Flight of the Kuaka Rhetorical Analysis

     After reading this article from Don Stap, I took a moment to break down his rhetorical approach into the specific appeals: Pathos and Ethos.  Pathos describes a quality in his writing that focuses more on pity or emotion from the reader.  The introduction paragraph sets the article in an uncomfortable and sad muddy place, and right away readers are emotionally invested in some way.  Ethos, on the other hand, is a more factual, cultural, and presentational kind of approach.  This style provides the facts and statistics that open the readers eyes to the reality of the situation in black and white.  For example, the first full paragraph on page 110 provides frightening numbers and specific illustrations of the hunting and loss of grass that are affecting wildlife.  Godwits become the leading characters for the reader to identify with, and the issues described in this article relate more directly to them than other species.
     Stap is careful to utilize the five canons of rhetoric, as well.  These include: invention/discovery, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. His discovery lies in the examples and statistic of endangered birds and the lack of wetlands. He shares personal experience and quotes others with knowledge on the subject. The arrangement of this article has a persuasive arch, beginning with painting a picture of the muddy location in New Zealand. Next, the specific facts and supporting links fill up the body of the essay, and he ends with more lyrical writing that leaves the reader with a more optimistic feeling about the future of the birds.  This arch can be linked to his style, for the sections of numbers and diversions about other birds are written more scientifically and informatively than those creating an image for the reader.  Stap does a good job at not letting his writing get stale.  Memory is sort of a sneaky canon that makes a big impact of the reader.  If a reader can realise a connection to something previously read in the same piece, that information is solidified for them and they recognize the importance of it.  Making connections is fulfilling as a reader, so when Stap touches back to Yalu Jiang, readers remember it's relevance from the previous page.  The delivery of this information is unique to other rhetorical articles.  I felt that the rhetoric wasn't shoved in my face and, instead, more politely presented to me in a mature manner.  I appreciated the calmness of Staps writing.  A lot was covered in eight pages, but Stap has managed to increase my knowledge of migrating birds, locations for recovery, population of birds, and concern for their survival.