Rhetorical criticism is the practice of interpreting the persuasive art found in a communicative act. The method may be employed for the purpose of illuminating theory or for better understanding a particular rhetorical event. A wide variety of critical approaches are available to the critic, but regardless of the critical lens employed, good rhetorical criticism evidences a close attention to the text and context, and an ability to thoughtfully and carefully use the critical approach selected in order to further one's understanding of the rhetorical act.
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