Rhetorical Analysis

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Jacob Hodges employs vivid descriptions to paint a picture of his experiences, such as when he mentions “belting out the song ‘Popular’ from Wicked” (pg 3) and “standing offstage right, right out of the audience’s stage lines.” (pg 6) Through these anecdotes, he beautifully captures his early memories of singing songs from “Wicked” and the transformative moment when he conquered his shyness to embrace his passion for musical theatre.

His narrative not only showcases the challenges inherent in theatre, like when a sound cue went wrong but also illustrates the challenges and improvisational skills required in this art form. Ultimately, Hodges’s narrative revolves around the profound lessons he’s learned and the pivotal role of language in his musical theatre journey. 

The purpose of Hodges’s narrative appears to be a personal reflection that explores his deep passion for musical theatre and his journey to pursue a performing arts career. Throughout the essay, he shares his experiences, challenges, and remarkable growth as a theatre performer, from a shy and hesitant individual to someone who embraces the stage with confidence. 

Key moments and insights punctuate his narrative, emphasizing the importance of clear and deliberate speech, the power of connecting with the audience, and the ability to adapt and improvise in live performances. Hodges’s essay aims to inspire and convey the significance of pursuing one’s passion and overcoming challenges in the pursuit of a dream.

His intended audience is individuals who may have experienced feelings of self-doubt, discomfort with public speaking, or a sense of not belonging. Hodges wants to convey a message of empowerment, self-discovery, and the idea that everyone’s struggle with language and self-expression is valid and significant, regardless of their age or background. His overarching clear goal is to provide a sense of solidarity and encouragement through the art of storytelling and reflections.