Tactical/Strategic Purpose:
An author may use an anecdote to give more context to a story or piece of literature. An anecdote gives a sentimental value to a piece of literature, which makes the reader feel more connected to the story. Anecdotes can connect ideas to reality, or add a sense of humor to a piece of literature. An anecdote has the power to bring light to dark situations, like in a eulogy. When someone gives a eulogy, they are often sad and filled with tears from the audience, but an Anecdote has the power to make the audience laugh if even for a split second, when they’re remembering all the things about that person that made them smile.
Steps for analysis:
First, Identify an anecdote in a text, which would be any personal/intimate story that the author relates to the text
Think about how it relates to the text and if it gives any additional information.
Consider why the author added the anecdote. Does the anecdote provoke a feeling in the audience? Does it make the audience feel more connected with the text?
Examine the effect that the anecdote has on the audience. Does it inspire laughter or tears?
Nonfiction Prose:
“President John Fitzgerald Kennedy possessed all the qualities of greatness. He had deep faith, complete confidence, human sympathy, and broad vision which recognized the true values of freedom, equality, and the brotherhood which have always been the marks of the American political dreams.”
McCormack, John W. "Eulogies for President Kennedy." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, United States Congress, Senate, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 1963, www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/life-of-john-f-kennedy/fast-facts-john-f-kennedy/eulogies-for-president-kennedy. Accessed 6 Sept. 2022.
Analysis of Nonfiction Prose:
Any type of speech given about a person, like a eulogy or a best-man’s/maid of honor’s speech, is a great example of an Anecdote. Anecdotes may be different depending on the situation in which they are being used. The eulogy of John F. Kennedy is an example of an anecdote about a man who was very important to millions of people. The anecdote includes personal qualities of JFK that impacted the people around him. An anecdote has the power to make people feel as though they were connected to the person the anecdote is about. John F. Kennedy’s eulogy included anecdotes that connected him to America and showed his love for the country which he was running.
Abbie Thompson