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The Rhetorical Question

The Rhetorical Question. The product of sarcasm? Yes. So how exactly is it rhetorical? Well, a simple definition of the rhetorical question is that it is a question that is asked simply to make a statement. It is not meant to be answered, only to get a point across.

The rhetorical question can be used to make an observation.
example- "Did you get dressed in the dark today?"
The speaker really isn't asking if your electricity was out when you picked out your ensemble. He's making an observation that your outfit is ugly, and you should probably be embarassed by it.

The rhetorical question can also be used to express an emotion.
example- "Why does this always happen to me?"
The speaker isn't speaking to a higher being, asking what he may have done to deserve such "treatment." He is simply expressing frustration, anguish, etc.




Click here for the Uncyclopedia's humorous definition of the rhetorical question.

Wat r u tryna tll me?

Text lingo. Ew. The thought of it makes me shudder. Not only does it completely defy all rules of grammar and spelling ever established, it is also nearly impossible to tell exactly what a person is trying to say. What I mean by that is, when you're speaking with someone in person, you have their facial expressions and the tone of their voice to clue you in on whether they're being mean, sarcastic, sweet, etc. Even when you're speaking with someone via phonecall, you still have the tone of their voice to clearly demonstrate what they mean.

So many arguments break out via text because someone misconstrues what the other person is trying to say. There are no cues to help us figure out the exact meaning of the text.

Say what?

When I was brainstorming what to write about this week, the first idea that came to mind was Obama's reaction to the situation in Japan. The entire speech seemed okay; he is a very eloquent with, with excellent speaking skills. However, one line in my head stood out. The exact words escape me now, but the idea was essentially something like this: "I'm from Hawaii, so I have an understanding of the Japanese culture."

Uh, what?

This seemed completely irrelevant and almost made no sense. For a second, I pondered why he said this, but then I realized that the purpose of this comment was to gain an emotional reaction from the audience. He wanted to relate personally to the event and gain more credibility in his opinions and decisions regarding it. My first thought when I realized this was, "Typical politician." Is it just me, or do they all seem to make irrelevant comments just to get a reaction?

Nobody's Got My Vote

There is so much going on in this picture. First off, I'd like to say that I feel like it could be a pro-Anarchy picture, simply because of the fact that it is advocating a government without a leader, saying that that is the best option. There is no information given confirming or denying that, though.

There is also the silhouette of a faceless man dressed in business attire beside the text, presumably "Nobody." This gives the text two meanings: one with nobody as a general pronoun, and one with Nobody, the optimal candidate for everyone.

This picture makes its message very clear, but what strikes me every time I look at it is the truth that it speaks. Sure, there are a few good people who do some of those things, but when it all comes down to it, telling the truth is usually what people fail to do.


Credit: http://browse.deviantart.com/photography/?qh=§ion=&q=graffiti#/de4mgp

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

I think this is going to be my topic for the essay. Feedback?

http://www.thecobrasnose.com/xxghost/handprint.html

Analyzing Rhetoric Assignment

For this assignment, I will be analyzing *drumroll, please* THE OLD SPICE COMMERCIALS.