Rhetorical Paper of "The Other Wes Moore"

1. Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis

With every written work, an author tries to convey a message to the audience. Authors, whether intentionally or unintentionally, use certain strategies and techniques to enhance their delivery through the use of language. The ability to understand the impact of language on a reader is known as rhetorical analysis. Rhetoric consists of three key components: ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the author. Pathos appeals to the readers' emotions and feelings, while logos rely on logic and reason (Sandell Hardesty, 2013). Rhetorical analysis examines how these components are utilized by authors to engage readers and shape their thoughts and beliefs. Although rhetoric is generally considered a literary element, persuasive writing can also be found outside the literary world. In fact, rhetoric is embedded in everything.

A narrative work is considered compelling when the author’s experiences and observations resonate with the readers’ understanding, leading to a similar conclusion. While the experiences may differ significantly, it is through rhetoric that the audience is persuaded to think a certain way. ‘The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates’ is a prime example of such compelling narrative literature. It chronicles the lives of two individuals, both named Wes Moore, who grew up in similar circumstances but chose drastically different paths (Khajornphaiboon & Vungthong, 2019). One became a Rhodes Scholar and a combat veteran, while the other ended up in a life sentence in prison. The text meticulously outlines their backgrounds, touching on elements such as family, environment, and education, ultimately unveiling the turning points that led them on divergent paths. It is a narrative rich with rhetoric—a rhetorical analysis of this narrative will delve into the significant rhetorical techniques employing ethos, pathos, and logos that shape the literary work. Before delving into the analysis, it is crucial to familiarize the audience with the essential terminology pertinent to the understanding of rhetoric. The analysis aims to ensure that as the text is read, the persuasive elements are recognized. Although readers may have grasped the persuasion implicitly, having the understanding explicit will undoubtedly enhance appreciation for the text.

2. Author's Purpose and Audience

The text analysis examines the author's purpose and audience in "The Other Wes Moore," focusing on two key goals. First, it seeks to illuminate the complex issue of identity and the impact of choices, as shown by the title's representation of two intertwining narratives. Second, it identifies the intended audience, primarily the general public, especially those interested in social issues. The author connects with this audience through personal anecdotes that create both emotional and intellectual engagement. Understanding the audience shapes the rhetorical techniques used throughout the text. The duality of the title signifies two lives and paths of the same man. The author recounts his life filled with achievements, contrasting it with the second Wes Moore, who is in prison for murder. This duality reinforces the exploration of identity and choice. The author emphasizes their shared beginnings: “We were both born ‘Wes Moore’ in the same year, in the same city, to similar families.” He investigates the factors leading to their divergent lives despite these similarities. Moreover, he highlights the impact of choices: “The choices we make in life ultimately determine the lives we lead.” These themes encourage readers to reflect on societal change, fostering hope that others might avoid the fate of the other Wes Moore. (Glaser, 2018)

3. Rhetorical Devices and Techniques in 'The Other Wes Moore'

Rhetorical devices and techniques are employed throughout “The Other Wes Moore” to enhance the storytelling. The author utilizes a variety of devices and techniques, such as juxtaposition, symbolism, and narrative structure, to allow the reader to better understand the characters’ parallel lives. Almost every page of the text features one or more of these rhetorical devices. These devices and techniques work together to evoke emotional responses and provoke critical thinking about the choices that these two men make throughout their lives. In some places, the author takes the time to craft scenes with vivid imagery. In other spots, he uses impactful diction to immediately paint a picture of circumstances and choices. The “Other Wes Moore” is a skillfully crafted narrative that deeply relies on its rhetorical devices and techniques. The careful attention to the form of the narrative is what makes it so effective (H. Kurraz, 2018).

Juxtaposition is perhaps the most obvious rhetorical device used throughout the book. There are two “Wes Moores” at the center of this narrative, and it is their lives as men that are continually juxtaposed against each other. This is first evident in the prologue when the author, Wes Moore, describes his encounter with the other Wes Moore as a young man. As a child, the author and the other Wes Moore have similar beginnings. Both are young black boys growing up in the streets of Baltimore. Both boys are fatherless, and both boys are raised by strong mothers who love them dearly. However, the author Wes Moore is offered an opportunity to attend a prestigious military school. That one decision, having one moment where his circumstances changed, set both of these men on drastically different paths. The other Wes Moore ends up in life imprisonment for murder, while the author Wes Moore went on to become a Rhodes Scholar. Thus, a profound closeness is illustrated between two men that ultimately went on to live completely different lives.

The juxtaposition of the author Wes Moore's life and that of the other Wes Moore raises the question of alternate possibilities. The narrative structure alternates between their stories, illustrating how small choices significantly impact life outcomes. A key chapter contrasts the author’s positive experience at military school with the other Wes's descent into crime. This pivotal moment alters the trajectory for one while the other remains unchanged. The author incorporates striking statistics about young black boys and the prison system, which resonate more powerfully through storytelling. The narrative invites critical reflection on the broader implications of these parallel lives.

