In the following letter,
Abigail Adams (1744–1818) writes to her son John Quincy Adams,
who is traveling abroad with his father, John Adams, a United States
diplomat and later the country’s second president. Read the letter carefully. Then, in a well-developed essay,
analyze the rhetorical strategies Adams uses to advise her son. Support your analysis with specific
references to the text.
While also talking highly of her son, Abigail Adams uses stories, religion, and the idea of "making his parents happy" to advise her son. Her long sentences are seasoned with words that spark insight and affection. In the first paragraph Abigail Adams says: "If I had thought your reluctance arose from proper deliberation or that you were capable of judging what was most for your own benefit, I should have not urged you to accompany you father and brother..." This quote provides a good impact to the paper because of the fact that it shows the mother talking fondly of her son which is very personal and meaningful to him. This is not the only time she talks greatly of him though. Later, she also mentions his "superior advantages" and his mind. Who wouldn't like to be loved and respected by their parents? Next, she goes on to describe how his unique knowledge of the language will improve his understanding. In the third paragraph, she uses a analogy to advise her son more effectively via "a judicious travel to a stream." Speaking of analogies, Abigail Adams also uses religious teachings later in her letter. Ideas such as "The Almighty" and "The Blessing of Heaven" are used to communicate more meaning into her letter. The last paragraph to Abigail Adam's letter goes back to giving praise to her son, taking about how he gives her "pleasing hopes" and also the idea of "rending your parents supremely happy" helps to solidify a closing that his son would cherish deeply in his heart.
ReplyDeleteI would give my essay a 3-4. Although my words were carefully chosen, there is simply not enough information given of the rhetorical strategies. The answers are simple, and there was no structure to the overall essay rather than having a sentence after a sentence.
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ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams' letter to her son radiates motherly love and concern. Just as any mother would do if their child was off on an important trip, she writes to him to check in. In her letter she clearly makes sure her son isn't wondering from the goal of the trip by advising her son through specific tone, repetition, and diction.
ReplyDeleteAbigail's holds a serious and motherly tone through the letter. For example, the very first sentence of the letter, "I hope you have had no occasion, either from enemies or the dangers of the sea, to repent your second voyage to France," Adams asks if they safely made the trip to France. As a mother, she wants to know if they were safe before anything else is said. In line 21, Adams says, "It will be expected of you, my son, that you are favored with superior advantages under the instructive eye of a tender parent, your improvement should bear some proportion to your advantages." Her she changes her concerned tone into a serious one that makes sure her son realizes the opportunities he has in his life. She doesn't want her son to take this time for granted. Adams manages to portray the many emotions a mother has for a son into this short letter.
Throughout the letter, Adams repeatedly uses metaphors to describe the educational journey her son is taking. In line 16 she says, "Some author that I have met with compares a judicious traveler to a river that increases its stream the further it flows from its source." She compares her sons journey to the gain it with give in the end. In line 30 she says, "Would Cicero have shone so distinguished an orator if he had not been roused, kindled, and inflamed by the tyranny of Caitiline, Verres, and Mark Antony?" Here she tries to tell her son he needs to be put in stimulating situations to become smarter. Her repeated comparisons are a constant reminder throughout the letter to her son the goal of the trip.
Adams also uses specific diction in the letter to her son. I would assume she wants to sound authoritative, but still motherly and understanding. In line 9 she says, "You, however, readily submitted to my advice and will never have occasion yourself, give me reason to lament it." She points out the fact that her son was very willing to go on this trip from his mother's advice, and she immediately follows that up with her saying she better not regret her decision to convince him. She ends the letter by saying, "Do honor to your country, and render your parents extremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother." Here she sets the standard she is holding her son to and follows that up with how much she loves him. Adams writes in a way that tells her son the serious goal of an education and how focused he needs to be, while still expressing her love.
Abigail Adams perfectly entwined her message to her son with all types of motherly love. She was not about to let her son go across the ocean to a foreign country without a check in from his mother. Through her strong use of the rhetorical strategies tone, repetition, and diction, she was able to express her message and advise her son on the reason for his trip.
