Speech Rhetoric Analysis
Follow the link and read the speech by William Wallace in the movie, Braveheart. Then answer the following questions. Background information: William Wallace William Wallace was portrayed by Mel Gibson in the movie “Braveheart.” William Wallace was a Scottish land owner, who eventually led the Scottish force during the war for Scottish independence. The Speech This is a speech based on the speech delivered by William Wallace on September 11th, 1297, before the Battle of Stirling. This speech was meant to inspire the troops to fight, as many of the troops were ready to run instead of fight.https://www.americanrhetoric.com/MovieSpeeches/specialengagements/moviespeechbraveheart.html#:~:text=Wallace%3A%20Yes%2C%20I’ve,and%20free%20men%20you%20are. Answer the following questions. What is the basic history/background information about the text you chose? How does this text respond to an opportunity to make change? Why did you choose this text? What do you find interesting or compelling about it? Who is the writer? Does this person have expertise or credentials that would be appealing for a particular group of people? Remember a writer could be a group of people (e.g. a company, multiple authors). Does the writer have any ulterior motives/biases that may have influenced the rhetorical design of the text? Who seems to be the audience for the message? How do you know (be specific)? What argument do you think the text is making? What message is the text trying to communicate? What is the purpose of the text? Do you think the argument is effective in communicating its message to its audience? In general, did the writer succeed or fail in this rhetorical situation? In other words, was this a fitting response? How do you know? What rhetorical components of the text are especially compelling (consider rhetorical appeals, methods of development, etc.) Provide at least one example of a rhetorical element or appeal that you find interesting. In a few sentences analyze this example by showing how it appeals to the intended audience. What genre did the writer choose for this text? Does that genre seem to fit the message and audience?
