320+ Best Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing

In a rhetorical analysis essay, a writer deeply analyzes a work of literature, art, or film, takes a stance, and thoroughly evaluates the purpose of the original content.

The goal is to ensure effective delivery to the audience. 

Having said that, a rhetorical analysis essay finds out how effective the message of the original content was. And how the author or speaker uses rhetorical advice and strategies to convey their message.   

Now, let’s move on to the handpicked list of topics! 

Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Rhetorical Devices in Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration
• A Rhetorical Analysis of Donald Trump's Twitter Communication.
• Exploring the Language of Feminism in Contemporary Media.
• Unpacking the Rhetorical Appeals in Climate Change Advocacy Campaigns.
• Examining Persuasive Techniques in Civil Rights Movement Literature.
• Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies in Advertising to Children.
• The Rhetoric of Fear in Post-9/11 Political Speeches.
• Investigating the Rhetorical Appeals in Superhero Movie Trailers.
• A Rhetorical Analysis of Visual Elements in Graphic Design Campaigns.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Online Activism Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter.

Easy Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.
• “The Revenant” by Michael Punke.
• “Witches' Loaves” by O. Henry.
• “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain.
• “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand.
• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson.
• “Yes Please” by Amy Poehler.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.
• “Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk.
• “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett.

Controversial Topics For Rhetorical Analysis

• Analyzing Rhetoric in Gun Control Debates.
• The Power of Persuasion in Abortion Rights Advocacy.
• Deconstructing Rhetorical Strategies in Immigration Reform Discussions.
• Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Euthanasia Debates.
• Framing Climate Change Discourse in Political Campaigns.
• Unveiling Persuasive Techniques in Vaccination Controversies.
• Analyzing Rhetoric in LGBTQ+ Rights Movements.
• The Rhetoric of Police Brutality Protests.
• Deconstructing Persuasion in Capital Punishment Arguments.
• Exploring the Rhetoric of Cultural Appropriation Discussions.

Hot Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics In 2024

• Unveiling Rhetoric in Virtual Reality Marketing.
• Analyzing Persuasion in Climate Change Debates.
• The Power of Social Media Influencers' Discourse.
• Deconstructing Persuasive Techniques in Cryptocurrency Promotion.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Gen Z Activism.
• Framing Mental Health Discourse in Online Communities.
• Analyzing Ethical Dilemmas in AI Ethics Debates.
• Unveiling Persuasive Techniques in Space Tourism Advertising.
• Deconstructing Rhetoric in Genetic Engineering Debates.
• Exploring the Rhetoric of Universal Basic Income Advocacy.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Ideas for Different Academic Levels

We know some students struggle with finding good topics for rhetorical analysis essays.  This list has some interesting ideas for different academic levels to get you started! 

Just pick a topic and write a great essay.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for College Students

• “Antigone” by Sophocles.
• “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
• “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller.
• “Dubliners” by James Joyce.
• “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck.
• “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury.
• “A Yellow Raft in Blue Water” by Michael Dorris.
• “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls.
• “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare.
• “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for High School

• “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie.
• “Beloved” by Toni Morrison.
• “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer.
• “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller.
• “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen.
• “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley.
• “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
• “The Waves” by Virginia Woolf.
• “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston.
• “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Middle School

• "Yes, Please" By Amy Poehler
• "The Revenant" By Michael Punke
• The Primary Themes In "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland"
• "Huckleberry Finn" Rhetorical Analysis
• "Witches Loaves" By O'Henry
• Discuss My Philosophy for a Happy Life by Sam Berns.
• The Painted Veil.
• Analyze Romeo and Juliet.
• Analyze the “The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain.
• Amy Poehler. “Yes, Please.”

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Fictional Rhetorical Analysis Topics For Essay

• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in "Game of Thrones".
• A Study of Propaganda in Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" Trilogy.
• Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies in Arthur Conan Doyle's Detective Stories.
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in "The Bachelor" Franchise.
• Examining Persuasive Techniques in J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" Series.
• Analyzing Persuasion in George Orwell's "Animal Farm".
• Deconstructing the Rhetorical Devices of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven".
• The Rhetorical Manipulation in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" Series.
• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Hope in Suzanne Collins' "Mockingjay".
• Analyzing Rhetorical Techniques in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar".

