Directions: Read the quotations below and respond to the questions that follow. When applicable, identify and explain the effects of any syntax-based rhetorical devices in your discussion. Your responses must be in complete sentences and include evidence to support your analysis.
“We should not forget that it will be just as important to our descendants to be prosperous in their time as it is to us to be prosperous in our time.”— Theodore Roosevelt
What is the effect of the phrases “prosperous in their time” and “prosperous in our time”?
Explain how it would change the effectiveness if Roosevelt had said, “We should not forget that it will be just as important to our descendants to be prosperous in their time as it is to us now.”
“While we do these things, these deeply momentous things, let us be very clear, and make very clear to all the world what our motives and our objects are.”— Woodrow Wilson
What is the purpose of placing the main clause (“…let us be very clear, and make very clear to all the world what our motives and our objects are.”) at the end of the sentence?
Explain how it would change the effectiveness if Wilson had said, “Let us be and make our motives and objects clear to all the world while we do these deeply momentous things.”
“If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time—a tremendous whack.”— Winston Churchill
What is the effect of sentences 2–5?
Explain how the effect on the audience would be different if Churchill had said, “If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever; use a pile driver to hit the point once, then come back and hit it again, and hit it a third time—a tremendous whack.”
“Never in the history of this nation have the people been so forceful in reversing the policy of our government in regard to war. We are indeed on the threshold of a new day for the peacemakers.”— Coretta Scott King
What is King’s primary emphasis—the people’s force in reversing policy OR the new day for peacemakers?
Explain how the meaning and effect would be different if King had said, “We are indeed on the threshold of a new day for the peacemakers. Never in the history of this nation have the people been so forceful in reversing the policy of our government in regard to war.”
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”— Jane Goodall
What is the effect of using short, declarative sentences?
Explain how it would change the effectiveness if Goodall had said, “Every individual matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference.”
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