Rhetorical Analysis Of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams, mother to John Quincy Adams, formulates an effective rhetorical situation in order to convey her message to her son in a way that establishes order, purpose, and logical reasoning for him to follow so that the point of her letter is most effectively delivered. During this time, John Quincy Adams needed advice while traveling abroad as Abigail notes in her opening stanzas. She was able to build on prior knowledge of his situation and lead him through deductive reasoning and explanations, along with rhetorical questions and emotionally charged language to her final closing claim, which is also her overarching thesis. Based on the final stanza, Abigail establishes that her advice to John Quincy Adams is to “add justice, fortitude,

She later goes on to provide evidence that she specifically states is from a credible source to prove truthfulness to her claim. After her relaying of information, she ties it back to her claim whilst also connecting it to the overarching thesis by personalizing it to her son’s use. This strategy of Abigail’s deductive reasoning is then repeated throughout multiple paragraphs to ultimately build a platform for her to be able to rightfully state her claim and have it be believable while also encouraging to John Quincy Adams. Even though Abigail Adams’ clear and thorough line of reasoning supplies an adequate foundation for an effective argument, in order to enhance her argument to render it more compelling she makes strategic rhetorical choices within her commentary to appeal to her son’s emotions. Abigail provides positive diction and phrases such as “engage the heart”, “character of the hero”, and “gives me pleasing hopes” to uplift the tone of the letter which then encourages a positive outlook in John Quincy