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DeleteBased on the sample essays, Ii would give myself a 4/5 because I gave many deep examples but fell short on giving their full explanations. I could have really drove home my ideas and developed them better. Also I feel some of my word choices could have been better.
DeleteAbigail Adams was not only an extremely important icon in history, but she was also a mother. In her letter to her son, John Quincy Adams, she expressed her expectations for him while encouraging him to do great things with the opportunity he was given. She was very inspirational and loving towards her son, but she still remained stern to get her point across. Throughout Abigail Adams's letter, she used rhetorical strategies of ethos, logos, and pathos to help her son on his voyage. These strategies were revealed throughout her letter.
ReplyDeleteAbigail uses ethos in the first paragraph. She says that she would not have allowed her son to to go on the voyage if she did not think he was ready for it. By saying this, Abigail gave herself authority by saying she knows what is best for her son. Her tone when stating this and throughout the entire essay is stern yet loving. Abigail made her expectations known and that she would not be satisfied with anything less than her expectations because they were what was best for her son. Abigail's use of ethos helped her stand her ground to say that she knew what she knows what is best for John.
The use of logos was used to Abigail's advantage throughout her letter. In line 30, Abigail talked about Cicero and how great success came from his struggles. She used factual examples of people in history to show that success did not come from "retirement and leisure". This helped reassure John that he would be successful if he worked hard and stayed focused on what was needed to be accomplished.
Not only did Abigail stand her ground in this letter, but she also showed her son that she loved him through her use of pathos. Abigail especially showed pathos in the last sentence of the essay. She stated, "Render your parents supremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother." Although her tone was stern throughout most of the essay, she lightened up in the closing. The way she states this is impeccable because the reader can feel Abigail smiling when she ends the letter.
In Abigail Adams letter to her son she was able to give her son motherly advice as well as motherly affection. Abigail expressed her expectations for John Quincy Adams and encouraged him to do great things with the opportunity he was given. Throughout Abigail Adams's letter, she used rhetorical strategies of ethos, logos, and pathos to help her son on his voyage. She was very loving towards her son, but she still remained stern to get her point across. Abigail Adams was and still is and inspiration for mothers and women everywhere.
I think that I would receive a 4/5 on this essay. I feel that I could have explained my points deeper and I had a few mistakes in the second paragraph. I also accidentally verb shifted in the second paragraph as well. Although I checked it twice, I must have missed those mistakes.
DeleteThe deepest connection any one person can experience is that between a mother and her child. A mothers love cannot simply be explained without having the experience themselves. However, in Abigail Adams letter to her son, John Quincy Adams, her motherly love is displayed through her concern, advice, and wisdom. By reasons of her love, she uses three distinct rhetorical strategies that filter into her ways of showing her love to her son. Through this, Abigail Adams uses perspective, archaic diction, and allusion as rhetorical devices to advise her son as he accompanies his father on the second voyage to France.
ReplyDeleteIn all instances of life, individuals have their own perspective of how a situation is playing out, or what is happening. In A. Adams letter, her perspective is shown all throughout the text; she even opens her letter with it. In the first paragraph, her reluctancy to her son leaving her to voyage to France is evident. Her view of the situation portrays the regret of her encouragement for him to join his father. Further evidence of her perspective falls in paragraph 4, line 41, when she states that war, tyranny, and desolation the Almighty's sufferings and should not be disapproved. She tells him that the Almighty's disapproval is what he will soon be faced with and to be vigilant to the blessings of Heaven. Her final concern for him is that he will show justice and fortitude to those of every good citizen and to do so by honoring his country by means of moral standards. In the essence of concern for her son, she has displayed perspective among the situation.
The letter to John Quincy Adams from his mother is dated in 1780, so the expected language can be considered as an archaic type of English, hence archaic diction. Though some claims from A. Adams may be difficult to conceive, the challenging, archaic diction she presents is what provides the strength of her letter. One specific example of her archaic language is "Nor ought it be one of the least of your incitements towards exerting every power and faculty of your mind." By saying this, her advanced knowledge is shown and as well as her sons. Only a certain person with the knowledge of understand would be able to comprehend that statement. It shows her sons knowledge and ability to grasp her advice. In this instance, it proves the archaic English displays the knowledge of an individual as well as her rhetorical strategy.
