Virtual class, Vehemency and VeggieTales

We are looking now at rhetorical analysis..... OK, right.
Umm, so... what's that supposed to mean?

Let us ruminate....


Rhetorical Analysis - definition:

Of, relating to, or concerned with the separation of a whole into its component parts.


What we are dealing with is, essentially, dissection. We are taking a literary work and dismantling it bit by bit, dividing each portion according to its type and content.


Oh, but why do we do this? For what purpose are we so meticulously fractionating?

Consider this.

Rhetorical analysis is, for me, a tool and catalyst used to deepen one's wisdom and understanding of the given text, whether it be the message of morality it may or may not convey, the emotions one engages when reading what is written, the various facts and tidbits of knowledge from the time period, or simply to enable one to comprehend the subject of the piece. It is, really, an enjoyable thing to dabble in rhetorical analysis, because by doing so one is edified and entertained.


Utilizing my makeshift theory as haphazardly described above, I contemplated the VeggieTales series. Now, aside from the fact that the characters in these productions are various fruits and vegetables (and that they have no arms, yet are able to carry, lift, hold, etc.,) these tales are surprisingly complex in their construction. I watched Minnesota Cuke and the Quest for Sampson's Hairbrush tonight with a five and eight year old and was struck by the variation in perception: we finished the film with completely different visions of the episode. Well, the basic story was the same - Minnesota Cuke (an Indiana Jones-esque character played by Larry the Cucumber) searching for the hairbrush that was said to have great power, etc., etc. The difference was in the assessment, the analysis, of the presentation. While I perceived the nods to Indiana Jones, the Barber of Seville, and Mission Impossible, the kids were transfixed by the storyline of Minnesota and his escapade. While written for young viewers, the VeggieTales stories are interwoven with many bits for us older folks, with humor, underlying sub-plots, and additional lessons for us to experience and reckon.


While it may seem as though it will be tough to write these blogs, especially for those who are new to the process, it is surprisingly easy -- I just wrote something on VeggieTales and am getting away with it! If I can do it, anyone can. Just say it...
Rhetorical analysis is fun..... rhetorical analysis is good.
Rhetorical analysis is fun..... rhetorical analysis is good.


Thank you, and good night.