Non-Fictional Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay

• “Mini Habits: Smaller Habits, Bigger Results” by Stephen Guise.
• “The Ethics of Belief” by William Kingdon Clifford.
• “Easter Island's End” by Jared Diamond.
• “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards.
• “Traveling Mercies” by Anne Lamott.
• “A nation among nations” by Thomas H. Bender.
• “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond.
• “The Price of Inequality” by Joseph Stiglitz.
• “The Spirit Level” by Kate Pickett and Richard G. Wilkinson.
• “The Status Syndrome” Michael Marmot.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics About Speeches

• “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy.
• Emma Goldman’s Address to the Jury.
• League of Nations Final Address by Thomas Woodrow Wilson.
• “Every Man a King” by Huey Pierce Long.
• “The Evil Empire” by Ronald Reagan.
• “Mercy for Leopold and Loeb” by Clarence Seward Darrow.
• “A Time for Choosing” by Ronald Reagan.
• “The Struggle for Human Rights” by Anna Eleanor Roosevelt.

Unique Literature Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Rhetorical Devices in "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Persuasive Techniques in "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
• Rhetorical Analysis of "Beloved" by Toni Morrison
• Rhetorical Strategies in "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
• Silence in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• Rhetorical Analysis of "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
• Rhetorical Devices in "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
• Persuasive Techniques in "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami
• Rhetorical Analysis of "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman
• Rhetorical Strategies in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey

Current Rhetorical Analysis Topics

• Social Media Influencers' Rhetoric on TikTok
• COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories: Rhetorical Analysis
• Environmental Justice Advocacy in Indigenous Speeches
• Analyzing the "Cancel Culture" Debate Rhetoric
• The Rhetorical Impact of Deepfake Technology
• Mental Health Advocacy in Contemporary Novels
• Veganism Rhetoric: Animal Rights Activism
• Cybersecurity Rhetoric: Phishing Scam Persuasion
• LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy on College Campuses
• Persuasive Techniques in Elon Musk's SpaceX Presentations

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Advertisements

• Rhetorical Appeals in Nike's "Dream Crazy" Ad Campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick.
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" Marketing Strategy.
• Examining Dove's "Real Beauty" Advertising Campaign.
• Deconstructing the Rhetorical Devices in Apple's "1984" Commercial.
• Revealing Persuasive Techniques in Burger King's "Moldy Whopper" Campaign.
• Rhetorical Strategies in Always' "Like a Girl" Advertising Campaign.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Fear in Anti-Smoking Public Service Announcements.
• Examining Budweiser's "Puppy Love" Super Bowl Commercial.
• Rhetorical Mastery in Guinness' "Surfer" Ad
• Unpacking the Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Target's "Take Pride" Advertising Campaign.

Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Analyze Poe's Poetry, “The Raven.”
• A favorite poem written by William Shakespeare.
• Analysis of James Joyce’s Ulysses.
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s last speech.
• Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
• Clifford's “The Ethics Of Belief” Summary And Analysis
• “Easter Islands' End” By Jared Diamond
• “Success Strategies” Analysis
• Jonathan Edwards’ Sermons
• “Guns, Germs, And Steel” By Jared Diamond

Funny Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Maximus’ Speech to Commodus from Gladiator 
• “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator” by Tim UrbanHealthcare 
• Harvard Graduation Speech by Donovan Livington
• Obama’s Final Farewell Speech 
• Pink’s VMA acceptance speech
• Do you love your family members or not?
• Do all people grow old?
• A rhetoric analysis of Coca-Cola’s logo colours
• What is your opinion of prequels and remakes?
• Payment of college athletes

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• The lottery vs. the hunger games
• Non-fictional novels and fictional novels
• President Obama’s speech on inauguration compared to that of President Trump
• Religious texts and their rhetorical composition.
• Medicines vs. natural remedies
• Social sciences vs. humanities
• Economic upliftment vs. better standard of living
• Compare movies based on Stephen King’s works versus his novels
• Hurricanes vs. tornadoes
• Football vs. basketball

Argumentative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Political Speeches and Rhetoric
• Advertising Influence on Consumer Behavior
• Climate Change Communication
• Social Media Persuasion
• Rhetoric in Gun Control Debates
• Fake News and Rhetorical Techniques
• Environmental Activism and Rhetoric
• Healthcare Debates and Persuasion
• Rhetoric in Civil Rights Movements
• Rhetorical Strategies in Literature

Interesting Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Here are some more interesting rhetoric project ideas for you. Check out to find the topic for your next assignment:

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Songs 

• Deciphering Rhetorical Devices in Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind".
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Beyoncé's "Formation".
• The Rhetoric of Protest: Examining Kendrick Lamar's "Alright".
• Unraveling the Rhetoric of Love in Adele's "Someone Like You".
• Deconstructing Persuasive Techniques in Eminem's "Lose Yourself".
• The Power of Pathos in Billie Eilish's "When the Party's Over".
• Rhetorical Strategies in Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror".
• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Rebellion in Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name".
• Analyzing Ethos and Logos in Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".
• The Rhetoric of Hope in John Lennon's "Imagine".

