You can reach the prompt by clicking on this link, and scrolling down to page 9. Print it out and go for it.
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap14_frq_english_language.pdf
By the way, we are not going to have our test on Monday. I don't think we're ready. We will practice using the words more this week and we will take the test on Friday. Have a good weekend.
By the way, we are not going to have our test on Monday. I don't think we're ready. We will practice using the words more this week and we will take the test on Friday. Have a good weekend.
Abigail Adams wrote a letter to her son John Quincy Adams in order to explain her rationale for sending her reluctant son with his father in his venture to discuss with America's allies, the French ambassadors.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Adams begins her letter by establishing that this trip with his father was for a good reason by stating "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 not have urged you to accompany your father and brother when you appeared so averse to the voyage." She then thanks him for willingly submitting to the advice of his mother and states that the voyage will be advantageous to him because "Your knowledge of the language must give you greater advantages now than you could possibly have reaped whilst ignorant of it." By doing so, Mrs. Adams reassures her assumingly homesick son that this trip was intended to be for good reasoning.
She then further expands upon the benefits of the trip through her use of imagery and an metaphor comparing her son's ever expanding knowledge to an ever expanding river cleaning off and improving elements that it flows near. She then explains that good can only result from contention through her historical reference of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony. This is especially important to her letter as the American nation prepares for the impending war against the British, which must be why the Adams are meeting with French ambassadors. This point is backed up with Mrs. Adams statement "Yet it is your lot, my son, to be an eyewitness of these calamities in your own native land, and, at the same time, to owe your existence among a people who have made a glorious defense of their invaded liberties, and who, aided by a generous and powerful ally, with the blessing of Heaven, will transmit this inheritance to ages yet unborn."
Abigail Adams concludes her letter by stating how lucky he is and his father is to meet with "the importance embassy" that is the French embassy that will soon be an ally with America during the Revolutionary War. She tells him to honor his country through his virtues of "justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue," and by doing so making his parents proud.
Abigail Adams writes this letter during a time in which America is in mass confusion and inner-conflict as to what to do about British's tyrannical government. Yet, she still lovingly writes this letter to her homesick son who did not want to go on this trip in order to reassure him it was for a good purpose, which ended up building the soon to be sixth president John Quincy Adams' character. A compassionate letter that was critical to not just the current time, but also the ever-impending future because without this event history would not be as we know it.
Good analysis, only one issue. She was referring to Cicero and the tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony. Major point you missed.
DeleteIn 1780, Abigail Adams wrote a letter in order to motivate her son, John Quincy Adams, to participate in his trip to France, so he can become the best version of himself. She mentions the benefits that the trip has and mentions how good travel could be for him. She also makes it clear that she is his mother and assures that her rank is important in his life. By doing this, she establishes ethos and also pathos because it appeals to a sense of duty and acknowledgment. She also uses qualities of hard work to appeal to logical examples, or logos.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Abigail Adams speech, she establishes ethos by reminding her son that she knows what is best for him due to the fact that she is his mother. To begin the speech, she uses the words, “My Dead Son,” hoping that John Quincy Adams will understand and take the advice she gives him about the trip. She also advises him that she only wants the best for him and hopes that he will understand her advice because it came from her heart. Applying ethos as his mother, she hopes to convince him that his travels to France will be good for him. In a way she explains that his trip will turn him into a true man. She uses a metaphor in order to compare “a judicious traveler to a river that increases its stream the further it flows from its source and certain springs running through rich veins of minerals improve their qualities as they pass along.” By using this metaphor she implies that her sons journey to France will expand his knowledge. She also reminds him that people work hard in order to be successful. She uses the example of Cicero working hard to accomplish his successes. She uses rhetorical strategies to prove to him that by getting through difficulties first he will succeed in life. Lastly she points out that, “wisdom and penetration are the fruits of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure.” By doing this she appeals to her sons logic in order to convince him to be active and participate on his trip to France. Traveling will give him experience which will lead to giving him wisdom. She also appeals to his sense of duty throughout the speech in order to portray a sense of patriotism.
By using her appeals of logos, ethos, and pathos, Abigail Adams attempts to convince her son, John Quincy Adams, to participate in the trip to France and learn from it in order to become a good man. She uses her rank as a mother, her expectations as a mother, and the use of logical reasons to go on the trip. She hopes he will work hard to work for his successes and proves this to him using rhetorical strategies. By doing this and writing this letter she turned her young son into the man that would one day become the sixth president of the United States.
Nice response, only one small thing, you said “My Dead Son,”... He isn't dead. (Typo I know, it's still amusing)
DeleteYour analysis was very thorough and explored a few points I hadn’t noticed when I wrote my own analysis. It was very well written too. Great job!
DeleteEmily I feel as if you didn't read the preface to Abigail Adam's letter to her son John Q Adams. It explicitly states "[Abigail Adams] writes to her son John Quincy Adams, who is traveling abroad with his father, John Adams," so he is already on the trip making your point that she's motivating her son to go on the trip invalid. Otherwise, I find no other issues with your analysis, just a common issue.
DeleteLogan, what I tried to say was that she was convincing him actively participate on the trip. I must not have said that. I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear enough. Bruce, oh my thanks for pointing that out, I must have been on a role typing in my 40 minutes!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAbigail Adams’ letter to her son, John Quincy Adams, resembled characteristics of any caring, loving mother. She shows her love and pride in her son throughout her letter. She continual encouraged and ensured him that he was prepared to tackle any challenge that was brought his way. She uses metaphors and similes to convene these idea toward her son. Abigail compare John Quincy to a river.
ReplyDeleteAbigail say, “These are times in which a genius would wish to live.” (26-27) By this, she is comparing her son to that of a genius. She mentions genius like Cicero. This comparisons was probably hoped to place confidence in John Quincy, as he could be thought of on the same level as Cicero. Her use of descriptive words allows her son to picture and understand these comparisons.The emotions of the words can be more easily understood and push the feeling of love and pride into John Quincy.
