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Rhetorical Analysis Of George Johnson's Letter

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In his letter Johnson rejected a mother’s obscured request for her sons help into a university. His denial to her is best used by his strong use of logos, pathos and tone. With these three devices combined Johnson was able to convey his unwillingness to complete the task ask of him while allowing him to still stay cordial. In the beginning, Johnson reveals pure emotion to the mother waiting for the letter. He states “I hope you will believe that my delay in answering your letter could proceed only from my unwillingness to destroy any hope….”. Johnsons begins this letter using emotion tactics because he knows that it will be hard for the mother to accept the fact that he is refusing her request. By beginning the letter in such a manner he is not pampering her for the rest of the letter but also letting her down softly as possible. Oppose to accusing her of being wrong for having this feeling and attempting to change her son’s fate, Johnson defines hope as being “a pleasure immoderately enjoyed” and as an “expectations improperly …show more content…

The use of this rhetorical device (logos) helped Johnson force the mother to admit there was no reason why he should write the letter. He states “You ask me to solicit a great man, to whom I never spoke of, for a young person whom I never seen”. Johnson tone shifts and becomes harsher allowing room for the mother to think about her faults. Johnson feels that the evident faith the mother has for her son is not enough for him to recommend her son into the university. He then goes on to simply tell her that there is no accurate reason why her son deserves this position. Less harsh then the beginning statements Johnson states “Madam, you must allow, that there is no reason why the Archbishop should chuse your son”. Using logic in this letter may help her understand the common sense side to his

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