Analysis

Here are the elements which will help you with your analysis of the excerpt from Glennon Doyle’s memoir Untamed.

The rhetorical situation is that Glennon Doyle is the sender of the text. She is an American author and activist known for her inspirational memoirs. The receivers of Doyle’s book are people who may feel trapped by the pressure of societal norms and wish to live an authentic life.

The composition of the excerpt from Doyle’s memoir mixes anecdotes about past events with present reflections. The first part of the excerpt presents a personal story which serves as a jumping-off point for a wider discussion about Doyle’s experience with conforming to societal standards. 

The excerpt mainly uses informal and conversational style of writing, which helps Doyle address readers in a personal manner. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors helps to make Doyle’s storytelling more compelling and to highlight her message.

One of the main rhetorical devices used in the text is the analogy between Doyle and the tamed cheetah. This analogy is reinforced throughout the text as Doyle shows that the pressure to conform to societal standards often leaves people feeling like wild animals who have been tamed and caged.

In the excerpt, the main form of appeal Doyle employs is pathos, though she also builds ethos for herself as a reliable and knowledgeable source. Doyle uses powerful language and refers to her personal experiences and emotions to appeal to her audience.

Doyle’s reference to her personal experience is particularly useful in allowing her to connect to her readers and encourage them to consider breaking free from societal standards to live a more authentic life.

Further help

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