When | Why |
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Jan-17-25 | Wording change |
Who wants to listen to a boring speech? The poet Rita Dove sure doesn’t, so she emphasizes her accomplishments, character, and unique writing style to engage further and inspire the next generation of college graduates.
In her 2016 commencement address to graduating students at the University of Virginia, Dove gets right to the point. “At the very institution where I have been teaching for the past twenty-seven years.” She says, with confidence. The ability of Rita Dove's ability to validate herself in this speech is instrumental to the engagement and further “advice” she gives. The listener can change entirely when a speaker is more relatable or "human" to the audience. The crowd is all ears.
In her 2016 commencement address to graduating students at the University of Virginia, Dove gets right to the point.
“At the very institution where I have been teaching for the past twenty-seven years.”
She says, with confidence.
Rita Dove's ability to validate herself in this speech is instrumental to the engagement and further “advice” she gives.
The listener can change entirely when a speaker is more relatable or "human" to the audience.
The crowd is all ears.
The following paragraphs of this address are filled with wishes, not advice. Dove separates herself from other speakers by wishing her audience valuable traits and ideas, not so much of the boring statements and lessons you would typically hear. Dove uses repetition to maximize her ideas, often repeating the phrase “I wish” to connect with her students.
Finally, Dove uses her past and family to validate her experiences, and show that true accomplishment is built through effort. She talks about her father saying “As the first African American research chemist to break the color barrier in the tire and rubber industry.” Her father’s accomplishments bleed into her accomplishments where she mentions winning the Pulitzer Prize. Again the audience is hooked. All of this relates back to the idea of 150% she worships, and encourages everyone to unlock for themselves. “At 150% you’ll be ready for anything,” she says.
To conclude, the poet Rita Dove is no ordinary speaker. Her choice of well-timed self-validations along with a counterintuitive way of teaching helped her engage an audience of graduates in a way not many can, and helped her to preach an effort rooted in family and dedication that won her the Pulitzer Prize.
Your essay indicates a solid awareness of the rhetorical situation by identifying Dove’s distinctive approach in her commencement speech. You hone in on her unique “wishes” instead of typical advice, showing how this choice appeals to the graduates. Your analysis of Dove’s use of personal anecdotes, like referencing her father and her own success, illustrates an understanding of ethos and how it bolsters her message. The repetition of “I wish” is effectively highlighted, although expanding on how this technique influences the audience’s reception could deepen your analysis.
To strengthen this further, consider exploring how Dove’s accomplishments and authenticity enhance her credibility and make her relatable. Perhaps delve into her conversational tone’s impact on engaging the audience. How does her use of personal history contribute to the overarching theme of perseverance?
Let’s go deeper! Here are some paths: analyzing how Dove’s verse intertwines rhetoric, diving into her purpose’s connection to audience dynamics, or examining her language’s emotional resonance.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like your helpful AP English Language teacher in room 126.
Your essay indicates a solid awareness of the rhetorical situation by identifying Dove’s distinctive approach in her commencement speech. You hone in on her unique “wishes” instead of typical advice, showing how this choice appeals to the graduates. Your analysis of Dove’s use of personal anecdotes, like referencing her father and her own success, illustrates an understanding of ethos and how it bolsters her message. The repetition of “I wish” is effectively highlighted, although expanding on how this technique influences the audience’s reception could deepen your analysis.
To strengthen this further, consider exploring how Dove’s accomplishments and authenticity enhance her credibility and make her relatable. Perhaps delve into her conversational tone’s impact on engaging the audience. How does her use of personal history contribute to the overarching theme of perseverance?
Let’s go deeper! Here are some paths: analyzing how Dove’s verse intertwines rhetoric, diving into her purpose’s connection to audience dynamics, or examining her language’s emotional resonance.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like your helpful AP English Language teacher in room 126.
Your essay exhibits a strong grasp of the rhetorical situation by identifying Rita Dove’s strategic choices. You’ve highlighted her use of personal anecdotes and accomplishments to establish ethos, making her message more relatable to the graduates. This connection with the audience is crucial, as it shows your understanding of how Dove uses her personal experiences to inspire and engage her listeners.
You also acknowledge Dove’s unique approach by mentioning her decision to offer “wishes” instead of conventional advice. This emphasizes Dove’s innovative style and separates her from typical commencement speakers, an important element of the rhetorical situation you successfully captured.
You’ve identified how Dove’s references to her family, particularly her father’s groundbreaking achievements, bolster her credibility and reinforce her message of hard work and perseverance. This connection demonstrates your awareness of how Dove uses these stories to amplify her message. Would you like to dive deeper into another aspect of your essay, such as analyzing the impact of Dove’s repetition or her overall purpose in the rhetorical situation?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like your helpful AP English Language teacher in room 126.
Rita Dove’s deft weaving of personal history into her address indeed amplifies its impact. By referencing her father, the “first African American research chemist to break the color barrier in the tire and rubber industry,” Dove subtly highlights themes of perseverance and determination. This not only provides a layer of authority but underscores the weight of her words about hard work and preparation. Her family narrative enriches her credibility and carries a universality that speaks volumes, especially to the audience she is addressing.
The way Dove brings her family into the speech deepens the connection with her listeners. It gives them a tangible example of overcoming obstacles and evokes a shared sense of hope and ambition. Her father’s story serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities of human capability, anchoring her message in real-life triumphs. Curious about how else Dove’s speech could be analyzed? We could ponder more on her use of repetition, the broader purpose of her rhetorical choices, or explore another angle you suggest! Just let me know which path to take.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like your helpful AP English Language teacher in room 126.
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