Rhetorical Context

The following video demonstrates how external factors influence a piece of writing, even before the first word is written down.

The video focuses on the use of rhetoric from the viewpoint as a writer.  As you watch, consider how the same elements hold true from the viewpoint as a reader.

https://youtu.be/A-eRycqjzbg

As a reader, pay attention to these factors that shaped the document. Consider:

  • What do I know about the author, just by reading this text?  How does the author’s experience or education shape the reading?
  • What do I know about the goals for this work, just by reading this text?  How do these goals influence what actually appears in the text?
  • What do I know about the intended audience for this work?  Am I a member of that intended audience?