In any instance of life, one can add a historical approach to a situation or predicament to help support ones argument or claim and it would make perfect sense. Abigail's connection to allusion defends her claim stating it is not the still of life where greatness is found, but it is through controversy and high energized situations where great men are created. She refers to Mark Antony and the adversities he struggled with throughout his life and his role in authority. She goes into the detail of how history will convince her son of this affirmation. She continues into the positives that are of wisdom and penetration to actions that will allow him to persevere. As she tries to call out the great virtues through allusion, it provides her son a great deal of knowledge through the historical standpoint.
A. Adams reluctancy is evident in the first half of her letter, however,she ends up helping her son more than expected by her structured words and knowledgeable advice. She gives him different hypothetical questions and statements that filter into her concern, advice, and wisdom. By this, her advisements to her son are those that range from grit, faith, and respect to the historical importance of repetition. Her ability to relate to perspective, archaic diction, and allusion gives success to her piece, but also as a motherly figure.
For this essay, I am giving myself a 4/5 due to my detailed explnatations from the text, but also because of the way I used three words such as concern, advice, and wisdom to filter into each rehetorical strategy to back up/explain my explanations further. For example, I believed that her concern was shown through perspective, her advice through archaic diction, and her wisdom through allusion. Based on the example essays, I relatively have the same concepts asthe sample writes. I know it is not perfect and I could be off due to my lack there of in some areas. But overall I think I did O.K.
DeleteAbigail Adams' letter to John Quincy Adams, her son, was written to persuade him to continue traveling. To support this argument, Abigail uses allusion, a theme, and examples to favor it. At first, her tone is one that is rather condescending, which is where she began to use allusion the most. As the letter continued, Mrs. Adams became more thoughtful and meticulous with her words, showing the theme to the readers. The final rhetorical strategy used by Abigail was the use of examples, or rather the same example, throughout the piece.
ReplyDelete"If I had thought your reluctance arose from proper deliberation, or that you was capable of judgeing what was most for your own benefit..." says Mrs. Adams. Her choice of words, specifically the word if, alludes to the fact that he is not capable of these things. She alludes, with the condescending tone, that he is not well educated enough to make big decisions, such as the one to continue going on voyages, on his own. This allusion made John Quincy question himself and his abilities. Later in the piece, Abigail alludes finally to the fact that although he cannot make the decision on his own, he has the strength to do whatever is chosen. The rhetorical strategy utilized the common practice of tearing someone down in order to build them up with similar values, appealing to ethos.
Processes such as the one previous described create the theme of hope and motivation throughout this letter. She says, "I know you capable of these exertions," and built John up. She convinced him that continuing his life as a traveler was in fact possible and probably necessary. It seems that Abigail experiences regrets about her own life and missing opportunities that would have made her stronger. Because of this, she wants John to have something better and it shows through her diction. She KNOWS he is capable, and this becomes motivation for him.
In order to support both of the previously described strategies, Abigail used one common example and carried it throughout the letter. This was the example of the, "judicious travel," and the river. She continued to refer to this river and specific qualities about it to describe John himself. Also, Mrs. Adams used examples of great leaders such as Millo and Mark Anthony. Their struggles compared to that of what John was afraid of as well, but they continued to preserve, which showed him that he could do the same.
The rhetorical strategies used by Abigail Adams' were effective in giving her son courage and strength to make the best decision for himself, to continue traveling on voyages. This would give him opportunities of a lifetime and shape him into the man his mother expects him to be. Allusion, theme, and examples to favor the argument made Mrs. Adams' argument very persuasive.
I am giving myself a 6 based on the example scores because I believe that my information was well-explained and developed, but was still missing something. I could've used better words to explain my thoughts more fully.
DeleteThe Founding Fathers were the cornerstone of the American Revolution and the nation's stride towards independence, it was First Lady Abigail Adams who also encouraged an entire generation of women to make a difference in the world. In addition to being the First Lady to John Adams and the mother of John Quincy Adams, Abigail was also a very underrated and powerful writer. She demonstrates this skill when she addresses a letter to her son, John Quincy, during the hectic final stretch of the Revolutionary War. She does so much with very little in her letter, making a passionate and powerful statement to her son. Through her use of religious passion, parental tone, and historical context, she is able to give her son a feeling of hope as he fights the battle for American freedom.
