Lesson plan; Decoding Political Rhetoric: Literary Devices in Amber Rose’s RNC Speech

Lesson Plan: Analyzing Literary Devices in Political Speeches

Lesson Objectives

• Identify and analyze literary devices used in political speeches
• Understand how these devices influence audience perception and emotion
• Evaluate the effectiveness of rhetorical strategies in political communication
• Develop critical thinking skills in analyzing political discourse
• See how you can use different websites to analyze the texts for you.

Materials

• Transcript of Amber Rose’s  RNC speech

• Handout with definitions of literary devices (pathos, repetition, anecdotes, contrast, rhetorical questions, ethos, hyperbole, allusion) See examples below
• For access to digital tools for rhetorical analysis (e.g., DISPUTool, EssayGPT’s Rhetorical Analysis Generator), see below.

Lesson Plan

I. Introduction

• A. Context Introduction: Briefly introduce Amber Rose and the context of her speech at the RNC.
• B. Importance of Rhetorical Devices: Discuss why recognizing rhetorical devices is crucial in understanding political communication and its impact on the audience.

II. Literary Device Overview

• A. Review Key Devices: Go over the definitions of key literary devices such as pathos, repetition, anecdotes, contrast, rhetorical questions, ethos, hyperbole, and allusion.
• B. Provide Examples: Use familiar contexts and examples to illustrate each device. For instance, use famous speeches or well-known literary works.

III. Close Reading and Device Identification

• A. Reading Exercise: Students read the transcript of Amber Rose’s speech, highlighting examples of each literary device.
• B. Pair Discussion: In pairs, students discuss and compare their findings, noting any differences and similarities.

IV. Small Group Analysis

• A. Group Division: Divide the class into small groups, each focusing on 1-2 specific devices.
• B. In-depth Analysis: Groups analyze how their assigned devices are used in the speech and their potential impact on the audience. Encourage the use of digital tools like DISPUTool to aid their analysis.

V. Class Discussion

• A. Group Presentations: Each group presents their analysis to the class.
• B. Overall Effectiveness: Facilitate a discussion on the overall effectiveness of the rhetorical strategies used in the speech. Consider questions like Which devices were most impactful? Why?

VI. Critical Evaluation

• A. Individual Writing: Students write a short paragraph evaluating the most impactful device in the speech and explain why they found it effective.
• B. Sharing Responses: Share and discuss some responses with the class to highlight different perspectives.

VII. Application Exercise

• A. Video Clip Analysis: Show a short clip of another political speech (e.g., a recent speech by Joe Biden or Donald Trump).
• B. Quick Identification: Students quickly identify the literary devices used in the clip, applying their newly acquired analytical skills.

VIII. Reflection and Conclusion

• A. Importance of Analysis: Discuss the importance of recognizing these devices in political discourse and how they can influence public opinion.
• B. Future Application: Encourage students to apply these analytical skills to future political communications they encounter.

Homework

• Speech Analysis Assignment: Students choose a different political speech and write a brief analysis of the literary devices used, explaining their potential impact on the audience. They can use digital tools to support their analysis.

Additional Resources

• Handouts: Provide handouts with definitions and examples of literary devices.
• Digital Tools: Introduce students to digital tools like DISPUTool and EssayGPT’s Rhetorical Analysis Generator for enhanced analysis.

1. EssayGPT’s Rhetorical Analysis Generator:
   • Use EssayGPT’s tool to perfect your persuasion, escape information overload, and stay away from manipulation.
   • It dissects text, speeches, or advertisements into rhetorical components, identifying persuasive techniques like Ethos, Pathos, Logos, metaphors, and similes.
   • You can enter up to 5,000 words, choose the genre (writing, commercial, speech, or presentation), customize the output, and select the language¹.
   • Whether you’re a student, marketer, or public speaker, this tool provides invaluable insights for assignments, research papers, and ad campaigns.
     • It’s a revolutionary tool that saves time and helps prevent mistakes.
2. Custom Writing Service’s Rhetorical Analysis Generator:
   • Add text (up to 2000 words), choose the genre (speech, written text, letter, advertisement, or presentation), and optionally add the author. See an example of the use of this below.

