100+ Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics For Students [2023]

The concept of rhetorical analysis in an essay mainly denotes how a writer uses words to impact their target audience.

When presenting rhetorical analysis, the writer divides the non-fictional (or any other) segment into many parts and explains how each element collectively produces a specific effect- to entertain, persuade or inform readers. 

Moreover, you can also perform a rhetorical analysis on certain primary visual arguments like ads, cartoon characters and even an oratory speech. 

Through rhetorical analysis, you must explore the goals, approaches, examples and efficacy of those techniques/approaches. 

You don’t pick sides when exhibiting a rhetorical analysis in an essay. You decipher how the argument is made and whether the approach is effective.

Explaining What Is A Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Academic students must craft rhetorical analysis essays frequently during their learning tenure. However, you must first understand what a rhetorical analysis essay is all about. Otherwise, you can’t compile one inside a small deadline.

If you’ve been searching the web on –What is a rhetorical essay – it is an academic piece that explains how famous writers use words to engage and influence their readers. 

Moreover, you must pay attention to the various techniques used, the objectives and the impact it creates on the target audience. 

When crafting a rhetorical analysis essay, you must focus on its 3 main elements – Logos, Ethos & Pathos. You can analyse works of art, literature or films to explain how different parts merge to impact the readers meaningfully.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay is one challenging task for most students. You being the writer, must dig deep into the original content’s purpose and presentation to the audience.

Such assignments aim to determine the overall impact of the content’s message to its masses. 

Steps to Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

You must prepare an outline or structure to write a rhetorical analysis essay. This step is similar is working on other academic essays. 

You have to present –

• An introduction (comprising the thesis statement).
• The body where to comprehensively analyse the other author/speaker’s rhetoric text.
• Lastly, you must include a conclusion wrapping everything you’ve analysed relevant to the thesis statement.

When conducting the rhetoric analysis, you must determine how the other author/speaker considered the circumstance and compiled their explanations and communications for the audience.

You must consider the following –

• A suitable rhetorical analysis essay topic – to determine the overall purpose.
• The target audience – primary, secondary and tertiary
• The objective of the rhetoric – often you will find more than one to consider when writing
• The culture and context – examining the broader situation where the rhetoric is incorporated.

What Does A Rhetorical Triangle Indicate?

Aristotle explained the 3 chief forms of rhetorical strategies. 

They are as follows –

• Logos – It uses reasoning or logic to achieve arguments with evidence instead of emotional responses. 

• Ethos – It explains rudimentary values, characters and dispositions with know-how and expertise on a specific theme or subject appeal and engage the audience.

• Pathos – It helps hook the reader’s emotions and persuades them that the existing argument is convincing.

These 3 elements combine to form a rhetorical triangle.

College and university professors still encourage students to use these principle forms when crafting rhetorical essay assignments. 

5 Key Rhetorical Situations for Students to Consider

The 5 critical rhetorical situations that you must consider when crafting your assignment are as follows –

Elaborating further on These 5 Rhetorical Situations

• Main Purpose – You must determine why the rhetorical analysis essay is written. Is it to persuade, instruct, inform or entertain?

• Chief Audience – You must figure out the target group who will (likely) read your work and possibly take a call to action.

• Type of Genre – You must examine the kind of writing and adopt it in your assignment.

• Stance or Tone of The Text – You must determine the tone of the text and what stance/position the author is taking.

• Media or Visuals to Communicate the Text – You must examine the means of communication (visual, media or others) taken to convey the argument message.

You must carefully consider and analyse these rhetorical situations before starting the work. It will help you build a solid essay to submit to your professor.

While you analyse these rhetorical situations, also focus on other facets like any rhetorical restrictions used in texts – like attitudes, beliefs, traditions, and so on that may have influenced the author’s/speaker’s decision. 

Key Points When Planning to Write A Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

For those without any knowledge of writing a rhetorical analysis essay from scratch- these key points will help make their endeavours trouble-free.

Follow closely.

Examine the Rhetorical Situation

• Determine why is there a need for rhetoric analysis?
• How will the references and words assist in determining the location and time?
• Are there any rhetoric limitations?
• What were the historical events leading to the creation of the text?

Identify the (Real) Author/Speaker

• What makes them experts and worthy of listening?
• What entails their ETHOS?
• Do they possess an authorising reputation?
• What are their main intentions/objectives?
• What customs or values do they have?

Identify for Whom Is It Written

• Who are its target readers?
• How does it appeal to specific readers?
• Are they secondary or tertiary audiences to read it?

