Here's a breakdown:
* What: The specific language choices used (words, phrases, sentence structure, etc.)
* Why: The intended impact those choices have on the reader or listener (e.g., to persuade, inform, entertain, inspire, evoke emotion, etc.)
Examples:
* "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" (FDR, Inaugural Address): The repetition ("fear") and parallelism ("nothing to fear but fear itself") create a memorable and powerful rhetorical function, emphasizing the paralyzing nature of fear and urging action.
* "I have a dream..." (MLK, "I Have a Dream" speech): The repetition of "I have a dream" creates a powerful sense of hope and anticipation, while the vivid descriptions of a future where equality reigns evoke strong emotions and inspire action.
* "The cat sat on the mat" (simple sentence): The simple sentence structure contributes to a clear and straightforward rhetorical function, conveying information with ease.
Key takeaways:
* Context is crucial: The rhetorical function of a phrase can change depending on the situation.
* It's about the effect: The goal is to understand the intended impact of language on the audience.
* Many devices contribute: Different rhetorical devices (like repetition, metaphors, similes, etc.) can contribute to a specific rhetorical function.
By understanding the rhetorical functions of different language choices, we can better analyze and understand how communication works. It helps us to be more effective communicators ourselves.