4. Impact of Rhetoric on Reader's Perception

The discourse now shifts to the effect of the rhetoric on the belief of the reader. With an analysis of the rhetoric found in The Other Wes Moore, lessons can be drawn about the perception of the reader and how a writer can successfully engage their message. By focusing on the emotional elements and relatable experiences of the reader, the author can almost guarantee engagement from the audience. This is an important reminder when crafting anything meant to be shared widely; building a connection with the audience is vital in driving any ideas home. This impact is especially important in the specific narrative of two men with the same name and similar backgrounds, as rhetoric defines perceptions about choice, fate, and identity. Throughout The Other Wes Moore, feelings and beliefs about the two men are dictated through the rhetorical techniques employed. For example, in the prologue, the first major reaction from the reader is the closing line of Moore’s encounter at the funeral. When he reflects on the dead man in the casket, "we just weren’t able to save this one," it is clear that the reader feels the weight of his sadness. The emotion attached to that line is powerful enough to evoke a similar sentiment in the reader. Immediately, thoughts and feelings align more closely with Moore’s narrative than Wes’s; the rhetoric causes that reaction purposefully. Similarly, when the life stories of the two Wes Moores are compared side by side, it is Wes’s story that comes first. In choosing to share his story later as a sort of reaction to Wes’s choices, the audience feels pity for him as they watch him fall deeper into crime.

The impact of rhetoric broadens when considering the effect of the narratives as a whole. Moore aims to intertwine "two narratives of crime and redemption" to enhance understanding of community struggles. By sharing his success alongside Wes’s despair, he hopes to "educate people on the possibilities of our youth." The intention is to inform diverse audiences about the realities of poverty and crime, fostering empathy. Rhetoric operates widely here; two opposing yet similar narratives allow broader audience connection. Some readers may relate only to Wes’s crime narrative, while others may see themselves in Moore’s story of opportunity. Both narratives aim to promote understanding and compassion for those less fortunate. This dual narrative approach fosters empathy across varying audiences, showcasing the transformative power of rhetoric. Thoughtful rhetoric compels reflection on choice, chance, and identity. Analyzing reader perception reveals that effective rhetoric inspires change in thought. The Other Wes Moore prompts consideration of how "two kids with the same name, living in the same city, having the same dreams, [could] end up living very different lives." Ultimately, rhetoric, identity, and choice will be examined as long as there are lives to compare. (Sandell Hardesty, 2013)(D. Sellnow, 2019)

5. Conclusion and Implications

The insights gleaned from the rhetorical analysis of “The Other Wes Moore” are summarized. Examining the author’s purpose, intended audience, and rhetorical strategies demonstrates the effectiveness of the text in addressing nuanced themes concerning societal systems and individual agency. Moore’s personal narrative is instrumental not only in making his claims accessible and relatable but also in fostering a critical examination of widely held social perceptions. Although one individual becomes a Rhodes Scholar while the other is sentenced to life imprisonment, this book illustrates that outcomes are not purely a product of individual action, achievement, or failure. The effectiveness of this text as a piece of rhetoric is critical to its success and significance. As society seeks to navigate complexities regarding personal and systemic accountability, this discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding and deconstructing the rhetoric of others. Beyond informing literary analyses, rhetoric shapes cultural conversations, while narratives can compel collective self-examination crucial for progress (Sandell Hardesty, 2013).

While personal narratives require some focus on the self, authors can choose how deeply to engage with their experiences. They must use rhetoric responsibly and ethically, as narratives influence perceptions of individuals and communities. A critical examination of rhetorical choices is essential. Moore demonstrates effective use of narrative, highlighting the ethical responsibilities of rhetoric. Accountability lies not only with Moore but also with society, which often supports narratives that blame individuals while neglecting systemic issues. This text exemplifies how narratives can shape perceptions and calls for collective scrutiny of the narratives that define society. It encourages the exploration of narratives that shape collective identities beyond individual stories, prompting questions about which narratives exist, challenging perceptions, and defining desired identities. Ultimately, this text showcases the narrative's transformative power in shaping perceptions and identities. (K. Sherwin, 1988)

References:

• Sandell Hardesty, K. (2013). An(other) Rhetoric: Rhetoric, Ethics, and the Rhetorical Tradition.
• Khajornphaiboon, P. & Vungthong, S. (2019). Analyzing the introduction of TED Talks: A corpus–based analysis of discourse organization.
• Glaser, D. (2018). Who Is It For? Personal Writing and Antagonistic Readers.
• H. Kurraz, A. (2018). Narrative Interpretive Centers in Ray Bradbury’s Cistern: Exposing Internal and External Human Conflicts.
• D. Sellnow, D. (2019). Try It, You Might Like It: On Teaching Rhetorical Theory and Criticism.
• K. Sherwin, R. (1988). A Matter of Voice and Plot: Belief and Suspicion in Legal Storytelling.