Rhetoric In Saving Ophelia

Dr. Mary Pipher’s novel, Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls uncovers the reason why girls coming of age change throughout puberty and how outside forces affect them. Throughout the book the readers see Pipher successfully uses the five canons of rhetoric to explain her thesis and purpose. Dr. Mary Pipher’s use of rhetoric helps to paint a clear picture of her purpose- what is affecting young girls and how society can help to better their lives by embracing these young girls and their flaws.

Throughout the first chapters, the reader learns about the struggles that young women are facing and how these girls are influenced to completely change themselves to fit into society. It is mentioned that girls change dramatically, that girls who once were talkative and bold, are now shy and timid. Dr. Mary Pipher believes that to stop

Throughout the novel she presents her ideas with easily comprehensible words and ideas. She does this because she does not know her audiences’ competence, so it must be easy to understand for all adults. Her style is also decided by her purpose for writing, which is to inform parents and other adults on adolescent girls. Pipher makes sure to explain anything the audience might not know, “Some girls are suicidal because of biochemical factors, some because of trauma and others because of the confusion and difficulty of the times” (151). The reader can easily comprehend Pipher’s writing due to her way of using diction and her easy to read style.

While reading this book, the reader can come to the conclusion that Dr. Mary Pipher was successful with her argument. Her use of rhetoric, diction and style strengthen her claims in her story. The reader should take away from this book that teenage girls go through a lot during puberty and it is up to society and parents to create a more accepting and understanding world for