This is the flaw in society that anna quindlen pointed out in her commencement speech at mount holyoke. These quotations add to the variety and authority of her speech in various ways. In 1999, she joined newsweek, writing a biweekly column until she announced her semiretirement in the may 18, 2009, issue of the magazine. The best commencement speeches, ever back to all speeches. Anna quindlen s commencement address at villanova the following is from pulitzer prize winning author anna quindlen s commencement address to villanova university, friday 23 june 2000. By using rhetorical devices and appealing to pathos, quindlen is able to effectively drive her point home. Anna quindlen, 2011 commencement speaker august 04, 2011 for 30 years, anna quindlen has taught us in reporting, in opinion columns, and in fiction what it means to live decent lives as families and why it can sometimes be difficulttoimpossible to do. Anna quindlen p07 addresses class of 2009 graduates during wesleyans 177th commencement may 24. R etired soccer star abby wambach delivered the commencement address to the barnard college class of 2018 on wednesday, speaking about the challenges in her career and her fight against the gender. Has an author of an essay youve read ever used so specific of examples, they excluded sections of their audience.
In being perfect, she shares wisdom that, perhaps without knowing it, you have longed to hear. Sunday, may 23, 1999, anna quindlen made the commencement speech at mount holyoke college. Anna quindlen rhetorical analysis mackenzie fords blog. In her commencement speech at mount holyoke college, anna quindlen delves into perhaps the most dangerous lie in regards to being happy. She explains how during her late high schoolearly college years, she would get up every day and try to be perfect in, every possible way. May 26, 2009 board of trustees chair anna quindlen shares words of wisdom and inspiration with barnards graduating class of 2009. In six paragraph 164 anna quindlen talked about prejudice, and she also talked about amaryllis bulb haunts.
Quindlen is known as a critic of what she perceives to be the fastpaced and increasingly materialistic nature of modern american life. In her speech quindlen stresses the importance of being yourself and quit the dreams of being perfect. One of the greatest commencement speeches of all time, however, has an unusual story that flies in the face of both traditional trajectories. Speaking is a secondary biological function as all of the basic anatomical parts used in speech are also used for other purposes. She did this to shine light on the issue of losing our true selves to our pretentious society.
Check out our handpicked selection of commencement addresses, going back to 1774. Esther peters anna quindlens commencement speech at mount holyoke colloege may 23d 1999. She is very well known by her articles as well as being a feminist. Read abby wambachs 2018 barnard commencement address. In her commencement speech at mount holyoke college in 1999, anna quindlen does an excellent job of explaining the draining existence of perfectionism, as well as the benefits of ridding it from life, using rhetorical devices and writing methods. Quindlen rhetorical analysis most people think that their goal in life is to be perfect they strive for the best grades, to be the best one on the sports team, get the most scholarships, go to the best college, and to get the highest paying job. Quindlen rhetorical analysis essay example graduateway. Analysis of anna quindlens commencement speech 932 words. When i was first asked to give the commencement address to the wesleyan class of 2009, i knew i was going to have to begin with an apology.
In her commencement speech at mount holyoke college, anna. I sometimes seem, in my mind, to have as much in common with that girl as i do with any stranger i might pass in the doorway of a starbucks or in the aisle of an airplane. Most people strive for perfection but few realize the downfalls of pursuing it. Dimitrios kambourisgetty images share this quote image. Anna quindlens commencement speech mount holyoke college may 23, 1999 1 i look at all of you today and i cannot help but see myself twentyfive years ago, at my own barnard commencement. Rhetorical analysis of anna quindlens commencement speech. Im going to try to write a little blurb for each paragraph in chronological order, so you can understand my thoughts. Millions of readers have followed her astute perspectives on todays issues, from family, work and education to health care, philanthropy and social justice. In anna quindlens commencement speech at mount holyoke. Anna marie quindlen born july 8, 1952 is an american author, journalist, and opinion.
An analysis of anna quindlen s the great divide 927. Anna quindlens commencement speech have you ever read an essay and gone, wow, this doesnt apply to me. Quindlen delivered the 156th commencement address and received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on may 19. Anna quindlen, 2011 commencement speaker grinnell college. In the fourth paragraph 164 anna quindlen said, i always being a feminist. I have seen the date for this given as 1997, 1999, and 2000. Students will read, listen to and view supporting clips while learning the necessary elements to analyze the text. Anna quindlens commencement address to the hamilton college. Anna quindlen s commencement speech mount holyoke college may 23, 1999 1 i look at all of you today and i cannot help but see myself twentyfive years ago, at my own barnard commencement.
