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Governors State University

Burke, Rhetoric and The Doctor: A Rhetorical Analysis of Doctor Who

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This paper performs a rhetorical analysis of the science-fiction program, Doctor Who, using theories from Kenneth Burke. Series Five of the show is analyzed using Burke’s theory of identification, the representative anecdote and the dramatistic pentad. The analysis with identification theory exemplifies the show’s ability to create identification with the audience that, in turn, drives the audience to watch. While the identification connects the audience to the show, the pentad explains how the characters of the show are driven by a pursuit of idealistic humanism rooted in individuality. The final analysis demonstrates that the program embraces more of a representative anecdote, as it can offer tools for living, rather than a deflective one.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Communication and Training
Year dc:date.available
2012

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Muñiz, Kemp Nishan
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Jason Zingsheim, Ph.D.
  • David Rhea, Ph.D.
  • Michele McMaster, Ph.D.

Subjects

dc:subject × 11

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://opus.govst.edu/theses/19
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:opus.govst.edu:theses-1005

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Governors State University
Base URL
opus.govst.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Muñiz, Kemp Nishan. Burke, Rhetoric and The Doctor: A Rhetorical Analysis of Doctor Who. Thesis thesis, 2012. https://opus.govst.edu/theses/19