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Instructions
As always, make sure your freestyle adheres to the MLA header for formatting, is typed in paragraph form, and in your own words. Be sure to use examples outside of what we have discussed class, and fulfill all aspects of the assignment required to receive full credit.
First: Using your own words, give an example of rhetoric that you have seen or heard in Coming to America.
Then: Identify how the rhetoric is being created. (How is meaning being made? How is the film persuading the audience? What is the rhetoric, or the argument?)
Lastly: Discuss how effective the rhetoric is. Do you believe it? Do you agree? Why? Why not? Be sure to use personal pronouns in this section.
1 answer
One example of rhetoric that I noticed in Coming to America is the scene where Prince Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy, is delivering a speech to his father, King Jaffe Joffer, about his desire to find true love. The rhetoric in this scene is created through Akeem's passionate and persuasive language, as well as his use of emotional appeal.
Akeem begins his speech by expressing his dissatisfaction with the arranged marriage that his parents have planned for him. He emphasizes his longing for a genuine connection and true love, which he believes cannot be achieved through a pre-selected bride. Through his words, Akeem appeals to the emotions of his father, referring to the importance of "following his heart" and finding happiness in his own terms.
The rhetoric in this scene is effective as it appeals to the audience's emotions and personal desires for love and fulfillment. Akeem's argument is compelling because it challenges the traditional notion of arranged marriages and highlights the value of pursuing one's own happiness. As a viewer, I find myself sympathizing with Akeem's perspective and believing in the power of true love.
In addition, the use of personal pronouns like "I" and "my" makes the rhetoric more relatable and engaging, since Akeem is speaking from a personal standpoint. This adds credibility to his argument and further convinces the audience of his sincerity.
Overall, the rhetoric used in this scene is incredibly effective in persuading the audience to support Akeem's desire for true love. It successfully taps into our emotions and personal beliefs, making us agree with his argument and root for his journey to find his soulmate.