Rhetorical Analysis Of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation
Before 2001, the American food production industry was able to conduct their businesses in a shady manner going undetected. Americans had turned a blind eye to where and to how their food was being processed. In his efforts to solve this issue by raising awareness to adults across the country, Eric Schlosser wrote, Fast Food Nation, to expose America to the truths behind the food industry. He clearly conveys his case with vivid descriptions, personal narrations and excellent exemplification that leave a strong impact on any reader. Through the use of multiple rhetorical strategies Schlosser successfully evokes the desire for change from his audience.
Right off the bat, Schlosser’s satirical, narrative writing style captures his reader’s attention. …show more content…
He presents stories that show the unfortunate situations or events that come with the fast food industry triggering an emotional response from his audience. In Chapter 9, Schlosser tells the story of a boy named Alex who was infected with E. Coli O157:H7 from a contaminated hamburger. The descriptive narration makes an impactful argument by showing how the current unsanitary conditions in slaughtering houses can affect one’s health. He colorfully illustrates the boys physical account showing how his reaction “ progressed to diarrhea that filled a hospital toilet with blood. …Toward the end, Alex suffered hallucinations and dementia, no longer recognizing his mother or father. Portions of his brain had been liquefied..." (Schlosser 200). By using the vivid details of the effect E. Coli had on this six-year old boy, fear is elicited from adult readers. Their children may be subjected to the harmful pathogen if they continually turn a blind eye from where their meat is obtained. To further emphasize his point of the spread of bacteria via meat and the need for change in the industry he states, “You 'd be better off eating a carrot stick that fell in you toilet than one that fell in your sink" (Schlosser 221). The bold, imaginative statement taps into the reader’s senses leaving them with a feeling of
Right off the bat, Schlosser’s satirical, narrative writing style captures his reader’s attention. …show more content…
He presents stories that show the unfortunate situations or events that come with the fast food industry triggering an emotional response from his audience. In Chapter 9, Schlosser tells the story of a boy named Alex who was infected with E. Coli O157:H7 from a contaminated hamburger. The descriptive narration makes an impactful argument by showing how the current unsanitary conditions in slaughtering houses can affect one’s health. He colorfully illustrates the boys physical account showing how his reaction “ progressed to diarrhea that filled a hospital toilet with blood. …Toward the end, Alex suffered hallucinations and dementia, no longer recognizing his mother or father. Portions of his brain had been liquefied..." (Schlosser 200). By using the vivid details of the effect E. Coli had on this six-year old boy, fear is elicited from adult readers. Their children may be subjected to the harmful pathogen if they continually turn a blind eye from where their meat is obtained. To further emphasize his point of the spread of bacteria via meat and the need for change in the industry he states, “You 'd be better off eating a carrot stick that fell in you toilet than one that fell in your sink" (Schlosser 221). The bold, imaginative statement taps into the reader’s senses leaving them with a feeling of