Rhetorical Analysis
Choose one of the following:
1) Movie
2) Documentary
3) TV Show
4) Selection of Music (full album, select songs from an album, select songs/music videos from the
same music artist, etc.)
5) Other, as approved by me
Tips/Advice:
Use the methods we have discussed (Rhetorical Situation, SOAPSTone, CAMPD, Rhetorical
Appeals/Techniques, etc.) to analyze your artifact.
● You should seek to approach your artifact first as a universal audience viewer/listener. Then
you should approach it from an analysis lens.
Option 4: Selection of Music.
Selection: The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
Analysis
Rhetorical Situation
- Purpose: To explore complex themes of life, death, insanity, and the human condition.
- Audience: A wide range of listeners, from casual fans to dedicated music enthusiasts.
- Subject: Psychological and philosophical concepts, presented through the lens of a concept album.
- Speaker: Pink Floyd, a progressive rock band known for their innovative music and thought-provoking lyrics.
- Occasion: The late 1960s and early 1970s, a time of social and political upheaval.
SOAPSTone Analysis
- Speaker: Pink Floyd
- Occasion: Late 1960s, a time of social and political change.
- Audience: A wide range of listeners, from casual fans to dedicated music enthusiasts.
- Purpose: To explore complex themes of life, death, insanity, and the human condition.
- Subject: Psychological and philosophical concepts.
- Tone: Ethereal, psychedelic, and introspective.
CAMPD Analysis
- Context: The album was released during a time of social and political unrest, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of the era.
- Audience: A diverse audience, appealing to fans of progressive rock, psychedelic music, and those seeking deeper meaning in their music.
- Message: The album explores themes of life, death, insanity, and the human condition, often through the lens of a cosmic journey.
- Purpose: To evoke emotion, provoke thought, and provide a transcendental listening experience.
- Delivery: The album's innovative use of sound effects, studio experimentation, and thematic cohesion create a unique and immersive listening experience.
Rhetorical Appeals and Techniques
- Ethos: Pink Floyd's reputation as a groundbreaking and influential band lends credibility to their message.
- Pathos: The album's evocative lyrics, combined with its haunting melodies and psychedelic soundscapes, evoke a wide range of emotions.
- Logos: The album's intricate musical structure and thematic coherence create a logical and coherent narrative.
Additional Analysis
- Thematic Exploration: The album delves into complex themes such as the passage of time, the nature of reality, and the human condition.
- Sound Design: The innovative use of sound effects, studio experimentation, and sonic textures creates a unique and immersive listening experience.
- Musical Structure: The album's cohesive and thematic structure enhances its overall impact.
- Cultural Significance: The Dark Side of the Moon has had a significant cultural impact, influencing countless musicians and artists.
By analyzing these elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the album's artistic and cultural significance.