An Explanation Of Abigail Adams Letter To Her Son

In Abigail Adams letter to her son John Quincy Adams, she describes to her son the importance of experience that will appear during his time abroad with his father John Adams and brother. Throughout the letter Adams advises and defends her advice with the use of pathos and comparisons. By using the phrases "my son" and comparisons to a "judicious river," she tells of her faith in the possibilities of what he can accomplish.

Within the first few lines of Adams' letter to her son, she exhibits careful and precise motherly advice. Adams often utilizes pathos when addressing her son to inspire him to be open to new experiences and to become a great man. She lovingly approaches what will be expected of him by implementing "my son." She uses this phrase to show just how much she cares about his future and that she truly thinks that this voyage will shape the man he is to be. Adams' affectionate diction continues to be applied in the final paragraph of the letter as she assures him that he will "add justice, fortitude, and every manly virtue which can adorn a good citizen. She defends her advice to him by reassuring him that the

Next, Adams presents a historical example to argue to John that "would Cicero have shone so distinguished an orator if he had not been roused," he too can thrive in the worst of situations and come out ahead, may they occur on his voyage. She is confident that he will be able to handle struggling situations because of the knowledge and experiences he will gain in a new land. Adam's strategies to convey to her son his greatness amplifies through her letter. Adam's conveys faith in Johns abilities to open up to experiences and knowledge by the use of comparisons to a river and