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Analysis

On this page, you can find a brief overview of the analysis of Michael Lee Cohen’s interview “Adam”. 

The rhetorical situation shows that the interview features both the voice of Adam and of the author, Michael Lee Cohen, which means they both play the role of sender. The intended audience is anyone interested in the opinions of members of Generation X or of successful people like Adam.

In terms of compositionthe interview is structured in three parts. The interview is not structured like a classic interview – alternating questions with answers - but is mostly a first-person narration by the interviewee, Adam. Cohen also includes a few personal opinions on Adam in the interview, and explanations about Adam’s views. 

Adam’s style of language is mostly informal, which gives the story authenticity. Meanwhile, Michael Lee Cohen’s style of language is more neutral, which helps with credibility as it suggests the emotional distance readers would expect from an interviewer. 

Both senders sometimes use rhetorical devices to help get their points across. Repetition and similes help them highlight certain ideas. 

The forms of appeal used by the senders are mostly logos and ethos. Adam also draws occasionally on pathos, for example, when he mentions criminals being forgiven by the system only to go and kill again. 

Michael Lee Cohen and Adam use a mix of direct and indirect argumentation. This helps them suggest and explain different ideas. 

You can read the full analysis in the following pages. 

Further help

Do you want additional help with analysis of non-fiction? See our general guide to non-fiction analysis.