Abigail acted as any mother would and ensured her son of the great talents he has. His father and brother were well renounced in the field of exploration and that talent was within him. Abigail acknowledges John Quincy’s abilities, which resemble her love and pride in her son. By telling John Quincy of his abilities she also tells him of possible struggles that he might face on his journey. She ens towed confidence in him and reminds him of all that great things that will come of his work.
The mother of founding father John Quincy Adams acts no differently then a mother would today. Abigail speaks to her son using emotions to drive her points. She wanted to make John Quincy feel that he was ready and up to the task at hand. Like any mother would she speaks to her son with a loving and caring voice. This tenderness of speech gave her son a boost in confidence and ensures him that he should be in this position.
Your analysis was very well written. I especially liked how further explore the relationship between mother and child and why this was so effective.
DeleteYour writing was very well done. Your conclusion wrapped everything up in a fantastic way.
DeleteI really liked how you mentioned the use of other rhetorical strategies such as similes and metaphors. It really broadened the perspective past just ethos, logos, and pathos. This was well done.
DeleteOn January 12, 1780, Abigail Adams wrote a letter of guidance to her son, John Quincy Adams. This was written and sent some time after John and his father and brother all embarked on a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. She wrote him to wish him the best on a voyage he was not intending to go on. She begins the second paragraph with this; “You, however, readly submitted to my advice, and, I hope, will never have the occasion yourself, nor give me reason to lament it.” This shows her hope that she made the right decision to advise him on this trip.
ReplyDeleteShe discusses how she hopes the trip will make him a better man, citing an author she spoke with comparing a “judicious traveler” to a river. The river spreads out and expands the further from its source it gets. She hopes he will also be like a river, spreading out and expanding his horizons beyond what he already knows. She even discusses Cicero, a Roman statesman and advisor to the emperor at the time. She uses him as an example of how to build his mind, stating, “the habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties.” This shows another reason for why she sent him on the trip. She wanted him to experience as much as possible so that he can make the right decisions in the future.
Abigail Adams concludes her letter of encouragement and guidance with admiration. She describes how he has always seeked the truth, and how this shows her that he will only proceed to add to these virtues of which he already possesses. She ends with asking him to do honor to his country and to make his parents proud.
This letter is a prime example of fine parenting. Abigail Adams demonstrates her encouragement of her son through her explaining why she wanted him to go on the trip and then describes how he should approach the new situations. This is a fine letter, something all good parents want for their children, but often not able to articulate. The common theme of hope of the glue of this letter.
You covered th main points in Abigail’s letter very well, and showed the rhetorical strategies that she uses. Your points were well backed up with I for from the letter.
DeleteI agree with Jacob that your points were very well backed up, and would also like to add that it seemed as if you knew what you were talking about without even doing research. It seemed as if it was right up your ally!
DeleteAbigail Adams, the wife of a U.S. diplomat and president, wrote a letter to her son, John Quincy Adams, who is traveling to France with his father and her husband, John Adams. Within the letter, Abigail presents her son with praise for taking on the journey which he seemed reluctant about before he left. And as she stated it best, “...as you increase in years, you will find your understanding opening and daily improving.” (Lines 14-15). What she is trying to prove in that statement is that he will find knowledge as he goes about his life and in addition to that, the voyage is sure to help him in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAbigail also goes on to inform her son that as his parent, she expects him to become improved from the advances he has been given from the family. Despite the difficulties he may face, compared to that of Cicero to the tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony, he needs to endure these concepts to become a hero and statesman. She also states that he is to witness these things first hand and use them to his advantage for the future of the ages.
Abigail ends her letter with another praise on Johns behalf for knowing that he will not avoid disservice, but will add his manly virtue and admirable citizenship to honor his country and loving parents. Abigail has shown her unmistakable love for her son in the usage of her words and rhetorical strategies.
This is Anna. I don’t know how to fix my account sorry.
DeleteYou covered the historical context of the situation very well. It is interesting that you pointed out her word usage as a way of showing her love for her son!
DeleteAnna, what you have is great. However, I wish you would have expanded on your analysis of Abigail Adams’ letter. There was a lot more that could have been covered within her letter to John Quincy Adams.
DeleteI agree with Grace. You clearly understood the given topic, which is why I feel you could have given a little more. Other than that, I think you did a great job!
DeleteAbagail Adams wrote a letter to her son, John Quincy Adams in 1780 to provide a sense of encouragement or strength for his upcoming voyage to France. John Quincy Adams is reluctant to begin this voyage, and the purpose of the letter is to convince him to go. In this letter, Abagail Adams uses many rhetorical strategies to make her message more effective. The beginning of the letter already shows that she plays a prominent role in her son’s life by saying, “You, however, readily submitted to my advice, and, I hope, will never have occasion yourself, nor
ReplyDeletegive me reason, to lament it.” (Lines 9-11) With this sentence, Abagail Adams has already established her strong ethos. She then continues, adding a metaphor that compares a traveler to a river that improves the quality of minerals as it passes through them. The purpose of this was to show her strong belief that by going to France, her son will improve the very world that they live in. She further illustrates the urgency of this mission to France by saying, “Yet it is your lot, my son, to be an eyewitness of these calamities in your own native land, and, at the same time, to owe your existence among a people who have made a glorious defence of their invaded liberties, and who, aided by a generous and powerful ally, with the blessing of Heaven, will transmit this inheritance to ages yet unborn.” (Lines 44-49) At the end of the letter, Abagail Adams closes by telling her son to make his parents and country proud. She also expresses her deep faith in him and his efforts. Throughout the letter, Abagail Adams uses the loving tone of a mother to convey her points. This letter is so effective because of the strength it provides that only someone deeply loved can give.
