Question
RHETORICAL ANALYSIS: What role do the three phrases (Right to Know, Power to Decide, Will to Love) as well as the anecdotes
Johnston shares, play in terms of the structure, message, audience, and purpose of Johnston's Harvard Graduate School of
Education convocation remarks? Explain how they facilitate his argument, citing specific textual evidence in your analysis.
Answer
The three phrases "Right to Know, Power to Decide, Will to Love" serve as a thematic framework for Johnston's argument, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, agency, and compassion in education. The anecdotes he shares illustrate the impact of these principles in real-life situations, making his message more relatable and compelling to the audience. For example, his story about a student who struggled with reading highlights the power of knowledge and the importance of providing access to it. Additionally, his anecdote about a teacher who showed compassion towards a student who was struggling with personal issues emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in education. Overall, these phrases and anecdotes help to structure Johnston's argument and make it more persuasive to his audience.