Analysis

Here is an overview of the analysis of the article “My Best Friend Died by Suicide. I Wish I Had Seen the Warning Signs” by Daniel Magruder.

The rhetorical situation of the article is that the sender is a lieutenant colonel in the US airforce, talking about the causes and consequences of PTSD and the importance of people receiving treatment in good time. The receivers are most likely American readers who are interested in the welfare of veterans suffering from PTSD or other mental issues.

The composition is typical for an article. Magruder provides an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion which invites readers to focus on the issue of PTSD and on the importance of access to treatment. 

The style of language in lines 73-88 is mostly formal, with Magruder using medical terms to present the topic of PTSD. However, Magruder also uses emotional language to create pathos and to raise awareness of the struggles people in the military experience and the need for them to receive help. 

To get his points across, Magruder uses several rhetorical devices, such as rhetorical questions and direct references. These rhetorical devices highlight Magruder’s emotional reaction to Landsberg’s suicide. 

Pathos is the dominant form of appeal in this article. Magruder presents a personal story and uses emotional language to highlight the importance of people in the military receiving proper training and help to deal with PTSD.

A full analysis of the article can be found in the following pages. 

Further help

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