Sophie I feel as if both you and Emily didn't read the preface to the letter. Mrs. Adams isn't encouraging her son to engage in this upcoming voyage because there is no upcoming voyage. In the preface it states " writes to her son John Quincy Adams, who is traveling abroad with his father, John Adams," hence you missed the purpose of the letter. Otherwise, I find no other issues in your rhetorical analysis.
DeleteI agree that Abigail Adams portrayed strong ethos as his mother in a “mother knows best” way. I really like how you centered around the idea of her loving tone to analyze this letter.
DeleteI commented on another student's blog about their grasp of the topic, and I think you are in a similar boat. I think you have a good understanding of the purpose of the letter, which is why I would like to see a little more analysis. Other than that, great blog! You have a very sophisticated writing style.
DeleteAbigail Adams wrote a letter to her son, the future president of the Unites States, as he was traveling overseas. In the message, she instilled confidence, maternal love, and high expectations for John Quincy Adams. Little did she know, he would exceed her expectations by becoming the second president of the United States.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Adams began her letter by expressing her love and pride in her son. She writes of how greatly the voyage will effect him, and that he is doing something to his own advantage for his future. In addition, she wishes for him to stay safe and healthy, as any mother would. She adds a metaphor from an author she met. The metaphor compares a judicious traveler to a river that improves in quality as if flows further from the source. She expects her son to prosper as he leaves home as well.
Abigail Adams moves from on from pathos as she compares her son to great historical figures such as Cicero, Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony. She notes that those people would desire to experience things that her son is getting to experience. This influences her son to appreciate the unique experience he is given to be traveling. She adds that God is with him and that God scourges war, tyranny, and desolation. Those are the things in which John Quincy Adams should strive to diminish.
She follows these statements by informing her son that she is counting on him. She expresses her extreme confidence in him, inflicting a sense of pressure on her son to be great. Following a pressuring paragraph, Abigail Adams concludes by restating that she knows he will make his parents happy. This ending statement includes her high expectations of justice, fortitude, and “every many virtue which can adorn a good citizen” (60-61). The effect of this sentence was most likely even more pressure on her son, coated with the pride of a mother. Throughout the letter, Abigail Adams presented maternal love, a comparison of her son to well-accomplished historical figures, and high confidence in her son, John Quincy Adams.
Bailey, I enjoyed your rhetorical analysis. Talking about how she showed her maternal love throughout the entirety of her letter to her son. However, I feel you misread the preface, John Adams is her husband, the second president of the United States. John Quincy Adams is her son, the sixth United States president. I also feel that you read the section on Cicero wrong. He was practically being tortured by Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony, but from that grew. Also, it might have been easier to add some more quotes from the letter within you analysis. Other than that, you touched on your main points well.
DeleteAbigail Adams what the second First Lady of the United States of America. She was also the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. On January 12, 1780, Abigail Adams wrote a letter to her son, John Quincy Adams, to explain to him why she thought it was important for him to go with his father and brother to France. Abigail was known for her many writings to her son and husband that happened to impact the way they sought out making America into the country of today. In this particular letter, she uses epideictic reasoning on her son, John Quincy.
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams establishes ethos immediately within her fist two paragraphs. She shows her ethos by being John Quincy’s mother, a women who he had trusted for years. This shows her goodwill within her writing. This letter is very ethos heavy. To back up her case she does not just rely on herself, she uses another author. She talks about what the writer was telling, using imagery of a “judicious traveler”, to assist in proving her case. “You, however, readily submitted to my advice, and, I hope, will never have occasion yourself, nor give me reason, to laminate.” In this excerpt for the letter to her son, she talks about how in the past he has listen to her and has not been wrong yet, so he should trust in what she is saying now. She adds that if there happened to be any trouble, John Quincy could blame her.
To show her logos she compares history to her present. “Would Cicero have shone so distinguished and orator if he had not roused, kindled, and inflamed by the tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony?” She talked about how Cicero would not have became the man he was if he did not go through the trials set by Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony. She compares her sons anguish with going with is father to France to Cicero’s trials. “War, tyranny, and desolation are the scourges of the Almighty, and ought no doubt to be deprecated. Yet it is your lot, my son, to be an eyewitness of these calamities in your own native land, and at the same time, to own your existence among a people...” She uses parallelism in this passage to show that he will go through a lot in his life but that’s what it will take to become a great leader someday. She uses Cicero to show at all the things that trouble him or is something he holds back on could build him up if he tries.
Talking about what he has seen in his growing country helps show emotion throughout her letter. When she talked about war and all the other hardships he had witnessed to can trigger some sort of emotion within him. Then she goes on to talk about her hopes for him in the future. Going through a horrible war can cause a sense of fear that there would not be a future. However, despite this trouble, she paints a wonderful and happy future for her son. “...but add justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue which can adorn a good citizen,...” She gives him praise at the end of her letter and hopes that he will become the just citizen she knows he can become.
This letter help shape John Quincy Adams. He lives up to what his mother wanted of him, to become a good and influential citizen. He followed him his fathers footsteps and became America’s sixth president.
I liked that you included background information on Abigail Adams, it showed that you wrote this about someone you know a lot about. I liked how you mentioned exactly how she revealed all of the rhetorical appeals rather than one or two. This had a lot of detail and I enjoyed reading it. You did a really good job on this, Grace.
DeleteSaying goodbye to loved ones is oftentimes one of the hardest feats a person will ever have to face in their lifetime. On January 12, 1780, Abigail Adams, the mother of John Quincy Adams, writes her son a letter of advice as he sets sale for his second voyage to France with his father. In this letter, Adams introduces ethos, logos, and pathos that aid to the effectiveness of her advice.
ReplyDeleteTo establish authority, Abigail opens up addressing her son in a mother-like tone which sets the stage for the rest of the letter. After her heartwarming introduction, Adams begins to give her son clarification about why she persuaded him into taking part in such a strenuous journey.
