Analyzing Diction for Rhetorical

Effectiveness
Choose one of the specified words from the  passage given below and then answer the following
questions in order to practice analyzing how an author might use diction in order to increase the rhetorical
effectiveness of a given passage. I have completed an example with a word from the passage not listed
below, located at the end of the document.

Passage of Focus: Act I, Scene 7, lines 29-89 (pgs. 27-29); “How now…” through “…Upon his death.”:
Argument (Purpose): Lady Macbeth argues to Macbeth that he should murder King Duncan.
Words (Choose ONE!): 

 Dare (repeated throughout)

 Break (line 54)
 Enterprise (line 54)
 Wassail (line 72)
 Quell (line 80)

Using your chosen word, and this link to a reputable and free dictionary, complete each of the following
steps:  
1. Copy and paste one dictionary definition of the word that you feel applies to the context in which
it is used. Please use the link given above to do so. 
Response: a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky

2. In a few complete sentences, explain how this first definition applies to the author’s use of this
chosen word.
Response: The definition applies to the authors use of the word because Shakespeare is trying to convay
that the task is risky.
3. Copy and paste a different dictionary definition of the word that you feel could also apply in this
given context:

Response: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action

4. Explain why you think this alternate definition also makes sense in the given passage.
Response: I think that this alternant definition applies to the passage because Macbeths is ready to engage
in the difficult action.
5. Does the overall effectiveness of the specified speech change depending on which of the two
definitions you have in mind while reading the passage?
Response: No, I do not believe that the two different definitions change the mind of the reader. They
might change it a little bit but not enough to change your mind.
 6. Does this word typically have a  positive or negative connotation? Explain briefly why it is
typically thought of that way. Remember: Connotation refers to associations or emotions that are
tied to a specific word. 
Response: The word typically has a negative connotation. It is typically thought that someone is in over
there head or doing to much at one time.
7. Choose a synonym for your chosen word and then re-read the passage, this time swapping the
original word out for the identified synonym. I recommend using the Thesaurus option located at
the top of the dictionary page linked above. 
Synonym for your chosen word: Concern
8. Does the substitution of your chosen word with a synonym change the meaning or effectiveness
of the specific passage? If so, does it hurt or help the author’s argument or purpose?  Pro-tip: This
move is called analyzing by substitution and is an excellent move to make in papers! You might
consider the synonym’s dictionary definition and/or connotation when trying to decide how the
effectiveness of the argument changes.
Response: The passage does not change a whole lot with the difference of word. It is just not as complex
and is broken down and simpler.