Rhetorical Analysis Of Just Mercy By Stevenson

In Just Mercy Stevenson makes the argument that hope is essential for people to maintain. He does this by structuring his writing in a specific way and making emotional appeals, ultimately convincing his audience of his argument.
Firstly, Stevenson structures his writing so when he makes his argument it has the most impact possible. He will delve into a disheartening topic then make his argument of hope after. For example, he describes the institutions that contribute to criminal injustice and racial discrimination then goes on to say “I became hopeful that we might be able to push back against the suppression of this difficult history of racial injustice” (Stevenson 301). His change of tone is effective at calling attention to this particular

He simply states what happened and allows the audience to realize his argument on their own. This is an effective way of making his argument because people will more readily accept concepts they come up with themselves rather than concepts they are told by an outside force. When Stevenson tells a condemned man that he will not be executed soon, the “Man's shoulders [unhunch], and he [looks] at [Stevenson] with intense relief in his eyes'” (10) after previously being “nervous [...] cautious [...] [and] worried” (9). Stevenson doesn't outright state that having hope is what caused the change in demeanor, however the audience is able to infer that hope is what made the change during the time between the two descriptions. The imagery is also powerful in this context because the audience watches as a condemned man starts to have a little hope, helping create an emotional investment in this man and his journey. The emotional investment then allows his argument to have even greater impact on the reader, as the argument is something that is relevant to someone they have an emotional connection

While pleading with Stevenson to take his case, he says “I don’t think I can make it if there is no hope at all. Just say you’ll do something and let me have some hope”(74). Herbert’s lifeline here is the hope that Stevenson could provide. He didn’t ask to be proven innocent, or a trial immediately, he only wanted a chance from Stevenson. Herbert’s pleads also have an emotional impact on the audience. They create a sense of connection to Herbert and impose his emotions on the reader. It is very easy to feel his anguish and empathize with him, further highlighting Stevensons message of hope. Herbert is in such distress, and the one thing he asks for is to be able to