Rhetorical criticism is the analysis of language’s impact on an audience. It is applied to writing and examines the intent and context of a piece of communication. Academics use it to understand how symbols influence audiences. Specific categories of rhetorical criticism exist, and the products of this analysis can take many forms.
Rhetorical criticism is the analysis of a broad range of elements relating to the use of language to impact an audience. This is often, but not always, applied to writing, where the author intends to have some effect on the readers. Rhetoric in general is defined very broadly as any aspect of speech or writing that reaches an audience. Criticism, as it is defined for rhetorical criticism, literary criticism, and other similar types of analysis, is the process of examining something for its foundations or underlying nature. Criticism looks at units of language and other ancillary products of speakers or writers to examine the intent and context of a piece of an individual communication to an audience.
The popularity of rhetorical criticism has waxed and waned over time throughout its history in human civilization. In one sense, the rise of this type of criticism is as old as the common use of written language. Some trace this discipline back to Plato and the societies of ancient Greece.
Academics use this type of critique to understand how communicators use symbols to influence their audiences. These researchers may study texts, films or audio recordings to find rhetorical symbols to analyze. They may use specific words or phrases to convey insight into the speaker’s or writer’s intent. Generally, those who study rhetoric will construct a collection of symbols, seek to work them together into a central thesis, and gradually develop a meta-narrative about the ultimate nature of that rhetorical-based speech, writing, or artwork.
Some experts have constructed specific categories of rhetorical criticism. For example, in some academic communities there is a general focus on the “rhetorical effect of spectacle,” where extended rhetorical techniques are used to produce cathartic reactions in an audience. This type of study looks at both the visual and auditory components of rhetoric looking for more insight into how communications will be received by a large group of people.
The products of rhetorical criticism can take many forms. Research papers can draw a lot from this type of study. In some communication-related academic departments, students may be tested on their responses to this type of analysis. Some academic journals may publish articles related to the study of rhetoric in contemporary societies. This all adds to the general body of work around the use of rhetoric in different scenarios and contexts.
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