Shepherd's Grade A Rhetoric

I really enjoyed reading this rhetorical analysis not only because it raised so many valid points and is structured amazingly, but I also learned very much from it as far as an example goes. I think the aspect that touched on me the most was how he goes into depth of how multiple soldier lives could be expended at the cost of saving only one. But, I began to realize, due to the topics if this weeks RA's, that the idea of Private Ryan being a superhero icon is not so far fetched. In one aspect, yes, many soldier lives are being expended, but in return for a greater prize. At this point Private Ryan is no longer a soldier, he is the last of his family, and he is the main priority of everyone, which gives him a superhero qualitey: he is iconic in the eyes of not only the soldiers, but the viewers as well. As we all no there aren't too many of who could sa that we would not die for Superman, but why. This is due to the fact that through the sacrafice of a smaller figure saves the presence of a hero. And, a hero gives people what they want the most:hope. I think this is why Private Ryan is so highly sought after, and this is why I enjoyed Shepherd's article so much.