The two passages under analysis are different in form and content as they are based on two opposing perspectives regarding nuclear power. In one passage, former Vice President Dick Cheney tries to promote the construction of new nuclear power plants. In the other passage, editorial writer Marianne Means opposes Cheney trying to persuade people that nuclear power is unsafe and no new plants are necessary. One of the major differences is associated with the emotional load of the passages. Cheney uses data to support his claims and attempts to display the benefits of these facilities. Means is more emotional as she evokes fears and uncertainty in her readers related to the past negative experience of accidents. Importantly the use of pathos is a potent rhetorical tool that encompasses the use of literary devices and a focus on people’s emotions rather than reasoning (Nicotra, 2018). At that, the writer also provides some data utilized by the former vice president and some information to show the negative side of power plants. The comparison of these figures also creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
It is noteworthy that both authors use overt statements of meaning to make their point clear and close to the point. Another apparent similarity is the omission of important facts by both authors. Cheney does not provide clear data linked to the waste, although the official mentions that some wastes will become an issue to be solved. Means downsizes the benefits of the construction of new power plants to make people focus on the wastes and potential hazards. Thus, it is possible to note that the two authors have opposing views, but they also use some similar tools to persuade their audience.
Reference
Nicotra, J. (2018). Becoming rhetorical: Analyzing and composing in a multimedia world with APA 7e updates. Cengage Learning.