Argumentation

In what follows, we will provide an overview of the argumentation in "Obama!!!" by David Sedaris, rhetorical devices, and forms of appeal. These analytical aspects will help you understand the message of the essay and the author’s style of writing.

Closed argumentation

There are two main types of argumentation used by senders to convey their message and persuade the receivers of the validity of their arguments: open and closed argumentation. When a sender uses open argumentation, he directly states his points and arguments, his views and the evidence that supports them.

In David Sedaris’s essay “Obama!!!”, open argumentation is used very little; it is only employed when the writer talks about his feelings and views, such as in the following instances: “When it comes to politics, all I can offer is emotion. My perspective might be slightly different, but so is anyone’s when they live overseas.” (ll. 57-40); “States vote to take away my marriage rights, and even though I don’t want to get married, it tends to hurt my feelings. I guess what bugs me is that it was put to a vote in the first place.” (ll. 260-265)

However, most of the essay is structured using closed argumentation (also known as hidden argumentation). Closed argumentation means that the sender does not state his position directly. Instead, he offers examples, evidence, and anecdotes designed to illustrate his arguments. The readers then have to infer the sender’s perspective and arguments.

In David Sedaris’s essay, the author uses various personal and general examples and anecdotes with the purpose of making readers realiz...