Dove Essay
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Dove’s commencement address to the graduating class is like many others, in that it serves to direct students through words of wisdom as they move into their future. However, unlike many other graduation speeches, Rita Dove portrays her words not as advice, but as wishes and intentions for the audience to aspire to. Dove frames these aspirations using parallel structures to instill meaning, personal rhetorics, and by citing another well accomplished English author.
Rita Dove’s speech begins with a contrasting quote from well accomplished author Percy Shelley. This quote was intended to add depth to the definition of a poet, “a nightingale who sits in darkness and sings to cheer its own solitude with sweet sounds” (Dove, 10-13). This clarification highlights Dove’s intention within the speech, as she describes shortly after, isn't to offer advice. The use of this quote is important because it connects Rita Dove with her background in poetry, consequently using historical sources to instill a sense of trust and reliability in the audience.
We later find Dove trying to deepen this connection between herself and the audience, using personal accounts and experiences to build a relationship between herself and the students. Rita describes herself as “the first African-American research chemist to break the color barrier in the tire and rubber industry… awarded the Pulitzer prize… named poet laureate of the United States” (Dove, 56-78). In this Dove establishes her credibility, showing her background and history of literature. Using her past we find that the meaning of Dove’s words hold more weight, as they are a reflection of what she has learned in her success.
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Lastly, Rita Dove uses parallel structures throughout her speech to instill the lessons she hopes to offer with her writing.
She says “I wish you Hunger… I don't mean physiological want” (Dove, 18-19), then later “I wish you hard work… I don't mean back-breaking labor” (Dove, 41-42).
The use of these parallel contradicting phrases is important, because they provide a sense of clarification and emphasis onto her aspirations for the students.
By stating her wish for them clearly and defining it, we find the message to be more impactful and resonate deeper in the audience, as it established a more emotional connection with the audience by creating an aspiration of love and hope for those listening.
The use of these methods helps to aid the speaker in delivering a clear and concise message, whilst instilling a sense of trust with the audience to deepen the message's purpose and give it more impact.
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Your analysis effectively highlights Dove’s rhetorical choices. However, to improve how you explain evidence to support your argument, provide a clearer connection between the choice and its impact. For instance, when discussing Dove’s references to Percy Shelley, delve deeper into how this enhances ethos—what does it achieve in the speech contextually? Similarly, unpack the repetition of “I wish you” beyond structural impact—consider its emotional resonance. When you describe anecdotes, articulate how these personal experiences engage the graduates, linking Dove’s credibility to empowerment. Your evidence is solid; now, aim to explore how these choices strategically guide Dove’s wishes for her audience’s growth.
Now, if you want to venture further, let’s explore one of these: crafting more vivid examples, enhancing analytical depth, or strengthening connections to purpose. Dive into this rhetorical journey or steer another path—either way, seize the chance to deepen your persuasive prowess!
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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Your analysis effectively highlights Dove’s rhetorical choices. However, to improve how you explain evidence to support your argument, provide a clearer connection between the choice and its impact. For instance, when discussing Dove’s references to Percy Shelley, delve deeper into how this enhances ethos—what does it achieve in the speech contextually? Similarly, unpack the repetition of “I wish you” beyond structural impact—consider its emotional resonance. When you describe anecdotes, articulate how these personal experiences engage the graduates, linking Dove’s credibility to empowerment. Your evidence is solid; now, aim to explore how these choices strategically guide Dove’s wishes for her audience’s growth.
Now, if you want to venture further, let’s explore one of these: crafting more vivid examples, enhancing analytical depth, or strengthening connections to purpose. Dive into this rhetorical journey or steer another path—either way, seize the chance to deepen your persuasive prowess!
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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You’ve crafted a solid thesis that captures Rita Dove’s unique approach in her commencement address. Emphasizing her “wishes” over traditional advice is insightful. You cite parallel structures, personal anecdotes, and references to establish her rhetorical strength, indicating a solid grasp of the rhetorical situation. Moreover, your analysis of the Shelley quote connects Dove’s poetic identity to her credibility, enriching your argument.
To enhance your thesis, ensure specificity by clarifying how each rhetorical choice supports Dove’s purpose. Consider highlighting the effect of these choices on the audience or tying her structural decisions more directly to the themes of empowerment. How might her narrative style galvanize the graduates? What did you wish upon the clarity of this address? What elements might add depth to your thesis? Let’s dive deeper into crafting nuance, strengthening connective tissue, or expanding on effects!
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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Your essay effectively demonstrates an understanding of the rhetorical situation in Rita Dove’s speech! You clearly identify her unique approach by portraying words as “wishes” rather than advice, contrasting with typical commencement speeches. Highlighting Dove’s use of parallel structures and personal rhetoric establishes her credibility and connects with the audience. Your analysis of her quotes, particularly the one from Percy Shelley, shows how Dove intertwines her literary background to instill trust. Notably, you emphasize the significance of parallel contradictory phrases that enhance the impact of her aspirations for graduates.
To deepen your analysis, consider linking more explicitly how these rhetorical choices develop Dove’s overarching purpose. You might also explore the emotional resonance her anecdotes create within the audience. What else would you like to know? Shall we dive into the contrast between traditional advice and Dove’s wishes, explore her anecdotes more, or discuss her ethos-building strategy? Let’s take this essay to the next level!
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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