Identify Its Primary Idea

• Is it feasible to surmise the primary idea of the rhetoric analysis text?
• What arguments are presented?
• How did it develop its reasoning?

Identify Its Structure

• What is its structure?
• In what way is the content organised in the paper?

Identify the Literary Form

• Is it following a particular genre?
• What are its tone and style?
• Why was this specific tone and style taken?
• Is the used form complimenting the text?
• What kind of influence does it have over its target readers?

Identify the Efficacy of the Rhetoric 

• Is the content fulfilling its author’s intents
• Is the presented message suiting the readers, period and location?

Tips to Finding Awesome Rhetoric Analysis Essay Topics

Let’s proceed with the next segment in this post – How to find a suitable topic for your rhetorical analysis essay assignment?

Ideally, you must pick a topic that appeals to and engages your target readers. And here’s how to do it!

• Always Prioritise Your Interests or Preferences 

For your rhetorical analysis essay, you must refer to numerous source materials to analyse the text. Thus, picking a topic per your preferences and interests seems logical. It can make the writing task easier and more enjoyable.

Refrain from picking a topic you don’t fancy, or you’ll likely struggle.

• Pick A Topic You Also Have Sufficient Knowledge and Familiarity On

Indeed, prioritising your preferences is crucial when sorting rhetorical analysis essay topics.

However, you must also focus on a topic you have sufficient knowledge of. This way, you can share your opinions, insights and arguments with evidence, examples and information. 

Moreover, if necessary, you must conduct more research on the topic to explain the rhetoric better. In such cases, it’s best to go with a topic you already know.

• Determine If There Is Sufficient Information on The Chosen Topic Coverage 

In addition to the above considerations, you must also choose a topic that allows scope for comprehensive research and finding helpful data.

There should be sufficient information available on the topic online and offline for you to work with.

Writing a topic with scarce information on the web or in textbooks can cause trouble, especially in a time crunch. You won’t be able to present thought-provoking insights and arguments on the topic to engage your audience.

Moreover, it can also take up a good amount of your effort and time. 

• Avoid picking topics having too broad or narrow coverage.
• Pick a topic that triggers emotions within your readers.
• Pick from trending rhetorical situation example essays.
• Also, choose a topic that meets the writing guidelines.
• Follow all writing guideline and norms carefully.
• Check the word count. 
• Refer to the professor’s notes. It may have some suggestions or hints concerning the rhetorical analysis essay topic.

130+ Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Below are some excellent rhetorical analysis examples/essay topics to take inspiration from. 

Much to your delight, we focus on various genres to give you many awesome suggestions. 

Fun & Interesting Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics (25+ Ideas)

1. Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘Romeo & Juliet‘ – By William Shakespeare.
2. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on the HOLY BIBLE.
3. Explain the rhetorical analysis essay on MONALISA – the world-famous portrait by Leonardo Da Vinci. 
4. Discuss all rhetorical devices Shakespeare uses in portraying ‘Love & Romance‘ in his plays. 
5. Explain the confines of Monologues in garnering the audience’s attention.
6. Present a rhetorical analysis on 19th century-ancient writings.
7. The use of rhetorical devices in TV advertisements 
8. Highlight the rhetorical richness in a compelling public speech – write using examples. 
9. Compile a rhetorical analysis of the theme of HOPE in Literature writings.
10. An account of the usage of symbolisms in great literary works – present examples in your rhetorical analysis 
11. Conduct a rhetorical analysis in 3 of your favourite novels. 
12. Highlight the concept of ‘Race & Prejudice’ in 3 of your preferred novels.
13. Explain the rhetorical strategies used by Florence Kelly when sharing views on CHILD LABOUR.
14. Impact of electronic media in worldwide cultures – present a rhetorical analysis with real-time examples. 
15.  Compile a rhetorical analysis of the power and impact of social media in transforming the world into one global community.
16. Present a rhetorical analysis of women’s attitude toward fashion in contrast to men-Write using real-time examples. 
17. Rhetorically analyse online consumer behaviour worldwide. 
18. Present the central theme in ‘Alice in Wonderland – Share your rhetorical analysis.
19. Impact of World Cup & Olympics – Present a rhetorical analysis using examples and evidence.
20. Why Is the dog considered a reliable housekeeper – present a rhetorical analysis using evidence 
21. Present a rhetorical analysis of ANIMAL FARM worldwide. 
22. Present a rhetorical analysis of your school principal’s farewell speech.
23. Examine the ‘Kite Runner’ – Share your rhetorical analysis. 
24. Rhetorically analyse the themes in Christopher Marlowe’s ‘Doctor Faustus.’
25. Present a rhetorical analysis of the THEMES in Shakespeare’s – ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
26. Conduct a rhetorical analysis of ‘EDWARD II’ – by Marlowe.

