, yet is in relation with self peace and
In 1960 American Journalist and Politician, Clare Boothe Luce delivered a speech to Journalists at the Women's National Press CLub, criticizing the American Press in favor of public demand for sensational stories. Luce prepares her audience for her message through the use of a critical tone.
Burciaga, Jose Antonio. “Tortillas.” Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and Guide. 12th ed. Ed. Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell. Boston: Bedford, 2012. 507-509. Print.
In the argument that college is not for everyone, Reeves establishes his ethos through both extrinsic and intrinsic support while maintaining clarity using the logos approach. Pathos, however, lacked the same amount of control. By using an excess amount of pathos while approaching rhetoric with a condescending tone, the author diminished the persuasiveness achieved by combining the techniques. This resulted in a limited audience due to the insulting nature of the closing remarks geared to the very audience he was trying to reach.
Worthern has created a sincere and serious tone to persuade her audience the importance of etiquette. The use of word choices like “stand up”, “vigilant defense” and “protect” shows her passion of establishing etiquette to include the “disempowered minorities” as well as to be the “guardians of civilization” due to the positive and protective connotation of the words. She also adopts a calming and informative tone to explain the significance and historical background of maintaining a respectful environment for both students and professors instead of creating an authoritative tone to doctrine and warn the students to discontinue their improper behavior. On the other hand, Wade adopts a demanding and sarcastic tone insisting upon the reader the proper behaviors of college students through colloquial language. The use of colloquial language although is effective because Wade’s intended audience is direct to students, she begins her list of “10 Things Every College Professor Hates” by the admonitory word “Don’t” which creates a satiric mood for the whole article. Wade coerces the reader to admit and accept her argument by appealing to the audiences’ guiltiness and criticizing the audience’s behaviors in academic environment. For example, “No, you didn’t miss anything
In today’s society, one of the most natural human traits is selfishness. David Foster Wallace incorporated this idea in his commencement speech at Kenyon College in 2005. Wallace aims to persuade his audience that, “the most obvious, ubiquitous, important realities are often the ones that are the hardest to see and talk about.” Although the intended audience of his speech is the graduates and staff, along with their friends and family, the piece has become quite popular since its delivery. Wallace offers, “nothing less than the truth” and captivates the listeners with his complete honestly. His personal tone lets the audience feel like they are a part of the conversation, rather than just receiving it. Wallace successfully conveys his message that society is blind to the world around them through the use of logic, humility and emotional appeals.
The Stases and Other Rhetorical Concepts from Introduction to Academic Writing. N.p.: n.p., n.d. PDF.
Shirley Chisholm was a crucial figure in Black politics, and the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. She defeated civil rights leader James Farmer on November 5, 1968, and served 7 terms in the House of Representatives till 1982. Also, she was the first woman and person of color to run for President. Chisholm is a model of independence and honesty and has championed several issues including civil rights, aid for the poor, and women 's rights.
Commencement speeches, which are presented in American graduation ceremonies, aim to inspire and motivate. Successfully, Nora Ephron 's commencement speech addressed to the Wellesley Class of 1996; inspired her audience to "be the heroine of [their '] li[ves], not the victim". Through anecdotes, Ephron explored the differences between her education and the graduates at Wellesley College, to remind the women graduating that whilst society was different in many ways, in particular for women, "there was still a glass ceiling".
The author begins in using the word “we”. This reaches out and alerts the reader to what he is about to say. This idea that we are all affected brings the readers emotions forward and makes the words on the page become a reality. This is an important idea in teaching others about morals. Also, the author uses advice to deliver his point, as he lists several biblical lessons. The author is seen reflecting on religion with a hopeful tone. The author uses praise in the last lines of the poem. This, along with the closing Amen, shows us the spiritual side and moralizing tone of the author as he concludes his
I chose to write about these pieces of literature because apart from having impacted me they have a similar topic which makes the term paper more appealing.
Overall, dwell on this process of changing throughout the poem, it can be understood that the poet is demonstrating a particular attitude towards life. Everyone declines and dies eventually, but it would be better to embrace an optimistic, opened mind than a pessimistic, giving-up attitude; face the approach of death unflinchingly, calmly.
The basic purpose of delivering this speech is to make students realize that their school and their professors have faith in their judgement, trust in their abilities and are well prepared to face the world on their own. Most of the student community would like to hear a speech of this kind. However, Jacob Neusner had a different perspective about the Commencement speech which makes it belong to the 1% of the category. His speech is very unusual and was published in the article titled as “The Commencement Speech you will never hear.” Even though I agree with few ideas presented by the author, there are quite a lot that I completely disagree
In April of 1873, Susan B. Anthony gave a speech that offered many different insights on how the voting rights of women were being inflicted and without the right to vote, women in this time were utterly powerless. Anthony uses multiple aspects of the Declaration of Independence to aid her with examples and ideas that conclude to this unjust act. Prior to giving her speech, Susan B. Anthony was arrested for simply acting on her Constitutional right as a U.S citizen and voting in the 1872 election. Though it was illegal for women to vote at this time, Anthony willingly expressed her right of the Fourteenth Amendment, which guaranteed all U.S citizens the right to a vote. She stated, in context of the Constitution, “It was we the people-not we
From the molecular level of learning the components of G-proteins to the gross anatomy of the human body, from unicellular amoebas to the diverse biomes of earth; witnessing the beauty and order the world and universe are constructed in points me to the ultimate good, God. As reflected in the poem recited by Lady Philosophy, nature truly does portray the true good, even when man interferes. In spending time memorizing the poem I chose to recite, I was reminded of the beauty and order found in the world. How easily it is to oversee the significance of these things, and forget to sing “How mighty nature holds the reins of things.” God reveals his goodness to us by the ways he orders and controls every aspect of the world. However, we still lose sight of him and choose to find happiness in our riches, positions, and glory instead. If only we could be like nature, in which God rules my his divine hand. However, we have the ability to observe nature and learn to discover the true order and goodness by following her perfect
The world remains charged with the grandeur of God, "in spite of all mankind has done and is doing to pollute and pervert and tread out its radiance" (Ellis 129). God, through the constant presence of His Holy Spirit, continues to rejuvenate physical nature as well as the human spirit; both are "being made over anew" (Wisd. 19.6). So, however dark and dreary this world may appear (and does appear in lines five through eight of the poem), we must not surrender hope. For as Christ exhorted, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16.33).