She shows a mother-like figure by telling John Quincy that she urged him for his own benefit, and that she would not have done so if such travel would have placed him in harms way. Lastly, ethos is established at the end of the letter when Abigail signs it “A.A.” This closing is short and sweet but holds key details that correlate back to the effectiveness of the letter.
Logic is seen throughout the text because it is evidence that supports the advice given by John Quincy’s mother. Miss Adams mentions in the second paragraph, lines 11-15, that her son’s knowledge will be benefited by taking part in the journey to France. She backs this argument up by stating, “Some author, I have met with, compares a judicious traveler to a river, that increases its stream the further it flows from its source; or to certain springs, which, running through rich veins of minerals, improve their qualities as they pass along.” Furthermore, she draws attention to Cicero and other historic figures that have been made great due to their adventurous journeys and hardships. Abigail Adams explains in her letter that not only will her son’s education be broadened, but he will get to witness what the world is actually like. Her interpretation of logos provides support to the advice that she is trying to give to John Quincy about his trip across the sea.
It is easy to say that pathos is the most profound rhetoric strategy used in this letter because it is about an emotional mother, that wants the best for her child, who writes to him explaining all of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that he is about to take part in. She creates imagery by saying, “It is not in the still calm of life, or the response of a specific station, that great characters are formed.” Then Miss Adams tells her son about how his dad is so proud of him, and that these are the moments that one lives for. Finally, she states how she is feeling now that they are away. She says that as parents, she and her husband will be “supremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother.” (Lines 62-63). This establishment of emotion serves as the basis of the letter and is the key component in its effectiveness.
The letter written by Abigail Adams to her son John Quincy Adams is one that pulls at the heart stings and even resembles the emotions of many mothers today. Her use of rhetoric strategies, particularly ethos, logos, and pathos, are what contributed enormously to the expression of her feelings. It shows that, as mothers, one should focus on the good aspects of letting a child out into the world, rather that the depression of having an empty nest.
This is an outstanding rhetorical analysis for having been read, noted, and written all in the duration of 40 minutes.
DeleteYour beginning was very strong by mentioning that losing a loved one is always hard. You were able to bring emotions into your analysis right from the start.
DeleteThe layout of your article is nearly done. You created your paragraph in the order of ethos, logos, then pathos just as it is done in the letter. Your evidence for each appeal is also strong. It liked how you quoted the the comparison of John Quincy Adams with the flowing river. Good job!
DeleteJanuary 12, 1780 — Abigail Adams wrote a strong, compassionate letter to her son, John Quincy Adams, while he was partaking in voyage with his father. Throughout her letter, she continually encouraged and motivated her son to be active in his trip, and to be confident in anything he does. By comparison, rhetorical strategies, and great use of her diction, she is able to tell about her son in a way that makes us able to see him.
ReplyDeleteComparing her child to a genius like Cicero, really shows the way she feels about her son, which is confident and knows he is a able to do anything he sets his mind to. She says “The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties” (32-33) By this, she implies that even after every difficult experience he had, his mind grew in knowledge.
Abigail also had a great deal of mother’s instinct, continually reassuring her son the trip would help him mature into a true man. The final paragraph of the letter is showing her love and compassion for her son once again, but also explains why John Quincy Adams was such an honorable man. She refers to the virtues we as Catholics live by, as one of many references to God and the church throughout the letter. By telling her son of these abilities he has has also tells him how strong he is.
Abigail Adams was a mother who knew exactly how and what her son was feeling. Because of this, write this letter out of love for him. Her use of rhetorical strategies, especially pathos, and her style of writing helped her son realize the feelings she has toward him. John Quincy Adams was quite lucky to have a mother like this, who was always able to tell what was on his mind.
I enjoyed reading your rhetorical analysis. I found it interesting when you said “she is able to tell about her son in a way that makes us able to see him.” I didn’t think of it like this but appreciated that you mentioned it. I wish you would’ve talked a bit more about how she used pathos but it was still really good for having done it in 40 minutes. Good job!
DeleteI liked how you mentioned the rhetorical strategies that she used together in a sentence. I also like how you talked about her use of diction and comparisons. Well done!
DeleteI thought this was very concise and effective. I also agree that she used her mother instinct to write about how she wants what is best for him. She definitely played with his emotions throughout the writing.
DeleteAbigail Adams, mother of John Quincy Adams who was the 6th president of the United States, wrote him a letter on why she wished him the best on his journey to France with his father and brother. This letter was written with her utmost encouragement and belief in her sons success. Knowing that he was on his voyage, she couldn’t help but think about him and write him a letter.
ReplyDeleteThe letter written by Mrs. Adams on January 12th, 1780 was very heavy in pathos. The opening sentence of the letter states, “I hope you have no occasion, either from enemies or the dangers of the sea, to repent your second voyage to France.” (lines 1-3). In this sentence, she shows that she wishes the best for him and hopes that everything runs smoothly on his journey. She then goes on to compare a judicious traveler to a river using a metaphor. She says that a river increases its stream as it flows further from its source, in which she is expecting her son to grow in maturity, intelligence, and experience as he travels.
Her next paragraph, she uses a little more ethos and logos in the last portion of the letter, while still showing pathos. She compares Adams to historical figures such as Roman statesman, Marcus Cicero, Roman senator Lucius Catiline, and a few more great historical figures. She says that all of the men she listed had to go through difficulties, but any one of them would have rather been in his shoes at that point in time.
To conclude her letter, she again restates her love and confidence in him, and that she is counting on him to do amazing things. Her last statement, “The strict and inviolable regard you have ever paid to truth, gives me pleasing hopes that you will not swerve from her dictates, but add justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue which can adorn a good citizen, do honor to your country, and render your parents supremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother, A.A.” shows specifically that she has all the faith in the world that he will do great things.
Your article is well organized. I enjoyed how you included the exact dates, which adds more context to you analysis. The quotes you chose are also good picks because of their importance in the letter. Good work!