Analysis of Literary Devices in Amber Rose’s Speech

1. Pathos (Emotional Appeal)

Amber Rose employs pathos to connect with her audience on an emotional level. By stating, “You know in your heart it was not like this under Donald Trump,” she appeals to the audience’s emotions and memories of the past administration. This phrase is designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia and dissatisfaction with the current situation, encouraging listeners to align emotionally with her perspective.

2. Repetition

Repetition emphasizes key points and makes them more memorable. For instance, the phrase “You know in your heart” is repeated to reinforce the idea that the audience should trust their feelings and personal experiences over other sources of information. This technique helps to engrain the message in the audience’s mind.

3. Anecdotes

Rose likely uses personal anecdotes or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate her points. These stories make her arguments more relatable and tangible for the audience. By sharing specific examples, she can create a stronger connection with listeners and make abstract ideas more concrete.

4. Contrast

The speech contrasts the current state of affairs with the past, specifically under Donald Trump’s administration. By highlighting differences, Rose aims to show that the current situation is worse, thereby making a case for a return to previous policies or leadership. This device is effective in drawing clear distinctions that support her argument.

5. Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are used to engage the audience and provoke thought without expecting an actual response. For example, asking questions like “Was it like this before?” encourages the audience to reflect on their own experiences and come to a conclusion that aligns with the speaker’s viewpoint.

6. Ethos (Credibility)

Rose establishes her credibility (ethos) by speaking at a significant event like the RNC and by presenting herself as a knowledgeable and concerned citizen. By aligning herself with the values and beliefs of her audience, she enhances her persuasiveness.

7. Hyperbole

Exaggeration (hyperbole) may be used to emphasize the severity of the current situation. Statements that depict the present as dramatically worse than the past can be effective in stirring strong emotions and prompting action. However, they should be used carefully to avoid undermining credibility.

8. Allusion

Allusions to historical events, previous administrations, or well-known figures can provide context and depth to the speech. By referencing familiar concepts, Rose can strengthen her arguments and make them more compelling.

Generated Rhetorical Analysis

Written by

Purpose: The purpose of the speech is to persuade the audience to support Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential campaign. The author wants to challenge the negative perceptions of Trump and his supporters and present a positive view of him.

Audience: The speech’s audience is likely American voters, particularly parents who are concerned about their children’s future. The author refers to fellow parents, Trump supporters, and those with negative perceptions of Trump.

Topic: The topic of the speech is the importance of electing Donald Trump as president for the betterment of American families and the country as a whole. The author discusses the impact of Trump’s policies on the economy, safety, and overall well-being of American families.

Writer: The author of the speech is undefined, but it is clear that she is a mother who has personally experienced a shift in her views toward Trump and his supporters. Her background as a parent and a former skeptic of Trump likely influences her passionate support for him in the speech.

Claim: The main claim of the speech is that electing Donald Trump as president is the best way to improve the lives of American families. The author believes that Trump’s policies will lead to a stronger economy, safer communities, and overall prosperity for American families.

Support: The author supports her claim by sharing personal experiences, such as her father’s support for Trump and her own research into his policies. She also highlights the positive interactions she has had with Trump and his supporters, emphasizing the sense of unity and love she has found among them.

Warrant: The connection between the claim and the supporting reasons is that the author believes that Trump’s policies and leadership will directly benefit American families. By debunking negative perceptions of Trump and his supporters, she aims to show that they are the best choice for a better future.

Ethos: The author establishes her credibility by sharing personal experiences and emotions related to her journey from skepticism to support for Trump. Her background as a mother and her connection to the military through her father also add to her credibility in discussing the impact of political decisions on American families.

Pathos: The author appeals to the audience’s emotions by sharing personal stories and expressing love and gratitude towards her family, Trump, and his supporters. She creates a sense of unity and shared values among American parents who are concerned about the well-being of their children.

Logos: The author backs up her argument by referencing her research into Trump’s policies and the impact they had on American families during his presidency. She also alludes to the economic challenges faced by families under the current administration, suggesting that a return to Trump’s policies would lead to a better future for American families.

Conclusion

Amber Rose’s speech at the RNC utilizes a variety of literary devices to persuade her audience. Through emotional appeals, repetition, anecdotes, contrast, rhetorical questions, ethos, hyperbole, and allusions, she effectively communicates her message and aims to influence the audience’s perceptions and attitudes. These techniques are common in political speeches and are designed to resonate with listeners on both intellectual and emotional levels.