Rhetorical Analysis #7 - Music Video

“The Climb”
Miley Cyrus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

ARGUMENT: The main argument is that when life gets tough, you’re supposed to keep fighting because its “all about the climb”.
AUDIENCE: The audience is anyone that is going through a trial or struggle in their life, no matter what that may be.
GOAL: The goal of this song and music video is to have the audience understand to never give up.
HOW: Ethos – This music video obviously appealed to the audience by using ethos. Miley Cyrus is a famous teen pop star and because of this, it appealed to the audience of all ages. The whole music video was about her and her struggles. It showed her as a person but also as a star in the limelight.
Pathos – This song specifically appeals to a person’s emotions. When they are going through a tough time, their emotions may be at the surface. They may be feeling angry at life or at a higher being. They may be sad or depressed because of an event. This song combats those feelings by giving the audience hope. It says that overcoming the trial isn’t the key, but it’s about the journey to overcome the feelings of anger and hopelessness.
Sufficient – There was not sufficient evidence to this song and music video. Although it appeals to the fact that people are going through struggles and need to focus on “the climb”, it does not give any specific examples or ways to get through them. The lyrics give hope but it’s always easier said than done. Therefore, this music video is not sufficient.
Relevant – The music video and message of the song is very relevant to the audience. Every person goes through life having trials and struggles. Mankind as a whole is tested on a daily basis. Because of this, the audience is able to relate to the song of overcoming and enjoying the journey.
IS IT EFFECTIVE: This music video is overall probably not effective. Although the song has a good message to it, the audience isn’t going to listen to it one time and be able to have the hope to overcome whatever they are going through at that point. Just because Miley is the singer doesn’t give enough credibility to the message either.

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