Directions
Rhetorically analyze a section of Art Spiegelman’s Maus. Identify the text’s rhetorical situation and break down the argument by identifying the modes of persuasion the author uses to accomplish his purpose.
Your goal is to persuade your audience to agree with your opinion of the text.
Your opinion is based on your examination of how the rhetorical elements work together to create a certain effect. In other words, what rhetorical choices does Spiegelman make that fit within the text’s rhetorical situation and help achieve his purpose?
Your opinion should be based on your analysis of one or two rhetorical appeals and how those appeals work together. Do not include a discussion of all the rhetorical appeals, which can result in a list instead of a cohesive argument.
research is permitted but not required. If you use research, follow these guidelines:
✓ Focus the paper on a close read of the selected text
✓ Rely on rhetorical analysis to make your argument
✓ Use MLA formatting to cite research in the text (anything borrowed is considered research and must be cited to avoid plagiarism)
✓ Provide a Works Cited page in MLA format
In addition to the above criteria, I will be looking for the following in your paper:
• Topic-specific title
• Introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and provides context for your analysis
• Thesis that clearly states your argument
• Quotes and/or examples from the text
• Evidence of a rhetorical vocabulary
• Evidence of graphic novel vocabulary
• Intentional paragraph development
o Topic and concluding sentences
o Transitions that create clarity and unity
o Paragraph focus that avoids lists
• Conclusion that both summarizes and persuades
• Academic writing style
• Error-free grammar
• MLA formatting
