Question.2159 - Write a rhetorical analysis that answers the first two questions from the rhetorical analysis lecture: Chosen Article- https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html
Answer Below:
1. What is the purpose of the text? The Washington Post article "Pearls Before Breakfast" by Gene Weingarten has several goals, including challenging societal norms, emphasizing the importance of art, and eliciting thought. Through an engrossing narrative, Weingarten attempts to investigate the concept of identification, how the environment impacts perception, and how people in general value beauty in a fast-paced society (Weingarten, 2007). The primary goal of the text is to disprove the reader's notions about the importance of art and their ability to recognize genuine genius. Weingarten accomplishes this by introducing Joshua Bell, a well-known violinist performing discreetly in a Washington, D.C., subway station at rush hour. The author wonders if the environment and context in which art is shown obfuscate the artist's brilliance and make it impossible for the audience to notice actual skill. Another goal of the text is to draw attention to the widespread practice of speeding through life, especially in a busy metropolis like Washington, D.C., where individuals are absorbed in their daily routines and perpetually preoccupied. By encouraging readers to pause and reassess their priorities, Weingarten hopes to get people to think about their lives. The text challenges readers to think about the beauty they could be missing amidst the turmoil of their hurried lives by presenting an exceptional musical performance in an unexpected setting. Moreover, the author also wants to start a conversation on the lack of art appreciation and the difficulty of spotting extraordinary talent in unusual situations. Regarding how context, expectations, and societal conditioning affect our views of greatness and beauty, Weingarten raises provocative questions. 2. Who is the primary audience? The primary audience for "Pearls Before Breakfast" is The Washington Post readership, which comprises educated, intellectually curious people interested in various themes such as culture, arts, and societal challenges. This audience values storylines that question conventional beliefs and stimulate critical thinking. Furthermore, those who may not be engaged in the arts or have little exposure to classical music make up the text's primary readership. By telling an engaging tale that connects readers' ordinary lives and the realm of classical music, Weingarten hopes to entertain and educate this audience. The piece appeals to a broader audience than classical music fans by crafting a narrative combining music, human behavior, and cultural conventions. The post also has people who are involved in the rat race of an active metropolitan lifestyle in mind. Weingarten urges those who may be entangled in the relentless pursuit of achievement to halt, appreciate the beauty around them, and reevaluate their priorities through the contrast of a brilliant violinist performing in the middle of the frantic rush hour. Therefore, "Pearls Before Breakfast"'s primary audience comprises Washington Post readers looking for thought-provoking material, people interested in the arts and societal issues, and people caught up in the fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle. By appealing to these various groups, the book hopes to challenge preconceptions, elicit reflection, and foster a broader discussion on the importance of art and how context affects how we perceive skill and beauty. References Weingarten, G., 2007. Pearls Before Breakfast: Can one of the nation’s great musicians cut through the fog of a DC rush hour? Let’s find out. Washington Post, 8, p.2007. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.htmlMore Articles From Literature
.ico)
.ico)
.ico)
.ico)