DeleteI enjoyed reading you analysis. It was very well put together! I thought it was very bright of you to include many specific dates as well! Great job, it was a great read!
DeleteOn January 12, 1780 Abigail Adams wrote a letter to her son who was traveling abroad with his father. Her letter is written encouragingly towards her son and gives him a sense of strength. She writes it in the hopes of convincing her son that this trip with his father is a good decision. This first paragraph helps her establish her ethos that she used throughout the rest of her letter.
ReplyDeleteShe then goes on to mention that he carries advantages along with him that will prove to be effective in improving his daily life. This would’ve helped him find a sense of comfort in his surroundings knowing that he is not lost in the world. Then, she compares a traveler, and also him, to a river or a spring. In a way, she was telling him to increase his knowledge by using his surroundings. She stated that a river increases its stream the further it flows from its source (line 18). This would've helped him with reaching out to others and not keeping only to himself.
She gives him strength in the next paragraph by stating that all great characters are formed under pressure. She then mentions Cicero, one of Rome’s greatest orators, to instill in him a sense of importance. She brings up the fact that he was “roused, kindled, and inflamed by the tyranny of Catiliine, Verres, and Mark Anthony” (lines 31-32). This showed him that the greatest leaders did not obtain their position easily but rather overcame great struggles. By doing this, she was able to give him a sense of peace when he was thrown into difficult situations.
She ends her letter by mentioning the hope he has provided her with. She mentions the standards at which she expects him to perform. She mentions that he will add justice, fortitude, do honor to his country, and render his parents supremely happy, particularly her. (Lines 58-63) By mentioning these, he now has made a mental list of all things he should accomplish. He is now trying to live up to an expectation set in place for him. She makes it personal by saying she hopes he will make her proud. Abigail Adams reveals her love for her son in this letter but rather than let it be pathos driven, she reveals strong ethos in it.
I enjoyed your blog, especially your closing sentence. It really drives home the entire systhesis of the letter, and I feel that you worded that spectacularly.
DeleteIn order to persuade her son to continue his mission to help his country while overseas, Abigail Adams wrote an encouraging and emotion filled letter to John Quincy Adams. To convince her son, Abigail used a variety of rhetorical strategies.
ReplyDeleteTo begin her letter to her son who was thousands of miles away, Mrs. Adams wrote, “My Dear Son.” These first three words already tell John that he is well loved by using the possessive word “my” and the personal adjective “dear.” Then Abigail continues on to ensure John that he made no mistake by going on the voyage with his father and brother. John was reluctant, but his mother urged him. She reminded him in the letter by writing, “you, however, readily submitted to my advice, and, I hope, will never have to occasion yourself, nor give me reason, to lament it.” By writing of the advantages her son would gain by going, Abigail built up her son’s confidence while giving herself credibility.
Reasoning for why her son should endure his troubles was what Abigail Adams addressed next. She said, “these are the times in which a genius would wish to live.” By adding this, she provides reason and desire to continue working diligently. She also added a historical example through her rhetorical question about Cicero. Abigail explained her reasoning in an interesting manner as well. She used the metaphor, “wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience.” By stating her points in these eye catching ways, Mrs. Adams draws attention to the points that she thinks are important for her son to notice. Abigail’s reasoning was effective through the ways in which she presented her ideas.
Emotion was evident towards the end of Abigail’s letter. She included that it was her son’s duty to defend his people and his country well. At that time, the people of America had their rights wrongfully suppressed, which angered many. Abigail knew John needed to exert the power and strength of his mind working at the embassy which called his name abroad. In the final paragraph of her letter, Abigail adds that she hopes John will practice every “manly” virtue to do good for his country and make his parents happy. In the final line, Abigail tells her son in third person that she particularly hopes he will make his affectionate mother proud. This contrast from the first line evokes emotion, and it tells John that he has work to do.
Abigail Adams’s letter is written exceptionally well with many persuasive elements included. With such a strong and persuasive mother, it is no wonder why John Quincy Adams had such a successful career helping his country thrive.
I thought you oraganized your rhetorical analysis very well. I like how you pointed out “my dear son”. That is interestsing!
DeleteI really liked your blog and the emphasis on the emotion in the letter. It was definitely a strong appeal in this letter and you handled that really well.
DeleteThe bond between a mother and her child is unlike any other. That bond was evident between Abigail Adams and her son John Quincy in the late 1700s. A family that would evolve into what could be considered one of the most successful and patriotic families in America was faced with plenty of adversity in its early years. Abagail was forced to be apart from her young boy and her husband for a long period of time as they had set out on a journey abroad. With hopes to instill a sense of security into her son, Abagail wrote him a letter. She began her writing by sounding like a typical mother. She stated how if anything bad had happened to her boy that it would have been her fault due to the fact that she urged him to accompany his father on the journey. This first paragraph of her writing was meant to appeal to John’s emotions, or ethos, by allowing him to realize how much his mother was thinking about him and worried for him. She spends the next two paragraphs building up her son’s confidence. In lines 11-12 she mentions John’s knowledge of the language will give him great advantages on his journey. She then uses an analogy given to her by another author, in which it compares a traveler to a river. She explains that the stream grows the further it goes from its source. Which is a strong analogy because it can relate to a traveler in that a traveler can become more knowledgeable as he experiences more in the world. She then continues her writing by using rhetorical questions such as in lines 30-32 and by appealing to her son’s logos (logic). She concludes her writing by stepping up on the figurative pedastool and using her authority to, in a way, pull her son together. She says that she believes in him in that he will not fall astray from the path, but that he will do honor to his country and his family. She also concludes with signing off as his “affectionate” mother, which is exactly how she wrote her letter. She was masterful in her ability to sound affectionate in her writing, and it was nicely done to place that word “affectionate” at the end of her writing. It is obvious to see where future President John Quincy Adams adapted his knowledge and power.
