Rhetorical Analysis: The Ways We Lie By Stephanie Ericsson

Rhetorical Analysis Most people tend to believe that lying is a way of life, that without it the whole world could crumble and fall. While some tend to believe that any form of lying is a sin and there should be consequences. One author, Stephanie Ericsson, wrote “The Ways We Lie” published in 1993 she talks about how we all lie, it has become an everyday chore to make life easier. She begins by trying to strengthen the bond between the reader and writer showing how they are one of the same. She does this by referencing past experiences, adding informed opinions, and using quotes from other well acknowledged authors, her argument is strong throughout the whole article that lying isn’t just evil, it can be used for good when used the right way. Ericsson tries to reference values or experiences that she has shared with the reader to try and connect our arguments, to help show that the reader shares the same beliefs

She continues to connect with the reader on a personal level showing them that there is a moral choice hoping the reader will walk away with that in their head. She states “A country song I once heard said it all for me. “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything”” (Ericsson 129). By highlighting this country song lyric, she justifies and helps persuade the reader that there is a dark side to lying. Ericsson quotes George Bernard Shaw by saying “The liar’s punishment (…) is that he cannot believe anyone else” (Ericsson 128). She uses this quote to strengthen her argument that lying can only be used productively if used with a purpose. In conclusion Ericsson persuades the reader that there good that comes from telling a little white lie. She went in depth by explaining “The Ways We Lie” and all of the different types of lies that are out there. Ericsson did a great job of persuading the reader what is morally right and