Lord Chesterfield Letter To His Son

In the letter Lord Chesterfields writes to his son, he attempts to pass on his personal values to his son. In the short paragraphs, Chesterfield reminds his son of his duties and responsibilities, the letter gradually builds up to scolding and critical advice to be successful in life. Although these are brief prompts to stay on task, Chesterfield’s own moral and values are evident throughout the letter using several devices such as, syntax, anaphora, paralipsis and diction.

Lord Chesterfield’s syntax shifts from complex sentences to extended sentences. In the beginning, he is uncertain of himself as he writes, he creates a base for what he is about to convey in the lengthy sentences. Chesterfield uses these long sentences to express the several reasons as to why his son wouldn’t take his advice into contemplation and that he alternately debates whether writing the letter will have a purpose.

As the letter continues, Chesterfield uses colons and semi-colons, to compare and contrast the second and first part of the sentence. He says he means to not “dictate as a parent; only mean to advise as a friend,” attempting to convince his son that he should listen to him as a friend, if not a father. Chesterfield says “I can have no interest

Chesterfield states that he only “point them out to as conducive, nay, absolutely necessary to pleasure;” (37-39) implying that his sons responsibilities will be favorable to himself and it will avert any possible abash to the family name. Chesterfield additionally says, “…can there be a greater pleasure than to be universally allowed to excel those of one’s own age and manner of life? And, consequently, can there be anything more mortifying than to be excelled by them?” (39-43) which are questions that is supposed to uplift his son’s motivation to succeed in school. Chesterfield conveys his views on his son’s pleasures and education, by using complex