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Books

• Identity Rhetoric in "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
• Persuasive Techniques in "The Remains of the Day"
• Rhetorical Strategies in "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith
• Unpacking Memory Rhetoric in "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
• Persuasion in "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
• Rhetorical Mastery in "One Hundred Years of Solitude" 
• Analyzing Appeals in "Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie
• Survival Rhetoric in "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
• Persuasive Techniques in "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" 
• Love Rhetoric in "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Films

• The Rhetorical Impact of Color in "The Grand Budapest Hotel".
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction".
• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Identity in "Moonlight".
• Deconstructing the Rhetoric of Power in "The Dark Knight".
• The Rhetoric of Redemption in "The Shawshank Redemption".
• Exploring Rhetorical Devices in Christopher Nolan's "Inception".
• The Power of Symbolism in Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth".
• Rhetorical Strategies in Denis Villeneuve's "Arrival".
• Unraveling the Rhetoric of Society in Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite".
• Analyzing Ethos and Logos in Martin Scorsese's "The Wolf of Wall Street".

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Television Shows

• The Rhetoric of Morality in "Breaking Bad".
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in "The Crown".
• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Surveillance in "Black Mirror".
• Deconstructing the Rhetoric of Identity in "Orphan Black".
• The Rhetoric of Family Dynamics in "This Is Us".
• Exploring Rhetorical Devices in "The Handmaid's Tale".
• The Power of Satire in "Veep".
• Rhetorical Strategies in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel".
• Unraveling the Rhetoric of Power in "House of Cards".
• Analyzing Ethos and Logos in "The Good Place".

Rhetorical Essay Topics About News Stories

• Crisis Rhetoric in Natural Disasters News.
• Fear Tactics in Cybersecurity Reporting.
• Refugee Crisis Media Persuasion.
• Political Division in News Framing.
• Health Rhetoric in Pandemic Coverage.
• Climate Change News Analysis.
• Framing Social Justice Movements in Media.
• Technology Rhetoric in AI News.
• Economic Inequality Reporting Strategies.
• Justice Rhetoric in Crime News.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Historical Events

• Persuasion in Civil Rights Movement Rhetoric.
• Propaganda in World War II Media.
• Rhetoric of Revolution: Analyzing the French Revolution Speeches.
• Unveiling Colonialism Rhetoric in Historical Accounts.
• The Power of Speeches in the Suffragette Movement.
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in the Vietnam War Protests.
• Deconstructing Propaganda in Soviet Union Era Media.
• The Rhetoric of Independence: Exploring Revolutionary War Documents.
• Media Persuasion in the Cold War Era.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Holocaust Testimonies.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Websites

• Unpacking Persuasive Techniques on E-commerce Sites.
• Analyzing Rhetoric in Social Media Platforms.
• The Rhetoric of Health Advice Websites.
• Deconstructing Persuasion in Online Dating Platforms.
• Exploring Environmental Advocacy Websites' Rhetoric.
• Persuasive Techniques in Financial Advice Blogs.
• The Rhetoric of Conspiracy Theory Websites.
• Analyzing Persuasion in Travel Booking Websites.
• Unveiling Rhetorical Strategies in Recipe Sharing Platforms.
• Framing in News Aggregator Websites.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Dictators

• Analyzing Persuasion in Hitler's Speeches.
• Propaganda Tactics of Mussolini's Regime.
• Deconstructing Kim Jong-un's Rhetoric.
• The Rhetoric of Stalin's Five-Year Plans.
• Unveiling Mao Zedong's Cult of Personality.
• The Power of Persuasion in Franco's Spain.
• Analyzing Idi Amin's Authoritarian Rhetoric.
• Propaganda Techniques of Saddam Hussein's Regime.
• The Rhetoric of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge.
• Deconstructing Gaddafi's Revolutionary Speeches.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Heroism