Cool Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on POETRY (15+ Ideas)

1. Present a rhetorical analysis of Robert Frost’s – ‘The Road Not Taken
2. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘Faces of love’ in Robert Burns – ‘A Red, Red Rose.’
3. Rhetorically analyse ‘Crossing Brooklyn Ferry’ – by Walt Whitman.
4. Explain the symbolisms in ‘The RAVEN’ – by Edgar Allen Poe 
5. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘Brown Penny’ – by William Butler Yeats
6. Explain the poem ‘Fast Rode the Knight’ – by Stephen Crane (present rhetorical analysis in context to WAR)
7. Rhetorically analyse the theme of self-acceptance in ‘Phenomenal Woman’ – by Maya Angelou
8. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘The Waste Land’ – by T.S. Eliot 
9. Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘Ozymandias’ – by Percy Bysshe Shelley
10. Rhetorically analyse the central idea of ‘And Still I Rise – by Maya Angelou
11.  Present a rhetorical analysis of the poem ‘Tiger’- by William Blake
12.  Write a rhetorical analysis of Robert Frost’s – ‘Fire & Ice
13.  Compile a rhetorical analysis on ‘KUBLA KHAN’ – by Samuel Taylor Coleridge 
14. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘Sonnet 29’ – by William Shakespeare 
15. Compile a rhetorical analysis of ‘A Dream Within a Dream – by Edgar Allen Poe 
16. Rhetorically analyse John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost
17.  Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘To Autumn’ – by John Keats 
18. Compile a rhetorical analysis of ‘Composed Upon Westminster Bridge – by William Wordsworth

Amazing Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on MOVIES (15+ Ideas)

1. Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘STAR WARS.’
2. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘The MATRIX.’
3. Compile a rhetorical analysis of ‘Jurassic Park.’
4. Rhetorically analyse the movie – ‘ALMOST FAMOUS.’
5. Write a rhetorical analysis of the ‘Titanic.’
6. Do a rhetorical analysis on ‘KING KONG.’
7. Rhetorically analyse Salvatore Corsitta’s monologue in ‘The GODFATHER.’ 
8. Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘MACBETH.’
9. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on – ‘The Phantom of the Opera
10. Compile a rhetorical analysis of ‘TOY STORY
11. Write a rhetorical analysis on ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.’ 
12. Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘A Street Car Named Desire
13. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘Wuthering Heights
14.  Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘WarGames.’
15. Write a rhetorical analysis of ‘Man of Steel
16. Present a rhetorical analysis of ‘The Shawshank Redemption
17. Compile a rhetorical analysis of ‘Schindler’s List

Top Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Popular Speeches (10+ Ideas)

1. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Martin Luther King Jr’s – ‘I have a dream’
2. Present a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘Every Man a King’ by – Huey Pierce Long.
3. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘The Evil Empire‘- by Ronald Reagan
4. Present a rhetorical analysis essay of Clarence Seward Darrow’s notable speech – ‘Mercy for Leopold & Leob.’ 
5. Write a rhetorical analysis essay of Ronald Reagan’s ‘Time for Choosing.’
6. Present a rhetorical analysis essay of Anna Eleanor Roosevelt’s – ‘The Struggle for Human Rights
7. Rhetorically analyse Thomas Woodrow Wilson’s ‘League of Nations Final Address.’
8. Write a rhetorical analysis essay of ‘Address to the Jury’ – by Emma Goldman
9. Write a rhetorical analysis essay of Martin Luther King Jr’s – ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail.’
10. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Full Power of Women.’
11. Present a rhetorical analysis essay on Nelson Mandela’s famous speech – ‘I Am Prepared to Die
12. Compile a rhetorical analysis of the resignation speech of George Washington

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Non–Fiction (15+ Ideas)

