When analyzing stylistic and rhetorical features1 pay attention to the following2

Apuntes

When analyzing stylistic and rhetorical features, pay attention to the following: Language, which includes diction, tone, connotation, emotive language... ✒️ Stylistic & Rhetorical Features** 🔹 Diction = Word choice * What kinds of words are used — formal? informal? loaded? technical? * Look for patterns: e.g. harsh words to criticize, soft words to comfort, etc. * Ask: *How do these words shape tone and meaning?* --- 🔹Tone = Author’s attitude or emotion * Is it serious, sarcastic, passionate, hopeful, urgent, etc.? * It sets the emotional direction of the text. * Ask: *How does the tone influence the reader’s reaction?* 🔹 **Connotation** = **Emotional or cultural meaning behind words** * “Slim” vs “skinny” = same meaning, different connotation. * Watch for **positive or negative associations** in word choice. * Ask: *What underlying message is created through word connotation?* 🔹 **Emotive Language** = **Words that trigger emotions** * Examples: “devastating loss”, “innocent children”, “heroic effort” * Used to evoke **sympathy, anger, pride**, etc. * Ask: *What emotion is the author trying to provoke — and why?* 🔹 **Persuasive Techniques** *Ethos = credibility (“As...