respond to these 3 ‘ initial posts and bring together pieces of the discussion and take those ideas further. These responses should be at least 150 words.
In your responses, find a classmate who chose a different argument than yours. Do you agree with your classmate’s discussion? See if you can find a different example of where support is used within that chosen essay (or point out a possible fallacy to your classmate). Continue this conversation over a few days. Also, if you find that your chosen classmate has misunderstood the critical evaluation essay instructions (incorrectly summarizing the essay or giving historical/ biographical information rather than offering a critical examination of the work), please help that student get back on track.
1st post.
Thesis statement
Abraham Lincoln’s speech was one of the most effective speeches in American history due to its efficiency, tone, and use of pathos.
Outline
Effectiveness of the Gettysburg Address
I. Introduction and brief summarization of the speech
A. Discuss historical significance
B. Introduce paragraph topics as briefed in thesis statement
C. Thesis Statement closing first paragraph
II. Efficiency of the speech
A. Length compared to others at the ceremony
B. Discuss length of the speech as a whole
C. Information that is passed in short duration of the speech
D. Closing/transition statement to next topic
III. Use of tone in the speech
A. Tone of the speech is formal and encouraging
B. Give example of formality in the speech
C. Give example of encouragement in the speech
D. Closing/transition statement to next paragraph
IV. Use of pathos throughout the address
A. State why pathos is used in throughout the address
B. Give example of use of pathos and why it is an effective tool
C. Discuss how the audience would and did receive the speech based off the use of pathos
D. Closing/transition to the conclusion of the essay
V. Closing/final paragraph
A. Recap the main points of the essay
B. Restate the thesis argument
C. Final statement/closing remarks
Use of pathos throughout the Gettysburg Address is prevalent because it is memorial for the battle that took place. “But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow, this ground– The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” (Lincoln) The use of pathos is effective for the audience that was in attendance, because many in the audience had family that fought and died in the battle.
This type of critical evaluation will help me in future classes at AMU dissect and interpret research papers for classes that are important to my degree. Being able to understand the tone and recognize the intended audience for a speech will help me be able to interpret how it is supposed to be read and received. I can now be more effective in understand the works of others by knowing more about the style and organization of their papers.
2nd post
After much reflection and re-reading I realized that my thesis I was going to use did not make much sence and was really confusing so I decided to simplify it to make it more understandable.
Thesis: The structure of Elie Wiesel “The Perils of Indifference” speech was based around using the audience to relate to the indifferences that’s happened over the past century, his argument paved the way for self-reflection with the audience, causing a lasting impression because he consistently asked questions throughout the speech and his credibility is established through his person experiences. (NO LONGER IN USE)
New Thesis: Thesis: Through the use of pathos and logos Eli Wiesel effectively engages his audience in his speech, “The Perils of Indifference,” by reflecting on the past and looking towards the turn of the century.
Introduction
-How the author was introduced
-the purpose of his invitation to speak
-His accomplishments
-Then I will go into the thesis
Paragraph 1: I will point out the many different examples he used to talk about indifference during the past century
-The many wars, the assassinations’, the tragedies that’s happened throughout history
-His own experiences
Paragraph 2: How his argument laid the ground work for self-reflection
-what he uses to ensure the audience is forced to think about what he is speaking about
Paragraph 3: Talk about the structure of the speech and how it was easily to follow
-How he uses the questions to keep the audience engaged in the speech though out the entirety
Conclusion: Leading up to the end and how his person experiences using the ethos and pathos proves his credibility.
-His personal experiences and how he uses it to his advantage to hook the audience
For Example: Wiesel used the ethos and pathos that he experienced himself to capture the hearts and minds of the audience when he said “Liberated a day earlier by American soldiers, he remembers their rage at what they saw. And even if he lives to be a very old man, he will always be grateful to them for that rage, and also for their compassion.”(Wiesel)
3rd post
Thesis statement:Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” is a successful persuasive speech because of its short complete structure, the use of pathos and ethos, and the style used throughout the speech.
I. Body paragraph 1:How Lincoln uses pathos and ethos to support his message.
A. In the second paragraph Lincoln uses pathos by saying, “The brave men living and dead, who struggle here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” (Lincoln) This is pathos because he is playing on the emotions of the audience.
B. For the introduction of the speech Lincoln uses ethos. His credibility as a speaker and leader are shown by discussing what the nation was founded on and quoting The Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal.” (Lincoln)
II. Body Paragraph 2:Short complete structure with a direct message
A. Introduction and conclusion come full circled. The Introduction ends with the quote, “all men are created equal.” (Lincoln) The conclusion’s final sentence states, “new birth of freedom.” (Lincoln)
B. Lincoln is able to get both of his purposes across with this speech. He is trying to dedicated Gettysburg to the fallen Union soldiers of the battle, and he is additionally motivating the Union for the continued war and the new nation.
III. Body Paragraph 3: The style used in the speech.
A. Lincoln uses repetition to talk about the newly formed America. First paragraph: “a …a new nation, conceived in liberty…” (Lincoln) Second paragraph: “that the nation might live.” (Lincoln) Third paragraph: “that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Lincoln)
B. Inspiring word choice used to keep the Union soldier’s thinking of the continued Civil War. The Second paragraph: “…while it can never forget what they did here.” (Lincoln) The third paragraph: “…these dead shall not have died in vain…” (Lincoln)
For my essay I am going to use the terms pathos and ethos. Pathos plays to the audience’s emotions, so in my first paragraph I will have a quote from the speech that does just that. Ethos shows the speakers credibility, and I believe the introduction to the “Gettysburg Address” shows Lincolns credibility, and I will include that quote in my essay.
In the second paragraph Lincoln uses pathos by saying, “The brave men living and dead, who struggle here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.” (Lincoln) This is pathos because he is playing on the emotions of the audience making them feel like they need to fight for the fallen soldiers.
This section of the course can help us in future classes by giving us a better understanding of the structure and style of papers. We can use this to better dissect papers, or to do a better job at writing our own papers.