1. Explain the rhetorical devices used in a ‘Brief History in Time.’
2. Rhetorically analyse’ I know why the Caged Birds Sings’, focussing on the RACISM theme.
3. Rhetorically analyse Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage.
4. Discuss the chief rhetoric devices in ‘Out of Africa’ – by Isak Dinesen.
5. Discuss the persuasive devices implemented in ‘How to win and influence people.’
6. Cover Ron Chernow’s – ‘Alexander Hamilton’ and emphasise the theme of overcoming.
7. Rhetorically analyse – ‘A movable feast.’ 
8. Rhetorically analyse ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ focusing on GRIEF as the theme
9. Present a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘Life on the Mississippi.’
10. Explain the persuasive elements in ‘Silent Spring.’
11. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘Goodbye To All That’ emphasising the emotional theme 
12.  Rhetorically analyse ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ – by Anne Frank- explain what makes it FRIGHTENING
13. Explore the theme of Heroism and Courage in ‘The Right Stuff‘ – present your rhetorical analysis
14.  Rhetorically analyse ‘Cold Blood’, focusing on the theme of Abuse and Sympathy
15. Rhetorically analyse ‘Silent Spring’ focusing on the persuasive devices
16. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on John Hersey’s ‘Hiroshima’ with an emphasis on the theme of Trauma and ‘Despair’

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Fiction (15+ Ideas)

1. Write a rhetorical analysis essay focussing on the theme of ‘Justice’ in – ‘The Heretic’s Daughter.’
2. Rhetorically analyse – ‘The Secret Life of Violent Grant’ focusing on the language mystery
3. Present a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘The Revenant.’ 
4. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller
5. Write a detailed account of the themes explored in Laura Hillenbrand’s ‘Unbroken.’
6. Explain all the different rhetorical analysis devices used in ‘The Sense of an Ending’ written by Julian Barnes
7. Discuss the central themes in ‘The Lottery.’
8. Present a rhetorical analysis on ‘A White Heron’ – written by Sarah Orne Jewett
9. Explain the Savagery and Civilisation in ‘The Lord of the flies’ – by William Golding
10. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on ‘The Secret Life of Violet Grant’ focussing on the language mystery
11. Examine the various rhetorical features in the ‘Great Gatsby.’
12.  Rhetorically analyse the theme of Elitism in Gabriel García Márquez’s work – ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’
13. Rhetorically analyse John Green’s voice in – ‘The Fault In Our Stars’
14. Explain rhetorically the theme of friendship in ‘Code Named Verity’ by Elizabeth E. Wein.
15.  Write a rhetorical analysis essay on John Steinbeck’s – ‘East of Eden.’
16. Present a rhetorical analysis essay on Sophocles – ‘Antigone.’
17. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Shakespeare’s – ‘The Tempest’

Latest Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics (25+ Ideas)

1. Compile an evaluation of the TED Talks speech – include your rhetorical analysis. 
2. Craft an essay focussing on the rhetorical device variations from classical texts to Rogerian texts.
3. Do stereotypes impede the effective usage of rhetorical devices? Explain with examples. 
4. Compile a rhetorical analysis essay focussing on the persuasive devices used by John Buntin’s Mississippi’s Corrections Reform.
5. Discuss how brand name triggers emotional appeal among customers – present a rhetorical analysis. 
6. Explain the various definitions of heroes by multiple authors/writers – present a rhetorical analysis. 
7. Rhetorically analyse the importance of symbolism in novels.
8. Present a rhetorical analysis of why abstract images play a role in literary texts – explain with examples.
9. Examine the main themes by rhetorically analysing Shakespeare’s ‘HAMLET.’
10. Explain the significant rhetorical devices used in ‘Pearl Harbour.’
11. Present a detailed account of all rhetorical devices used in ‘Game of Thrones.’
12. How can one identify the rhetorical depths of funeral messages? 
13. An account of Shakespeare’s writing style and why it appeals to so many – present a rhetorical analysis
14. Present a rhetorical analysis of Coca-Cola’s insignia colours. 
15. Present a rhetorical analysis of Panasonic’s brand motto – ‘Ideas for life.’
16.  Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Nike’s brand motto – ‘Just Do It.’
17. Compile a rhetorical analysis essay on L’Oreal’s brand motto – ‘Because you’re worth it.’
18. Compile a rhetorical analysis essay on Shakespeare’s famous Sonnets.
19. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Anne Lamott’s – ‘Travelling Mercies.’
20.  Present a rhetorical analysis essay on Joseph Stiglitz – ‘The Price of Inequality.
21. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Romeo Dallier’s ‘Cri De Coeur.’
22.  Compile a rhetorical analysis of Alexander Pope’s – ‘The Rape of The Lock.’
23.  Rhetorically analyse Tennyson’s ‘The Epic.’
24. Present a rhetorical analysis essay on William Butler Yeats ‘– ‘An Irish Airman foresees his Death.
25. Rhetorically analyse Percy Bysshe Shelley’s – ‘England in 1819.’
26. Write a rhetorical analysis essay on Thomas Bender’s –‘ A Nation among Nations.

