Rhetorical analysis was something that, before this class, I imagined only pertained to persuasion papers and arguments. I have learned, however, that rhetoric can expand beyond these limits and can venture into the world of art and photography as well. I was instantly drawn to the photographs in the collection “In the Eyes of Children”, specifically to an untitled one taken by an orphan named Devota. My purpose in writing this essay is to rhetorically analyze my chosen photo’s argument in terms of pathos, ethos, and logos, as well as key technical elements such as lighting and subject placement. While including my initial reactions to a photograph taken by Devota, I will expand my thoughts and ideas on two aspects of the photograph: Devota and the nameless baby in the photograph. In my opinion, a strong argument exists in both Devota’s overall purpose of taking the photograph and in her subject, the baby. What I have taken from this photograph is an argument of the lives of the children of Rwanda, shown by the baby in the photograph, and the feelings such as loneliness and sorrow that may not be expressed by some of the older children like Devota. I feel that this photograph exists as a form of awareness to those who may not know the lives that are lived by these orphans.These emotions, or pathos, are further expressed by the technical elements of the photograph. The lighting of the picture is very natural- giving the audience a more realistic view into the lives of these children. Overall, the whole photograph is not very edited and has natural angles, which allows an honest view into the lives of Rwandan orphans.
The cultural and historical background of Rwanda, the location of this photograph, is also very important in this argument. I believe that knowing the background of the culture and events that the children of Rwanda, such as Devota, experienced helps bring a different understanding to the photograph. Rwanda is probably most known for the 1994 genocide that occurred there. Many children were left orphaned after this incident. On top of this horrible tragedy, Rwanda is also suffering an ongoing battle with HIV/AIDS. These are just a few things that the children of Rwanda have to fear and deal with in their lives. This knowledge is one of the most important aspects of my essay to me and deeply changed my impressions of the photograph after discovering them.
In considering my argument, I also need to consider who my audience will be. I know that part of my audience will consist of my English professor and other classmates. This will be the most critical group of my audience because they know what is expected of this essay and have a good background on the things, such as modes of communication and technical elements, which I will be analyzing in the photograph. Another part of my audience will consist of other Blogspot members that have access to my work. Some of these people may relate to my photograph in a more personal way or may have contrasting opinions on what I have analyzed. This is one of the main points of analyzing photograph or art: everyone has a different opinion in their analysis. This is something for which is must be prepared.
The main thing that I would like my audience to take away from my essay is awareness of the lives that these orphans, like that baby in the photograph and the photographer herself, live in Rwanda. Understanding of what is going on across the globe is what helps bring unity to our world and can help prevent events such as the 1994 Rwandan genocide from occurring ever again.