ReplyDeleteAmerica was built on the ideology that it was "one nation under God," so it's truly no surprise that Adams would use this ideology within the context of her letter. Although brief, she makes a statement to her son that reads "with the blessing of heaven, [people of the United States] will transmit this inheritance to ages yet unborn." She essentially promises her son victory in the hands of their god. She feels that through the power of prayer, everything will turn out perfectly for the American people. This is a brief statement, but sometimes much can be said with little sentences.
Another strategy Adams uses is her position as a mother to properly speak to her son. The overall feel of her letter feels like something a mother in present-day would say if her child left. However, at the same time, there are moments where she doesn't exactly sound like a mother, but more of just a guide. At the end of the letter, she initials the closing, as opposed to simply writing something along the lines of "Love, Mom." It's relatively odd as to how she approaches the closing. In addition, she also only writes to her son, never mentioning his father. For the majority of the letter, however, she fells like every other worried parent. She prays he'll be ok, while also supporting his cause. She never shuts him down, just like every good parent should.
Finally, there is an instance of historical comparison made by Adams to cement the importance of her son's journey. She places him alongside other great leaders such as Cicero. She mentions his power, but gives most of the credit to those who ridiculed and harassed him. Adams was the same way. The British Crown would constantly harass the Americans and make them feel weak, but Abigail knew that this would only make hem stronger. From their harassment will rise power, and from power will come victory.
In conclusion, Abigail Adams was an unrecognized hero of the American Revolution due to her influence on her son. She was able to work through her son in order to better the nation she called home. The strategies she employs help relay her message to her son in a sophisticated way, one that made her one of the most influential figures of the American Revolution.
This is a 5, 6 maximum.
DeleteAbigail Adams writes a loving letter to her son John Quincy Adams. She tries to convey her advice for her son and that she wants him to grow in understanding for he world and politics. Abigail used prominent rhetorical strategies such as imagery, illustration or exemplification, and representative to fully convey her thoughts and feelings to her son.
ReplyDeleteThe imagery used in the letter correctly portrays objects and ideas that help John correctly comprehend the ideas his mother is trying to transfer to him. A great example of the rhetorical strategy in use is when Abigail writes, " It increases its stream the further it flows from the source." While reading this ourselves the audience can picture a river that grows larger with more length. This can also be said for her son John and he can fully understand the way of how his mother wants him to expand his knowledge and experience in the world through the trip to his trip with his father. She knows that her son will soon be the president of America and will need the knowledge of foreign affairs and politics.
Illustration and exemplification is a rhetorical strategy that uses examples to help unify or further explain ideas and topics. Abigail uses this strategy thoroughly throughout the entirety of the letter. The examples she uses are well thought out and put together instead of just having a scrambled mix of examples that do not help the reader understand the topics being discussed. Abigail often returns to the idea of how she wants her son to overcome difficulties and to gain a large amount of knowledge as well as experience. Cicero is used as an example in her letter, she writes "Would he have shown so distinguished an orator if he had bit roused, kindled, and inflamed the tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Marc Antony habits of vigorous minds are formed in contending with difficulties." This allows her to fully transfer the idea and understanding of overcoming difficulties and harsh times in a persons life.
Part 1
Lastly Abigail Adams uses the strategy representative to again help John fully comprehend the big picture of running a country and how politics are made. She writes of Johns upcoming struggles that will befall him and the pressure of others that are going to be put upon him as well. " It will be expected of you, my son, that, as you are favored with superior advantages under the instructive eye of a tender parent, your improvement should bear some proportion to your advantages." She shows that she has high hopes for Johns improvement but she also says that he should show the knowledge with respect because the student is a look into the mentor.
ReplyDeleteThis letter uses many interesting rhetorical strategies that show the ideas and topics discussed which makes the letter a key to growing and inspiration. Abigail Adams wanted to fully give her son the inspiration to overcome difficulties and gain knowledge as well as experience that help him to be able to be a good president of the United States.
