Why We Read Shakespeare Michael Mack Analysis

A speech by Michael Mack to the college freshmen at the Catholic University in Washington D.C in September 2008 presents his thoughts on why you should read Shakespeare. In his speech Mack produces an effective argument that has great points as to why you should read Shakespeare through his use of rhetorical questions, claims, and analogies. The first device structure that Mack uses to advance his argument is his use of rhetorical questions to help grab the readers attention and persuade them to keep listening. His first rhetoric questions – ''I would like to begin by addressing what I take to be a perfectly honest response to a first reading of Shakespeare, namely - '' I don't get it." ( lines 5-8 )' This first rhetorical question shows that he understands most people might not get it at first in hopes to connect to the audience and make them keep reading or listening. He also uses analogies to make his point more clear and understandable by using this analogy - " There is music that you don’t particularly like the first time you hear it. But if you give it a chance, it grows on you. And what initially seemed weird now looks strangely wonderful. This is the way Shakespeare works. He gives you a serious headache the first time you try to understand him and the second. But if you stick with him, you can expect a break through, and the excitement and satisfaction of being able to say ' I get it ' ( lines 14-24) Mack uses this analogy to provide a imagery of what you may have experienced the first time you read Shakespeare. …show more content…
Such as the where he compares the reader to the story of the prodigal son. " In this fiction you learn about sin and forgiveness. And you also learn about yourself. You realize that the story is about you- you are the prodigal son. ( lines 77 – 80 ) he uses this comparison to show what Shakespeare might have been trying to convey in his