ReplyDeleteWell done Bryce! I like how you had supporting evidence for your arguments. It shows the reader that you understood your points that you were trying to make.
DeleteI like how you mentioned the bond between a mother and her child. You displayed your thoughts on the piece very well! I could tell that you understood it very thoroughly.
DeleteThis is a very strong rhetorical analysis. I like the emotion you bring in by saying the bond between a mother and child is like no other, you also brought up some strong arguments
DeleteAbigail Adams, First Lady to the country’s second president, John Adams, wrote a letter of encouragement to her son, John Quincy Adams. The purpose of her letter was to motivate him to appreciate the experience he was lucky enough to partake in with his father and brother.
ReplyDeleteShe rather clearly displays ethos by using a motherly tone throughout the letter by expressing her content caused by his participation in the journey.
Abigail knows, and proves to John Quincy, that the trip is rather beneficial and makes him realize that he is far more qualified than he believes he is when she claims, “Your knowledge of the language must give you greater advantages now than you could possibly have reaped whilst ignorant of it; and as you increase in years, you will find your understanding opening and daily improving.” By saying this, she is proving to him that going on the trip was meaningful and was not without good purpose.
She then deepens her argument when she brought up an author she had met who compared “a judicial traveller to a river, that increases its stream the further it flows from its source.” She wants him to know that going out and broadening his horizons is not scary, but can be rather beautiful. The metaphor that Abigail restated from the author can be compared to a student going off to college for the first time. They may think it’s scary and they are afraid to reach outside of their comfort zone, until they arrive and realize how amazingly beneficial it can be for them.
Abigail pushes him to reach his fullest potential in the way that she uses the reference of a genius. She proves to him that no great genius has ever become great by laying back in shadows, taking the easy route out. Geniuses show what they have to offer and how they can reach their absolute fullest potential. She wants John Quincy to feel the passion in his heart like she describes, to reach his potential, and to be the best traveller he can be.
Abigail concludes her letter by giving him powerful motivation and admiration for the man he has become. She shows him her pride when she says, “The strict and inviolable regard you have ever paid to truth, gives me pleasing hopes that you will not swerve from her dictates, but add justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue, which can adorn a good citizen, do honor to your country, and render your parents supremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother.”
I never realized how powerful and well-put Abigail’s conclusion is. Your rhetorical analysis is very organized as well.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your piece. I liked how you led into each topic.
DeleteCarly, you very effectively showed what she wanted her letter to express, and it was a very good summary of the methods behind it. You used used very good examples, as well. Good job!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams used many effective rhetorical strategies in her latter to her son, John Quincey Adams. She uses they persuasive techniques to give useful advise to her son. Abigail Adams wants to persuade her son that he, alone is in control of his future. Within her beginning statements she says “I hope you have had no occasion, either from enemies or the dangers of the sea, to repent your second voyage to France.” This statement uses emotional diction to ultimately express her concert toward her son and his safety. Other than the use of pathos throughout the letter, Abigail also used many classic examples ethical and logical reasoning. She thoroughly explains the daunting impacts of war and power. Initially Abigail’s tone seems somewhat harsh but by the end of the latter after Abigail also mentions her son’s potential. The entire letter as a whole, intends to applaud John Quincey Adams on his accomplishments and to urge him to strive for more. Abigail knew her sons true potential and because of this pushed him to live up to very high standards. Abigail pushes her son in a way that is caring and sympathetic, as a way to motivate her son. The fact that John Quincey Adams went on to eventually become president of the United States is amazing. It is almost as if Abigail knew he would be a great leader for, the very start.
ReplyDeleteEven though yours is relatively short, it is already very concise. You go over many meaningful points without wasting any time. I really like your point about Mrs. Adams urging her son to strive for greatness, I did not initially think of this letter as a kind of positive reinforcement, like what you mentioned. But I think that is actually a strong point of her motivation on him. Nice job, very clear.
DeleteGood job Maddie, I really like how you kept it short and sweet, but covered all of the areas. My favorite part is how you covered the movitation of Mrs. Adams. Good job
DeleteMady, you really grasped the appeals and strategies that were used well and put them in a good perspective. Great analysis!
DeleteAbagail Adams writes to her son John Quincy Adams as he travels the world with his father, John Adams. John Adams is a United States diplomat and later the country’s second president. In this letter she informs her son to use this experience and better himself. She writes this letter using strong rhetorical strategies, ethos, pathos, logos, and other metaphors.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning Abigail Adams apologizes for almost pushing him to go onto this trip when she says, “I should not have urged you to accompany your father and brother when you appeared so averse to the voyage.” After she states this she then expresses how proud she is of him and encourages him to take advantage of having his father there with him when she states, “you are favored with superior advantages under the instructive eye of a tender parent..” She gives him a lot of credibility for attending this voyage.
At the end of the letter Abagail Adams uses strong emotions to show her son that she is cares about him even in a formal setting. She says, “render your parents supremely happy, particularly your ever affectionate mother”. She wants him to realize how much she truly cares about him. She also states, “these are times in which a genius would wish to live”. This statement was developed to allow him to reflect on the opportunity he was given and embrace it.
Abagail Adams uses a few metaphors in her letter to deepen her message to her son. She allows her son to picture terrible things that are happening in the lands where he travels. “War, tyranny, and desolation are the scout ages of the Almighty” She asks him to be aware of these things back in his home land. She wants him to create pictures in his head of these terrible things, so that he focuses on this voyage on important things. She also compares a traveler to a river. “increases its stream the further it flows from its source; or to certain springs, which, running through rich veins of minerals, improve their qualities as they pass along”. In other words, she tells him that as he travels he is being influenced by many people and things and should take advantage of them to better himself.
Abagail Adams writes a strong letter using rhetorical strategies to influence her sons thought process. Not one strategy takes over the whole letter, but many make it up to be successful.
