WP 2: Statement of Purpose

As we have already learned, arguments can be presented via mediums we do not normally think of.  Photographs and paintings can pose arguments just as strong as a well written essay.  The purpose of this writing project is to rhetorically analyze another text via ethos, logos, and pathos.  The text we are to analyze is a comic, which combines written words with pictures.  While the purpose of comics is generally thought to be for only entertainment purposes, very important messages and arguments can be made through this medium.  To better understand  how to analyze a comic, it was necessary for me to read chapter 15 of Compose Design Advocate.  In this chapter, Wysocki and Lynch discuss the terms and ideas associated with comics to help the readers better analyze comics themselves.  Using this knowledge, I will be analyzing one of Joseph Hewitt's Lucy and Bing comics.  Fully understanding the context in which I am analyzing the comic and who my audience will be will create a better analysis.

While the primary audience of the project will understand the nature of the assignment, I must keep my secondary audience in mind while writing the project.  The primary audience is my professor as he will be the one grading this writing project.  The project will also need to be unique for the purpose of making it stand out in my professors eye as he will be reading and grading multiple projects of the same genre.  Since this project is once again posted on the internet, that means that the secondary audience is theoretically boundless.  To ensure that anyone that may read and understand this writing project either intentionally or by just wondering upon it, I must be sure not to be too general in my explanations and use of terms and concepts from Compose Design Advocate and the McCloud essay.  I will also need to explain necessary background information on comics.

Since this project will be posted on the world wide web, it allows me to call on multiple sources to aid my argument.  Multimedia elements will be included through video, pictures and other images, and links to other websites that contain information that will be valuable to the audience members.  Since it is on the internet, my project must be credible for it to be of any use to anyone.  This can be done with citations, both in line and in a works cited section.

The best possible outcome for this project would be to clearly state and reenforce the comic's argument, therein earning a good grade for the project.  This presents an potential obstacle for the project.  If I do not clearly support the argument, the project has failed.  This must be done in a way that appeals to the audience.  If that does not happen, the project will be weak, therefore nullifying the main goal and best possible outcome for the project.  As I continue with this project, I must take in and use the comments and critiques of my professor and classmates.  I also have a responsibility to do the same for my classmates and provide them with critical feedback on their projects.