Questions on Rhetoric and Style

  1. What is Orwell’s thesis? Does he actually state it, or is it implied?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is Orwell’s thesis? Does he actually state it, or is it implied?
  2. How effective is Orwell’s analogy of the cause and effect of alcohol abuse to the demise of language (para. 2)?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How effective is Orwell’s analogy of the cause and effect of alcohol abuse to the demise of language (para. 2)?
  3. In each of the following paragraphs—paragraphs 4, 5, 12, 15, and 16—Orwell uses at least one metaphor or simile. Identify each figure of speech. Then explain how it works and whether you find it rhetorically effective.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: In each of the following paragraphs—paragraphs 4, 5, 12, 15, and 16—Orwell uses at least one metaphor or simile. Identify each figure of speech. Then explain how it works and whether you find it rhetorically effective.
  4. Orwell develops his ideas through extensive use of examples. Try rewriting paragraph 5, 6, 7, or 8 without examples. How does the effect of the paragraph change?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Orwell develops his ideas through extensive use of examples. Try rewriting paragraph 5, 6, 7, or 8 without examples. How does the effect of the paragraph change?
  5. What is the purpose of the additional information provided in Orwell’s footnotes for paragraphs 7 and 8? Why do you think Orwell chose to put the information in footnotes rather than in the main text?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is the purpose of the additional information provided in Orwell’s footnotes for paragraphs 7 and 8? Why do you think Orwell chose to put the information in footnotes rather than in the main text?
  6. Orwell wrote this essay before he was well known for his novels. He uses the first person, yet he does not directly state his qualifications to speak on language. How does he establish ethos? Should he have been more direct?

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Orwell wrote this essay before he was well known for his novels. He uses the first person, yet he does not directly state his qualifications to speak on language. How does he establish ethos? Should he have been more direct?
  7. How would you describe the overall organization of this essay? Examine its movement, from the examples in the opening to the rules near the ending.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How would you describe the overall organization of this essay? Examine its movement, from the examples in the opening to the rules near the ending.
  8. What is Orwell’s purpose in writing this essay? How might the historical context of post–World War II affect that purpose? Cite specific passages to support your response.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: What is Orwell’s purpose in writing this essay? How might the historical context of post–World War II affect that purpose? Cite specific passages to support your response.
  9. How would you describe the tone of Orwell’s essay? Can you sum it up in one word, or does the essay range from one tone to another? Cite specific passages to support your response.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: How would you describe the tone of Orwell’s essay? Can you sum it up in one word, or does the essay range from one tone to another? Cite specific passages to support your response.
  10. Find examples in the essay where Orwell is guilty of the four faults that characterize the writing he is criticizing.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 10 - Politics and the English Language - Questions on Rhetoric and Style: Find examples in the essay where Orwell is guilty of the four faults that characterize the writing he is criticizing.