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Rhetorical Analysis Of The Sanctuary Of School By Lynda Barry

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What is the definition of the word rhetoric? One may be led to believe that rhetoric is merely a persuasive tactic used by corrupt lawyers and crooked politicians. However, the proper definition of rhetoric is, “the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.” A simpler definition of rhetoric would be any communication that can be used to change one’s views on a subject. Lynda Barry successfully uses persuasive tactics in her essay “The Sanctuary of School” to engage with her readers who can empathize with finding stability at school as well as those who may not, such as lawmakers, school officials, and the guardians of the children. Though Barry’s main purpose throughout the essay was to shed light on her personal experience with only being able to find peace at school, a hidden argument about her concern with the way our broken school system and broken homes can be discovered …show more content…

Barry successfully appeals to the element of ethos when she states toward the end of her essay, “I wonder now when the country will face its children and say a pledge right back” (270). Barry’s statement suggests that it is our duty to take care of our children. Children are young and innocent; they cannot and should not be forced to take care of themselves. Without discussing the reasons why we should take care of the children in our country, it can be inferred that we should because it is the right thing to do. Barry strongly appeals to the element of ethos upon making her statement about when we will say a pledge to our children. Without the incentive of morals, there would be no reason to care about the nation’s children. Since our country is one that is founded with strong morals, Barry has no need to mention why we should

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