Topic > The Effectiveness of Rhetorical Strategies Used in “Our Own Warrior Princess” by Maureen Dowd

This essay is a rhetorical analysis of “Our Own Warrior Princess” and will explore the themes of the text, as well as analyze how the article the rhetorical situation works. “Our Own Warrior Princess” by Maureen Dowd details the courage that Dowd's granddaughter, Jennifer, showed regarding organ donation. Through the use of pathos, logos, ethos, and SOAPStone, Dowd was actually able to achieve her goal of persuading the public to consider organ donation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Dowd was able to rationalize organ donation by knowing her audience. The audience plays a crucial role when writing persuasive articles. If the right advantage is not provided, authors will not be able to effectively convince the public of their cause. "Our Own Warrior Princess" is a story full of pathos; and pathos and persuasion go hand in hand. Because he chose to evoke feelings such as empathy, it can be inferred that his audience experienced an inclination to help. Dowd was able to rationalize organ donation with her use of pathos. Pathos is a rhetorical appeal to emotion and has proven quite effective. Dowd uses many details to connect readers to her granddaughter's personal story. This use of pathos was perfect because he uses it to have a lasting effect on his audience. Dowd successfully evokes empathy and pushes his audience to align with his opinions. “The night nurse told Jennifer it was an oddity… We don't see many live donors,” she said “not many people are that generous.” It was smart of Dowd to include this because it highlights how not many people donate organs, due to fear. “On Friday, Michel's birthday, I took the card online, I filled it out… if Jennifer has the courage to do it alive, how can I be afraid of doing it dead?”. Dowd then says that since donors don't experience extreme pain or health risks, it's worth trying to save the lives of others. “One donor can save up to eight lives.” This statistic has a heartbreaking impact on its audience, encouraging them to help others. Dowd was able to rationalize organ donation with the use of ethics. Ethos is another rhetorical device used to appeal to the character of the audience and convince them that organ donation is a morally sound option. Dowd uses ethics throughout this article. “More than 80,000 Americans are on the waiting list for organ donation, and most will never receive them.” Dowd's attempt to create ethics is successful because he is able to reach the audience's sense of right, wrong, and helpfulness. It can also show how many people are waiting for organs. “Across the United States, 17 men, women and children of all races and ethnicities die every year due to lack of donations.” This is a very powerful statement that also has the power to convince the reader to consider organ donation. Dowd was able to rationalize organ donation with the use of logos. Logos is the third and final rhetorical device that concerns reason, evidence, and logistics. Using statistics, Dowd makes effective use of logos to convince the public how important donating is. “One donor can save up to eight lives.” The following statement shows the public how much impact one donor could have. “Across the United States, 17 men, women and children of all races and ethnicities die every year due to lack of donations.” That is.