Anna quindlens speech is effective in the sense of inspiration and entertainment. David foster wallace kenyon college commencement address on may 21, 2005. Commencement speeches are the most difficult speeches i ever give. The almighty purpose of this speech is to shape shift or transform the attraction of being perfect. Though quindlens view was new for some, her speech was very relatable. May 23, 20 quindlen speech a fair number of people, especially those prone to over analyzing tend to struggle with the idea that perfection is blending in with what society dictates. Commencement speech at mount holyoke college anna quindlen exploring the text questions 1. Anna quindlen shares her purpose for standing in front of those students on that day during her last few moments in her speech. A commencement speech is commonly given by notable figures in the society. Quindlen analysis jacqueline shifflers ap language and. Overall, quindlen was very effective in communicating her point in the commencement speech at mount holyoke college. Nov 08, 2015 rhetorical analysis of anna quindlens commencement speech. Rhetorical analysis anna quindlen homelessness essays.
Lang rhetorical analysis of anna quindlens commencement speech society today always has a right and a wrong. Stay connected to your students with prezi video, now in microsoft teams. She establishes this in merely a few sentences, most commencement speeches suggest you take up something or other. Its also a day of great celebration, and i am keenly aware.
Quindlens speech also consists of wonderful metaphors that illustrate her point. Anna marie quindlen born july 8, 1952 is an american author, journalist, and opinion columnist her new york times column, public and private, won the pulitzer prize for. Quindlen gave barnards commencement address in 1997 and spoke at convocation in august 2004, but also recalled her college experience in a 1999 address at mount holyoke college. In reality, aiming for perfection only leads to downfall. Object lessons, one true thing, black and blue, blessings, rise and shine, every last one, still life with bread crumbs, and millers valley. Years ago, one of my brothers gave me the book thinking out loud, a collection of her new york times public and private columns. The following is from pulitzer prize winning author anna quindlens commencement address to villanova university, friday 23 june 2000. Anna quindlen left journalism in 1995 to become a fulltime novelist. In 2000, villanova university invited pulitzerprizewinning author, journalist, and new york times oped columnist anna quindlen to deliver the annual commencement address. Quindlen commencement speech ap lang quentin sweeney.
Its an honor to follow my greatuncle jim, who was a gifted physician, and my uncle jack, who is a remarkable businessman. Steve jobs speech at stanfords graduation ajr5689 says. Her tactics were effectively empowering and the message she implemented was delivered passionately. To quindlen, the idea of being perfect is not important like being yourself is. This is a transformative moment in your life and in that of all your families. The mechanics of breathing and speaking th e parts of our anatomy that are used to speak are also used for other purposes. While i arrived at college in 1970 with a trunk full of perfect pleated kilts and perfect monogrammed sweaters, by christmas vacation i had another perfect uniform. Quindlen has an effective writing style, and uses a lot of components to make it effective. Quindlens purpose is to inform the audience of perfection, peoples standards, and being who you want to be. Commencement speech by anna quindlen to mount holyoke college, may 23, 1999. In her commencement speech at mount holyoke college, anna quindlen quotes from a number of different sources.
Anna quindlens commencement address at villanova the following is from pulitzer prize winning author anna quindlens commencement address to villanova university, friday 23 june 2000. Anna quindlen at villanova university, june 23, 2000. Quotations by anna quindlen, american journalist, born july 8, 1953. Anna quindlen analysis society is an indecisive entity. What rhetorical strategies does anna quindlen use to tailor her. Quindlen s purpose is to inform the audience of perfection, peoples standards, and being who you want to be. A few times in your life, someone will tell you something so right, so deeply true that it changes you forever. Analysis of anna quindlens speech 772 words bartleby. Excerpts on anna quindlens commencement speech the speech is focused primarily on the concept of perfection and how it is not always the happiest or most suitable option in life. Though quindlen s view was new for some, her speech was very relatable. You cannot be really first rate at your work if your work is all you are. Excerpts on anna quindlen s commencement speech the speech is focused primarily on the concept of perfection and how it is not always the happiest or most suitable option in life. Quindlen speech a fair number of people, especially those prone to over analyzing tend to struggle with the idea that perfection is blending in with what society dictates. In some aspects of life, society begs for perfection.
