SOAPSTone and Rhetorical Appeals

The voice in the text that tells the story or, in nonfiction, the author/speaker

In fiction, it is generally the narrator - NOT necessarily the author

The time and place of the piece as well as the context that gave rise to the writing, the event that triggered the response

Consider the historical background of the piece and how it fits into this context.

The group of readers/ listeners to whom a piece is directed. It may be one person, a small group, or a large group

Generally, there is a primary and a secondary one. The primary one is the particular individual or group the speaker is addressing while the secondary one is the individual or group other than the intended primary one who will also hear or read the text.

The reason behind the creation of the text. In fiction, it is usually the theme.

Consider if the speaker is trying to inform, explain, or persuade in the text. What does the speaker want the audience to think, do, feel, say, or choose as a result of reading/listening to the piece?

The general topic, content, and ideas contained in the text.

The attitude of the speaker towards the subject.

It can be determined by examining the author's diction (word choice), syntax (sentence structure), and imagery.

The art of using language effectively and persuasively. It is the study of the effective use of language.

It examines WHAT someone has to say about a subject and HOW language is used to effectively communicate the ideas.

Refers to the trustworthiness or credibility of the writer or speaker

Concerned with how the writer or speaker's character is established