Part 2
Abigail Adams was an iconic historic figure, who still has relevance in today's culture. She was the mother of John Quincy Adams, who later became one of the presidents of the United States. At one point, she addressed John in a loving letter written to advise him on his journey. Sticking to her religious beliefs, assessing her authority in her tone, and using imagery, Abigail writes a beautifully written rhetorical letter.
ReplyDeleteMany times throughout the letter, Abigail is quick to mention God an dhow only He will help be the victor of this war. She encourages John to trust in their Lord. Only victory will come through His intercession. She states, "...with the blessing of heaven will transmit this inheritance to ages yet unborn." In this way, she is making note of the Human Resources and allies he's been given, but she makes it clear that only the power of God will successfully turn the tide in their favor. In her motherly manner, she relates the importance of an unshakable faith for John.
While the tone of Abigail is motherly, it is also that of authority. She reminds John that she is his mother and to listen to her advice would be of greater benefit to him. When she says to John, "You however readily submitted to my advice, and I hope will never have occasion yourself, nor give me reason to Lament it," it's almost like a warning to him. Most mothers will praise their children for doing the right thing, but are also quick to remind them that if they're orders are disobeyed, trouble will be the outcome. Abigail understands John is a prominent man capable of caring for himself, but she also makes sure he remembers who his first authority really was.
Lastly, Abigail uses her words in a way that one is able to paint a picture in ones mind. Using simple imagery, she quickly captives the reader, who at that time was John. With all of the stress of the war, she probably wanted him to be able to think of times where things weren't so gruesome. "Some Author that I have met with compares a judicious traveller, to a river that increases its stream the farther it flows from its source, or to certain springs which running through rich veins of minerals improve their qualities as they pass along," is just one example of the calming image she is relating to John.
In her own motherly way, Abigail Adams writes a letter to her son that becomes an illustration for history. Using her religiosity, parental tone, and imagery, she writes a historic rhetorical letter that is still used today.
Mother, Abigail Adams (1744-1818), in her anecdotal letter, "My Dear Son", to her son argues that her son, John Quincy, is disrespectful and irresponsible. Abigail emphasizes that she has done a tremendous amount for John and that his father is a "tender parent". Throughout the entire letter Abigail develops a contradictory tone as well as shocking diction and real life analogies.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the letter to John Quincy , Abigail uses a rather contradictory tone. Abigail writes, "If I had thought your reluctance arose from proper deliberation, or that you were capable of judging what was most for your own benefit" (Lines 2-5). Directly after Abigail implies this she moves to contradict herself with an apology. "I should not have urged you to accompany your father and brother when you appeared so averse to the voyage" (Lines 6-8). Abigail appeals to her son by arguing that he is not responsible enough to make the right decision for his personal gain. However, immediately after she accuses John of being irresponsible she apologizes for declaring him to go on the voyage. After analyzing the text it has become quit clear that Abigail is not sorry for calling John irresponsible which can be confused by the readers. Abigail is only sorry for wanting John to go and arguing with him about doing so. Abigail makes her tone stronger and much "louder" by her choice of diction.
The beginning and the end of "My Dear Son" has very similar diction. Adams uses the word "hope" multiple times which tells the readers that she still believes her son can accomplish many tasks on the voyage to France. Also, in the 21st line Abigail uses the phrase "expected of you". This phrase foreshadows that as a mother, Abigail expects John to improve and give his full attention to learning as much as possible while in France. Throughout the entire letter Abigail uses a sense of formal English even though she is writing to someone that she is more than acquainted with. In addition to the well noted diction Abigail uses real life analogies.
The expectations of John are set at a high level and Abigail makes this well known throughout the paper. She writes to John, "compares a judicious traveller, to a river that increases its stream the farther it flows from its source, or to certain springs which running through rich veins of minerals improve their qualities as they pass along." (Lines 17-20). When she talks about this she is simply telling John that as he increases in years he should also expand his horizons ad explore. The more he explores the more he will learn and learning is of great importance. Abigail Adams writes to her son in a letter that uses many different strategies to get through to her son. She uses a disappointed tone along with wise diction choice and a real life analogy.
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