Hopefully, These Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics Will Serve Your Purposes Well In Crafting A High Scoring Assignment From Scratch.

However, if you ever need sample rhetorical analysis essays – you can connect with OUR essay helpers anytime for customised assistance. 

We offer free access to our research database, comprising thousands of reference samples. 

SO, WHETHER YOU NEED –

• Ap Lang rhetorical analysis essay example
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• Rhetorical question essay example 
• Or Any Other

Most Frequently Asked Questions By Students

Q.1. What Is Rhetorical Analysis?

A rhetorical analysis includes all key elements of a rhetorical situation like the audience, medium, purpose and context.

Its importance is to explain the influence of a rhetorical written piece on its audience and the appeals and devices used to achieve success. 

Whenever you seek help on – how to write a good rhetorical analysis or seek reference articles for rhetorical analysis – get in touch with us today.

Q.2. What to Write Rhetorical Analysis On?

You can present a rhetorical analysis of any specific visual or textual copy to persuade the audience. 

Some common example(s) of rhetorical analysis essay topics are as follows–

• President Trump’s speech 
• Analyse’ RAVEN’ – a poem by Edgar Allen Poe
• ‘Price & Prejudice’ – By Jane Austen 

And more!

Go for our essay help services and make your endeavours hassle-free.

Q.3.  Why Is Rhetorical Analysis Important?

A rhetorical analysis explains what’s happening in a text and why the author picked this specific scene or event. It describes the author’s goals and how he conveys the message to the audience.

Simply put – a rhetorical analysis is important as it helps determine the author’s true intentions and if you ascribe to the presented views. 

To learn more about what is rhetorical analysis, hire our essay helpers today.

Q.4. How Do You Pick A Suitable Topic For A Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Ans. Always pick an interesting topic with ample information available and much scope to write.

Some common rhetorical analysis essay topics ideas can be taken from Renowned Poems, Movies, Literature, Speeches and Art. 

If you’re looking for good rhetorical analysis essay topics, refer above for ideas. You can also opt for our essay-help services to find a suitable topic. 

Q.5. What Are Some Common Rhetorical Strategies?

Ans. The 10 common rhetorical strategies include the following –

Alliteration, Amplification, Anacoluthon, Anadiplosis, Antanagoge, Apophasis, Chiasmus, Euphemism, Hypophora and Similes!

To learn more about them- ask our rhetorical strategies essay experts today. We also provide several rhetorical analysis essay examples as a writing guide.

Connect with us and browse several rhetorical situation analysis examples.

Q.6. How to Analyse Rhetorical Strategies in an Essay or Speech?

Ans. The crucial elements of rhetorical analysis involve 3 appeals – Logos, ethos and pathos. 

Moreover, when analysing rhetorical strategies, you must consider all key elements of the rhetorical circumstance. Those include – the audience, the main purpose, the chief medium and the context to deliver the message. 

If you need assistance analysing rhetorical strategies for your essay – hire our essay experts.

Q.7. How to Organise Ideas for a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Ans. When organising ideas for a rhetorical analysis essay – consider its 4 crucial elements! They are – Purpose, Primary Message, Target Audience and Proper Voice.

With these elements, you must also provide proper examples, evidence, and approaches to support your views and arguments. The topic plays a big role in organising ideas for your rhetorical analysis essay. 

If you seek expert assistance – hire our rhetorical analysis essay writing help today. 

Q.8. How do you craft A Conclusion for A Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Ans. For the conclusion, emphasise wrapping/surmising the rhetorical analysis by restating the primary argument and revealing how your research further developed it. 

You can also include a question to conclude your speech. It will leave the audience thinking and prompt them to answer your question. It is an effective way to end good rhetorical analysis essays.

Nevertheless, let us know if you require help with your rhetorical essay topics!

Q.9. How to Improve My Rhetorical Analysis Skills?

Ans. Rhetorical analysis skills mainly include – Persuasion, Argumentation, Language Usage, Extensive Research, Impressive Writing and Editing. 

To improve these rhetorical analysis skills 

• Read rhetoric books,
• Practice with writing exercises or using argumentative skills in a debate.
• Provide presentations by speaking to your audience and receiving feedback. 

Off course, if you need immediate help with rhetorical analysis articles/essays – connect with MyAssignmenthelp.com.

Q.10. Can One Analyse the Use of Humour in A Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Ans. You can. The use and analysis of humour are common in rhetorical analysis essays. You can use it to offer insights and arguments for specific situations and provide examples or evidence to complement them. 

If you have to write a rhetorical analysis essay with the use of Humour, share your assignment requirements today.