Sentence Assessment Task Rhetorical Analysis: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Austen) Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) Austen’s famous statement on marriage and equality continues to resonate in modern society. In comparison to today, the Victorian era significantly suppressed women’s rights (Hughes). However, Austen juxtaposes that idea by stating that it is the man, no matter how wealthy, who ‘must be in want of a wife.’ By saying ‘must’ (word choice) and stating that he has a ‘good fortune’, she is using pathos to attack the male psychology and challenge the meaning of being a complete man. This controversial statement can grab the attention of most male readers. …show more content…
In the Victorian era, women were forced to marry, as they needed the security of a man. However, Austen uses logos to question the real inequality in the Victorian era’s ideology, that a woman is incomplete without a man. This allows the reader to analyse the state of society from a different perspective. Austen also starts her sentence with an assertive tone further supported with her firm word choices, through using the words, ‘…truth universally acknowledged’. These words are important in her building ethos allowing her to deliver her controversial message. She uses these declarative words to remove any potential for rebuttal. Finally, Austen uses commas as a tool to break down her sentence into three distinct parts allowing her to build ethos. This is done by making each phrase of her sentence have more emphasis as it is followed by a short pause. This enables the reader to store each phrase distinctly in their limited cognitive memory and become more memorable. “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” (Kennedy) John F. Kennedy (JFK) Presidential Inauguration Speech