Writer's often employ rhetorical strategies in order to target and engage a specific audience. An analysis of the strategies used reveals the intent behind the work, and provides the reader with a deep insight into the intended meaning. Well known medievalist and Celtic scholar, David Dumville, in his essay, "Echtrae and Immran: Some Problems of Definiton," analyzes many archaic texts which fall under both genres. Dumville's purpose in writing serves to derive the fundamental differences between the two styles. He creates a magisterial tone to demonstrate his vast knowledge of the two genres, and establishes his credibility as a scholastic writer through his complex and verbose sentence structure. The "Introduction to the Sagas of Icelanders," written by Robert Kellogg, demonstrates the remarkability of the rich literature composed in medieval Iceland. Kellogg's purpose serves to abolish the notion that all of the Vikings were bloodthirsty savages. He constructs an informative tone as he exposes the surprisingly civil society of the Icelandic Vikings. A vast difference between the two writer's styles is apparent, and the strategies employed by both reflect the targeted audiences. Although both works aim to inform readers, the author's approach this task with differing tones. .
Dumville begins his essay by refuting a comment made by a fellow author, which stated that 'a sharp distinction cannot be made between the two genres,' claiming "It is to combat this widely-held view that the present paper is written" (Dumville 73). This technique immediately establishes the critical tone which he employs throughout, and prepares the reader for his arguments. Kellogg on the other hand begins his essay on a much lighter note, informing readers that "The later Middle Ages in Europe were a time of striking innovation in literature" (Kellogg xv). The tone demonstrated by Kellogg's approach prepares readers for informational essay, engaging readers in a simpler way.
