Introduction
Rhetoric refers to the writer’s ability to capture the audience’s attention and influence people effectively. All texts and media use the rhetorical concepts of ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos, regardless of form. Conducting a rhetorical analysis of different media pieces can demonstrate how writers use rhetorical elements in their works and evaluate their significance. Therefore, this paper will analyze the use of rhetorical elements in Proud by Ryan Deshon to define how they can be combined with different genres and contexts to cause a greater impact on the audience.
Rhetorical Analysis
Firstly, despite the song’s short duration, it covers a wide range of topics in a form accessible to audiences of all levels. Moreover, the music and lyrics feature cyclic, repetitive elements, lending greater confidence and credibility to the narration and emphasizing the author’s ambitions. Next, implementing rhetorical elements in the lyrics supports clearly presenting the author’s ideas to the audience.
Ethos
Like many others, the author describes himself as an ordinary person who made many mistakes but “accepted all wrongs” and continues following his dream (Deshon). By describing his identity, the author establishes his credentials and connects with an audience that can relate to his experiences, successfully employing the element of ethos.
Pathos
Next, the pathos element refers to the text’s ability to support the audience’s emotional involvement. The author describes his past struggles and his family’s contributions to his craft to build a connection with the audience and secure their support on the path to fame and success.
Logos
Furthermore, the element of logos is used in rhetoric to emphasize the consistency of arguments. The author explains that his ambitions are founded on his desire to meet the expectations of close people, which he describes as “long overdue” (Deshon). Therefore, the author uses logos to explain that his strong ambitions are the only way he can repay the support and love of his close friends.
Kairos
Lastly, the author uses the kairos element to emphasize that, after the end of the suffering caused by the pandemic, the right moment has finally arrived to showcase his talent and ambitions to the audience.
Audience and Message
Next, although the piece’s context is unknown to the audience, the lyrics appeal to everyone regardless of gender, age, or race. Furthermore, the choice of hip-hop genre emphasizes the composition’s appeal to minorities and vulnerable populations who often refuse to dream in favor of surviving. Thus, the lyrics encourage people to continue striving for their dreams at all times and to find inspiration in supporting loved ones. Depending on the audience member’s personal experiences and backgrounds, the work can significantly influence their views. Furthermore, the work has substantial potential to motivate people to pursue their dreams.
Structure
Lastly, given the pitfalls of the narration, the work lacks structure in its description of the author’s journey. Therefore, adherence to a straightforward chronological or logical narrative could improve the effectiveness of implementing rhetorical elements in the text.
Conclusion
To conclude, this essay examines how Ryan Deshon employs rhetorical strategies in Proud. The essay defines combining genres and effectively using rhetorical elements in the lyrics, enabling the composition to have a substantial impact on the audience. Thus, the authors’ correct use of ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos significantly motivates listeners to stay committed to their dreams.
Work Cited
Deshon, Ryan. “Proud.” Spotify.