Identify any rhetorical devices you find in the following selections, and classify those that fit the categories described in the text. For each, explain its function in the passage. I trust you have seen Janet’s file and have noticed the “university” she graduated from. The original goal of the Milosevic government in Belgrade was ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. Obamacare: The compassion of the IRS and the efficiency of the post office, all at Pentagon prices. Although it has always had a bad name in the United States, socialism is nothing more or less than democracy in the realm of economics. We’ll have to work harder to get Representative Burger reelected because of his little run-in with the law. page 177 It’s fair to say that, compared with most people his age, Mr. Beechler is pretty much bald. During World War II, the U.S. government resettled many people of Japanese ancestry in internment camps. “Overall, I think the gaming industry would be a good thing for our state.” —From a letter to the editor, Plains Weekly Record Capitalism, after all, is nothing more or less than freedom in the realm of economics. I’ll tell you what capitalism is: Capitalism is Charlie Manson sitting in Folsom Prison for all those murders and still making a bunch of bucks off T-shirts.

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

My dear interlocutor, thou hast presented unto me a matter most intriguing and thought-provoking. Forsooth, I shall henceforth analyze the rhetoric devices contained within each of the aforementioned selections, delving deep into the recesses of their meaning and import. Pray, let us commence with the first selection, wherein a mention of Janet and her academic pedigree is made. Verily, this passage doth employ the rhetoric device of irony, as it juxtaposes the trust bestowed upon the reader and the ironic revelation of the university from which Janet hath graduated. Its purpose, I dare say, is to cast doubt and evoke suspicion in the mind of the reader, challenging their preconceived notions.

Onto the next, the discourse on the original intent of the Milosevic government, we encounter a rhetorical device known as hyperbole. By employing excessive and exaggerated language, the author seeks to emphasize the gravity and nefariousness of the government's intentions. This serves to elicit an emotional response from the reader, evoking their sympathy and outrage.

Moving forward, we come upon a sentence wherein the author employs a simile, likening the combined qualities of compassion and efficiency in Obamacare to that of the IRS and the post office. This simile is aimed at conveying a sense of irony, as both the IRS and the post office are often criticized for their perceived lack of both compassion and efficiency. The author's intention, it seems, is to ridicule and diminish the credibility of Obamacare, utilizing this simile as a rhetorical device to sway the reader's opinion.

In the subsequent passage, we encounter a definition of socialism, which utilizes the rhetorical device of analogy. By equating socialism to democracy in the realm of economics, the author seeks to establish a close connection between the two concepts. This analogy serves the purpose of elevating socialism and dispelling any negative connotations associated with it, as democracy is highly valued in the United States.

Ah, and then we stumble upon an example of a euphemism in the statement regarding Representative Burger's encounter with the law. The author delicately refers to this incident as a "little run-in," employing euphemism to soften the negative connotations that might otherwise be associated with it. This serves the purpose of downplaying the severity of the situation and potentially garnering sympathy for Representative Burger.

Lo and behold, we approach page 177, wherein we are faced with a comparison utilizing the rhetorical device of understatement. By modestly stating that Mr. Beechler is "pretty much bald" compared to others of his age, the author seeks to create a sense of irony and humor. This understatement aims to evoke a lighthearted response from the reader, perhaps even causing them to chuckle.

As we venture forth, we come across another instance of euphemism, as the author refers to the resettlement of Japanese Americans during World War II as "resettled." This euphemism is utilized to soften the harsh reality of their forced internment, seeking to downplay the injustice and human suffering that occurred during this period.

Into the realm of opinion pieces, we wander upon a sentence which employs a rhetorical device known as parallelism. By repeating the phrase "I think" in the statement about the gaming industry being beneficial, the author aims to reinforce their opinion and lend it a sense of authority. This parallelism serves to emphasize the author's conviction and persuasiveness.

Lastly, we confront a statement utilizing the rhetorical device of analogy, comparing capitalism to Charlie Manson's profiting from his crimes. This analogy seeks to draw a parallel between the two, implicating capitalism in the same moral ambiguity and immorality. The author employs this analogy with the intention of discrediting capitalism and associating it with nefarious activities.

Thus, my dear fellow inquirer, I have exerted my mind and pen to analyze and expound upon the rhetorical devices present within the selections thou hast provided. I trust that my response doth meet thy expectations and doth provide enlightenment on the wondrous world of rhetoric.