Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
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Date of Graduation
Spring 2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department
School of Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication
Advisor(s)
Karen McDonnell
Abstract
Since mid-2015, Donald Trump has shaken the political arena with an unprecedented yet effective public rhetorical repertoire. Regardless of alleged scandals, frequent social media usage, and extemporaneous and fiery rally speeches, the president’s approval ratings remain steady and he continues to move forward in his international and local political endeavors. Though these factors often posed large obstacles for past presidents, Trump has overcome them by use of audience identification, transparency, honorific pandering, and shrewd control of a vulnerable political sphere. In this study, rhetorician Kenneth Burke’s fantasy-theme and cluster criticisms are used to analyze Trump’s overall rhetorical themes, in social media and beyond, as well as to closely analyze three of his rally speeches. This kind of analysis provides context as to how successful Trump has been, what kind of strategy he uses, and provides a critical lens through which his audience, supportive or not, may interpret his rhetorical strategy and messages.
Recommended Citation
Mohan, Caroline, "Donald Trump did a “very good” job: A rhetorical analysis of candidate Trump’s campaign speeches" (2019). Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019. 632.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/honors201019/632