There is no doubt that Abagail Adams was a powerful and effective writer. It is surprising due to her lack of formal education, that she was able to become such an influence on her spouse and her son, which was achieved mostly through her writing. Her husband, John Adams, second president of the U.S., relied heavily on her advice through his life, as did her son, John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the U.S. In the letter to her son, dated January 12, 1780, Adams exhibits qualities common of her persuasive writing, in trying to advise her son on his conduct while abroad in France. By encouraging her son to continue on, reminding him how important this trip is to his development, and reminding him of his duty to the country, she ably convinces him of the importance of the work he is doing.
ReplyDeleteAdams minces no words while speaking to her son. She doesn’t baby him and speaks to him bluntly and truthfully, in order to convince him that it was right to go to France. In the very first paragraph, she speaks in a sharp tone, reminding him that that she knows what is best for him, as she is his mother. She tells him he is being hasty and unreasonable in wanting to not go to France. She says that if there was a good reason not for him to go, she wouldn’t have let him go. She uses this brutal tone in order to lay down the law, and convinces him that he was right to go.
Adams also uses a history callback to convince her son that trip was worthwhile. John Quincy Adams was an educated man and would have certainly admired these great men and aimed to be like them. His mother giving a call back to these men, and stating that these men’s characters were formed during times like these, ably convinces her son that his work in France is important. Giving that history callback persuades her son that he could become like these great men, if he perseveres through this difficult time.
Abagail Adams also makes reference to the American revolution and the deeds of his father, a great patriot. This makes reference to the duty he has to both serve the American people and live up to his fathers legacy. This reminds her son that he has these duties and by going through with this trip, he would be able to fulfill these duties.
Abagail Adams was an extraordinary woman who, through her writing skills, managed to advise two of the most powerful men in American History. Through she sharpe tone, history references, and reminding her son of his duties, she convinces her son of the importance of the work he is doing abroad.
Yours is a rather thorough rhetorical analysis that gets most of the major parts of the letter. But what I really liked was that, even in an analysis of another piece, you were able to to also give a sort of summary of the piece without directly stating what was happening. This shows a clear connection to the piece of reference but it is not relying on the letter itself. Another thing that I found great was that you pointed out how much of an actual impact Abigail Adams had. She wasn't just in the shadows of her husband and son, but a meaningful confidant to them as well. She got there by her own skill and effort in her writing.
DeleteThe preface of this letter sets the stage for a meaningful letter. It is one of a mother to her son, and it shows the family, mainly the father, and some of their credentials. Going into it, one already knows the scope of the letter, and Abigail Adams, the writer, does not let down on the high expectations for this piece. It is clear from the very first read that she knows how to write. She worked with balanced rhetorical ideas while keeping it personal such as a mother's letter should be.
ReplyDeleteTo start, she wishes good fortune on her son, and then says he was unable to make a proper decision so she had to step in. This brings up the idea of tough love that mothers are infamous for. She has learnt what is good in her time in the world, she references her experience several times like "increase in years... improving." She wants what is best for her child. She keeps this theme throughout the rest of the letter by a constant mention of her hope for him, and that she wishes not to regret it. She ends by referring to herself as an "ever affectionate mother," and there is no better way to both show ones emotion, and goodwill.
Also throughout the letter, there is a clear sense of wisdom, but also of a strong personality. "Some author, that I have met with," Mrs. Adams clearly does her homework, speaking to those which have information, and by reading of those who may not have. She references several scenarios, one which was of Cicero, a great orator, she learns from the greats and wishes to pass that on to her son. She implements these ideas into her own writing for this reason. "Repose," "inviolable," and "kindled" are all examples of an extensive vocabulary that she possesses. And she puts words together a flowing manner as well, such as examples being in sets of 3, and sentences being broken with commas in order to establish a full idea of which she speaks. She clearly identifies her credibility throughout her words and speaking, but also through what her words are saying.
And what her words are saying goes beyond pure experience and knowledge, but is also connected by concrete thoughts and reasoning.
Well written Chris. You clearly show all the strategies used, and without attacking religion and/or Christianity(non-serious burn). But besides that, very good job.
DeleteYeaa I must have forgot that, rewriting...
DeleteJohn Quincy Adams joined his father, John Adams to a journey in the Atlantic Ocean, and in during that his mother wrote to him. She start off her essay wishing her son the best using the line " I hope you have had no occasion, either from enemies or the dangers of the sea, to repent your second voyage to France." It also tells about how John Quincy didn't want to go, but is hoping he is happy with his decision.
ReplyDeleteThe second paragraph goes on about how his intellect of language will help him on his voyage and will be valuable. Mrs. Adams then goes to talk about a metaphor, of a traveler and a river. The metaphor explains that the farther a person travels, the more knowledge and wisdom they gain, and the more they can use such knowledge.
Mrs. Adams then goes into a discussion of Cicero, and how he would've not been a good orator if not for misfortunes and evils. She is telling him to have motivation and be moved by something. She tells him to fight for liberty, and not to be an " eyewitness of these calamities". She then tells him to fight for the future, to fight for those who are yet unborn. This is the main reason for her to send him on this trip, to show him what to fight for and to have motivation. She wants him to use the information he gains in the present to be used in the future.
Abigail is doing "long-distance parenting", and doing a good job at it. She is showing him that all of this won't be in vain and to look towards the future, and what you can use your intellect for. She does an amazing job at this and shows how much she cared about her boy.
On January 12th, 1780, Abigail Adams wrote to her beloved son, John Quincy Adams, who was traveling abroad with his well-known father, John Adams. He was a United States diplomat and the second President of the United States. He was involved with the Declaration of Independence that had been passed four years before Abigail wrote the letter to her son. John Quincy Adams would later become a President of the United States as well, following in his father’s footsteps. Before Abigail had any knowledge of her son becoming President, she wanted to write to him in order to encourage him to go out and explore the world while learning from his experiences within that. Like most mothers, she shows signs of being a “helicopter mother” and strong maternal care. She displays examples of history and pride for the country to shed light onto the situation as well. Most importantly, Abigail Adams focuses on the wonders and abilities her son is capable of.
