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Rhetorical Analysis Of John Downe's Letter To His Wife

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In 1830, John Downe travelled to the United States from England with the hopes that he would earn enough money to bring his wife and children along with him. Within a letter to his wife, John uses superb rhetorical strategies to convince his wife to immigrate to the America. Within his letter, Downe seems aware of his tone and utilizes it to make America seem much more pleasant. Through his effervescent tone, Downe describes America as a paradise of sorts, stating that citizens welcome people into their homes, presenting them with “puddings, pyes, and fruit of all kind that was in season.” In addition to the kindness of people, Downe also discusses the astonishing butcheries of America, refutes the idea that the land is overpopulated, and states that he knows his wife will like America. By utilizing a lively tone, Downe is able to make America seem like a paradise. …show more content…

By using a positive tone and very descriptive writing, Downe is able to paint a pristine picture in the reader’s head of the heaven-like America he lives in. By describing the delicious foods presented to him by strangers, the endless brandy he can get for three half-pence, and butchers who deliver meat like modern-day pizza men, Downe presents a vibrant and beautiful image of America to his reader. Downe’s tone also helps with his connotation; Downe is also able to make England seem like truly horrible place. When comparing England to America, Downe uses words with negative connotation like “improper,” and “disgusting” to portray his homeland in a bad way. When contrasted with how Downe describes America, the reader feels like England is a horrible place where the poor and middle class are stomped upon by the rich. In short, Downe’s connotation and tone are well utilized to portray England as horrible and practically savage compared to

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