She does a great job of establishing ethos, pathos, and logos by telling stories of her past and other peoples stories known. Anna quindlen is a novelist and journalist whose work has appeared on fiction, nonfiction, and selfhelp bestseller lists. In other words, she was a follower, never a leader. Anna quindlen 1953 journalist and author barnard college 1974. Anna quindlen essays anna quindlen is a renowned columnist from the newsweek magazine. Id have to say that america is the one country that exemplifies that the most. Rhetorical analysis of anna quindlen s commencement speech in some aspects of life, society begs for perfection. Search over 350 speeches by name, school, date or theme and find out what they have in common with pop songs on our blog.
Anna quindlen s commencement address to the hamilton college class of 2006 its a pleasure and a privilege to be with all of you here today. The people entrapped in this frugal society try to fit its standards, and fight to become one of its best. On sunday, may 23, 1999, anna quindlen made the commencement speech at mount holyoke college. Questions on rhetoric and style address the how and why of a text by examining the choices. Rhetorical analysis anna quindlen homelessness free essays. Anna quindlen addresses the class of 2011 at the grinnell college 2011 commencement ceremony. I read it cover to cover in one afternoon and was hooked. The publication of a short guide to a happy life 2000, an expanded version of a high school commencement address, gave quindlen the distinction of being the first writer ever to have placed books on the timess fiction, nonfiction.
I look at all of you today and i cannot help but see myself twentyfive years ago, at my own barnard commencement. The main topics of obamas speech are education and discrimination, which she often combines to talk about discrimination within the field of education, both historically and currently the speaker is michelle obama, who was the first lady of the united states at the time of the address, because she is. Anna quindlens message is loud and clear in the speech commencements speech at mount holyoke college. Quindlen delivered the 156th commencement address and received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on may 19, 2017. Colleges or universities usually invite politicians, experts in a specific field, important citizens and other noted speakers to be their commencement speaker. Anna quindlen is a bestselling author, pulitzer prizewinning journalist and social critic.
What rhetorical strategies does anna quindlen use to tailor her speech at mount holyoke college to a specific occasion and audience. Villanova university invited anna quindlen to deliver the annual commencement address. Board of trustees chair anna quindlen shares words of wisdom and inspiration with barnards graduating class of 2009. Analysis of anna quindlen s commencement speech 932 words 4 pages. During this speech, quindlen spoke out to graduates, offering encouragement and advice as they prepared to join the workforce. I look at all of you today and i cannot help but see myself twentyfive years ago. Oct, 2007 esther peters anna quindlens commencement speech at mount holyoke colloege may 23d 1999. In may of 1999, anna quindlen gave a commencement speech at mount holyoke college that was centered on perfection and being yourself or who you want to be. Quindlen used rhetorical devices, quotes, and personal stories that shaped her commencement speech into a powerful, moving masterpiece. Students learn about issues surrounding anna quindlens commencement speech such as perfectionism and originality. I was unable to pin down the exact date but the message is timeless. I sometimes seem, in my mind, to have as much in common with that girl as i do with any stranger i might pass in the doorway of a starbucks or.
In her commencement speech at mount holyoke college, anna quindlen recalls how, when she was young, she felt under enormous pressure to try to be perfect. Rhetorical analysis of anna quindlens commencement speech in some aspects of life, society begs for perfection. I sometimes seem, in my mind, to have as much in common with that girl as i do with any stranger i might pass in the doorway of a starbucks or in the aisle. Society forces ideas such as money, product, and perfection. Unlike other normal nations, populated with a certain groups of people who hold certain types of beliefs, america is a nation made up of all the ethnicities of the world, and unlike other normal nations, the inhabitants of america dont tend to get along very well. Students will show mastery of the standards at the end of the lesson. Commencement speech made by pulitzer prizewinning author anna quindlen at villanova university friday 23, june 2000. The following is a brief summary of our analysis of michelle obamas commencement address. Quindlen was effective in achieving her purpose to inform. In the commencement speech anna quindlen seems to get the gist of what perfection can do to ones morality. Its a great honor for me to be the third member of my family to receive an honorary doctorate from this great university. Anna quindlen was effective in achieving her purpose in the speech given at mount holyoke college.
Enjoy the best anna quindlen quotes at brainyquote. The commencement address by anna quindlen p07 also is on video. Reading garrett hardin and anna quindlen, one gets a similar view. In her speech commencement speech at mount holyoke college, anna quindlen explores the topic of perfection and how striving for it can put a damper on life. That is what anna quindlen, author of the timeless bestseller a short guide to a happy life, does here. Anna quindlens commencement address to the hamilton college class of 2006 its a pleasure and a privilege to be with all of you here today. Anna quindlens commencement address to the hamilton. They are over achievers who work a ifetime and then some in the pursuit of perfection. This is what anna quindlen addressed in her commencement speech at mount holyoke college.