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Rhetorical Analysis Of Samuel Johnson's Letter

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Samuel Johnson, a man who works at Canterbury University received a letter from a woman concerning her son. July 8, 1762, he unwillingly responded to the mother who wanted her son to attend the university. Johnson makes it clear to the mother that her son can't be sent to the university by using tone, diction, and comparison to show his condolences and hope for her son’s future. Johnson uses different types of tones throughout the letter. Within the first sentence, he writes, “the unwillingness to destroy any hope.” The use of sympathy in his tone shows the mother that Johnson is sympathetic. By incorporating a sympathetic tone in the letter it makes the mother more understanding as to why her son cannot be accepted into the university. Samuel Johnson concludes in his letter by kindly saying, “he may still be wise, useful, and happy.” He uses a hopeful tone to end the letter in light and to comfort the mother. By using a hopeful attitude it also gives hope to the mother and to the son’s future. The use of positive tones helps put the mother at ease with her son’s rejection but also gives them hope for the future. …show more content…

He explains the effects of hope when he states, “hope is itself a species of happiness.” Johnson uses abstract diction to show how hope can be conveyed. The use of abstract diction helps Johnson comfort the mother and it also shows her that hope is a good thing to have since it is related to happiness. Johnson compliments her son by saying. “He seems a pretty youth.” He uses elevated diction to convey to the mother, she has a wonderful son. Doing this makes the mother feel hopeful for her son’s future. The diction used in the letter shows the mother her son has been rejected but also gives her hope for the

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