Mr. Go – ENG3U – Essay Analysis Page 2 of 2

Explaining How “Life is Like a Box of Chocolates”[1]:

Analyzing Rhetorical Devices

When examining a writer’s use of rhetorical devices in an essay, it is important to be aware of its relationship to the thesis. Whether you begin with a working thesis or examine the devices to arrive at a thesis based on your findings, the rhetorical device is intrinsically linked to a purpose that is tied to the thesis of the essay. Sometimes rhetorical devices are used to enhance or highlight an idea. Other times, it is used to help further illustrate, clarify, or elucidate some complex concept.

Create a bank of your own Rhetorical Devices as you encounter them in essays. Review the terms on rhetorical device sheet and look at the expnplsmay include some samples of usage within the essays contained in that text.

Rhetorical Device / Direct Quotation and explanation of Usage (connect to the definition of device) / Connection to the thesis and Intended Effect on Reader
Verbal Irony / Stoll uses sarcasm to devalue the merits of technology in schools. When he asks readers the real question, “sound like [the problems in education are] a tough call? Naw—it’s easy to solve all these problems” (¶ 4), he says “easy” but he implies that the problems are more complex than a simple solution can fix (and so the deeper intended meaning opposes the humourous surface meaning.” / By using sarcasm, he injects humour into the piece and a satirical tone that both awakens readers to the truth (as he sees it) behind relying heavily on technology in education and warns them of the deterioration of experiential learning.
Colloquial Language / By using terms such as “yee haw!” and “naw” Stoll uses terms from informal conversational speech. / The use of colloquial language establishes a conversational, informal tone that Stoll uses to draw readers (both young and older) into a more intimate, relaxed mood which makes him seem more down-to-earth and “in touch” with his audience. It also adds dramatic flare and a distinct voice to his writing which makes it memorable and more engaging.

When discussing symbolic devices such as symbol, metaphor (and simile), analogy, it is advisable to consider the relationship between the abstract ideas presented in the device and the concrete images used to symbolize or represent those abstract ideas.

Metaphor chart

Abstract ideas / Conrete images (used to represent) / Point of Comparison
Freedom / Eagle in flight / Unrestrained quality of the boundless eagle is used to denote the concept of liberty
Failed promise / Bad “cheque ” (marked insufficient funds) / the feeling of being cheated or denied what is rightfully entitled to the recipient of the cheque.
Love / Roses, chocolate, hearts / Classical images used to represent the beauty, the pleasant, euphoric quality of love.

[1] Cf. Forrest Gump (1994)