• Examining Persuasive Techniques in Heroic Legends.
• The Rhetoric of Courage in Everyday Heroes.
• Deconstructing Superhero Mythos.
• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Sacrifice in War Heroes.
• Analyzing Persuasion in Historical Figures' Biographies.
• The Power of Inspirational Speeches in Heroic Acts.
• Rhetorical Strategies of Humanitarian Campaigns.
• Exploring Persuasive Techniques in Folklore Heroes.
• The Rhetoric of Bravery in Sports Legends.
• Deconstructing Heroic Narratives in Literature.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Racism

• Analyzing Rhetoric in Anti-Racism Movements.
• Deconstructing Racial Stereotypes in Media.
• The Rhetoric of White Supremacy Groups.
• Unveiling Implicit Bias in Everyday Language.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Black Lives Matter Protests.
• Persuasion in Political Discourse on Systemic Racism.
• The Power of Narrative in Civil Rights Speeches.
• Rhetorical Devices in Anti-Asian Hate Crime Reporting.
• Framing Racism in Educational Curriculum Debates.
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Diversity Training Materials.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Religion

• Analyzing Rhetoric in Evangelical Preaching.
• Deconstructing Persuasion in Islamic Sermons.
• The Rhetoric of Conversion in Religious Texts.
• Unveiling the Power of Testimonials in Faith Journeys.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Buddhist Teachings.
• Persuasive Techniques in New Age Spirituality Movements.
• The Power of Rituals: A Rhetorical Analysis.
• Rhetoric of Salvation in Christian Apologetics.
• Framing Morality in Religious Political Speeches.
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Atheist Manifestos.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Technology

• The Rhetoric of Artificial Intelligence in Sci-Fi Films.
• Deconstructing Persuasion in Tech Company Keynote Speeches.
• Analyzing Rhetoric in Social Media Algorithms.
• Unveiling Ethical Dilemmas in Biometric Data Collection.
• Exploring Persuasive Techniques in Tech Product Reviews.
• The Power of Digital Activism in Online Movements.
• Rhetorical Strategies in Cybersecurity Awareness Campaigns.
• Framing Privacy Issues in Smart Home Device Advertising.
• Analyzing Persuasion in Virtual Reality Gaming Promotions.
• Deconstructing Tech Start-up Pitch Presentations.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Sports

• Analyzing Persuasion in Sports Apparel Advertising.
• Deconstructing Athlete Endorsement Speeches.
• The Rhetoric of Team Spirit in Fan Chants.
• Unveiling the Power of Sports Commentary.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Olympic Opening Ceremonies.
• Persuasive Techniques in Sports Betting Commercials.
• The Rhetoric of Victory Speeches in Championship Moments.
• Framing Athlete Activism in Sports News Coverage.
• Analyzing Persuasion in Sports Nutrition Marketing.
• Deconstructing Coach Pep Talks.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Celebrities

• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Influence in Celebrity TED Talks.
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in George Washington Biographies.
• Deconstructing Literary References in Celebrity Autobiographies.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Winston Churchill's Speeches.
• Framing Celebrity Activism in Social Media Campaigns.
• Persuasive Techniques in Celebrity Endorsements.
• The Rhetoric of Fame: Celebrity Interviews Analysis.
• Analyzing Ethos and Logos in George Washington Quotes.
• Unveiling the Power of Persuasion in Celebrity Political Speeches.
• Deconstructing Celebrity Apology Speeches.

Poetry Topics for Rhetorical Analysis

• The Rhetorical Devices in Sylvia Plath's "Daddy".
• Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Langston Hughes' "Harlem".
• Deconstructing Rhetoric in Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise".
• Exploring Ethos and Pathos in T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land".
• The Power of Symbolism in Emily Dickinson's "Because I could not stop for Death".
• Unveiling the Rhetoric of Nature in Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken".
• Framing Racial Discourse in Claude McKay's "If We Must Die".
• Analyzing Persuasion in Allen Ginsberg's "Howl".
• The Rhetoric of Nature in Wordsworth's Romantic Poetry.
• Exploring the Rhetoric of Love in Pablo Neruda's "Sonnet XVII".

How to Choose a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic? 

The following are some tips to consider while selecting the topics for your rhetorical analysis paper.

• Pick Your Interest: Choose something you find intriguing! This will make researching and writing more enjoyable.
• Consider the Text:  Can it be analyzed rhetorically? Speeches, ads,  poems, even movies can work!
• Think Audience: Who is the text aimed at? How does it try to influence them?
• Research Potential: Is there enough information available to analyze the text thoroughly?
• Go Specific:  Don't just analyze a whole speech - focus on a specific technique used.

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