ReplyDeleteShe starts out the letter by addressing John Quincy Adams as “My Dear Son.” This establishes the motherly side of her letter. Then she states her concern for his safety and well-being in order for him to be emotionally appealed, so he will listen to what she has to say. In line 16, Abigail Adams gives credit to an author she recently met with so that he can compare his situation with that of a river. The metaphor supports Abigail’s message to her son to start out on his journey. To flatter him, she mentions how talented he is, then states how he needs to put in a little more effort to use them properly. This also appeals to his emotions because he might feel ashamed since he has not used his true talents to become a better version of himself.
Next, Abigail Adams compares her son to a genius such as Cicero who formed his character through tough times. She mentions Cicero’s “tyranny of Caitline, Verres, and Mark Anthony” in line 32. This gives insight to prove her point to her son, such as “wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience” in lines 35-36. Also, Abigail displays a sense of American pride to reel her son in by stating that “war, tyranny, and desolation are the scourges of the Almighty, and ought no doubt to be deprecated.” She wants him to feel connected with God and the country in which he resides in. She wants him to make something of himself in order to help others. If he doesn’t, then he will disappoint his mother because she will feel like she did not provide enough for him. This plays with his emotions once again, making him feel ashamed. As a mother, she wants nothing but the best for her son.
Abigail Adams wrote to her son in order to encourage him to make something of himself and ensure the use his talents. While writing the letter, she did not know that he would one day fulfill her wish of becoming more diligent in his work by being President of the United States. She wanted to make sure that he was prepared for what the world had to offer and how he could contribute to that.
Your analysis is very well organized and easy to read. I also like how you point out “My dear son” and mention her motherly side of the letter. Well done and good points!
DeleteI really enjoyed how you used facts that weren’t mentioned in the letter. It shows that you know the topic very well. Along with that, I like how you said in the last paragraph the Abigail didn’t know that her son would one day be the president of the U.S. Good job!
DeleteAbigail Adams, a very powerful and successful woman, beautifully and thoroughly portrays her love, care, and goodwill for her son in a letter she had written for him while he had been traveling by ship abroad with his father. Abigail Adams is often times thought of as an original founder of the United States. She has been the only woman to have been a First Lady as well as the mother of a president. Abigail is a very strong willed woman with wonderful morals that effectively works to translate to her brave and destined son. She uses brilliant rhetorical strategies throughout the later to set up John Quincy Adams, her son, to follow in his father, President John Adams’s footsteps.
ReplyDeleteAbigail Adams starts the letter off right away with a fond, motherly tone by addressing the letter with, “My dear son.” This statement establishes a sense of caring. This is confirmed when Abigail goes on to say that she is hoping that he has not ran into any troubles in his trip. John Quincy Adams’s mother expresses how she wants wonderful things for him as she states that he is growing deeper understanding each day and can see what he is capable of. Mrs. Adams also goes on to say that she, as a parent knows that he is instructed to reach vast improvements because of how much she genuinely cares for him as his mother. She sets the tone of the story out with genuine care of his son and all he is capable of and holds it firm throughout that letter. The final sentence and climax of the letter states that justice, fortitude, and manly virtues will set him up to produce goodness and honor for the country. Abigail makes it known to John that these are her hopes and dreams for the outcome for her son.
Abigail Adams makes the points she believes well understood and backs each one up with logic. This effectively appears to the audience. In this case she is trying to teach and nurture her son. She would use her logic and back it up with effective examples. Her first example used is the idea of what Cicero excelled in. Abigail stressed the qualities he had to become a good orator such as, not becoming bothered by the injustice of tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony. She uses this historical example as a way for John to understand the importance of patience, and wisdom in creating good and healthy habits, as it is the fruit of experience.
John Quincy Adams went on to become the sixth president of the United States. It would be highly believable to assume that the guidance of his parents, but especially his mother, Abigail, allowed him to continue to strive to reach his upmost potential. “Great necessities call out great virtues. By following the hopes and will of his mother John was able to reach great success, and achieve high goals due to great instruction and caring love from a mother. As they say, character is having the courage to claim ownership of your actions. Abigail uses countless strategies and appeals to encourage a sense of courage and good character in John Quincy Adams
I really enjoyed your rhetorical analysis. I think you hit all the major points, it is very well written and organized
DeleteOne of the very meaningful relationships recognized by the Catholic Chruch is that of a mother and son. Abigail Adams is writing this letter to her son to convince to travel with his father because of his reluctance. This letter is writtten because Abigail realizes the benefits of the trip, and uses many persuasive points to convince her son, the future president, to do so.
ReplyDeleteThe letter already has an established ethos coming from John’s own mother who cared for him his whole life. Abigail is also a very strong woman figure In the United States which is uncommon in the time, when women could not even vote in presidential elections. John’s mother sees the potential in her son and realizes she needs to steer him on the correct path, just as any mother would.
The use of historical examples throughout the letter gives her son not only examples of what not to do, but also what to strive for to become successful in life. When speaking of Mark Antony and other tyrannical public figures she shows how his talents and intellect can be steered for personal gain. However the point Abigail is attempting to instill is that the virtues of justice and patient are important for the good of all people.
The final strategy used is the emotional connection that mother and son share. When children disappoint their parents, it is much worse than when they are angry. Abigail’s writing leads John into a thought of taking full advantage of the talents he has. This is effective because no one wants to disappoint their own parents, John included.
This letter was clearly effective as John did in fact join his brother and father on their foreign trip. He also went on to make use of his talents and be elected president of the United States. Abigail successfully conveyed her wisdom upon her son and in the end it paid off, and John went on to become very successful. It is always true as they say, a mother knows best.