Gambling in spring meadows analysis
Gambling In Spring Meadows
After an application by the North Geebung football club to install pokie machines, the Parish Priest of St Francis gives a passionate sermon opposing the move. He aimed to persuade the parishioners by presenting himself as a social expert, rather than a religious figure. Throughout the sermon the priest sustains a metaphor of illness through “contagiously”, “cancer”, “sickness” and “disease”. All these words have overtones of quick-spreading illnesses. This language invites fear within the parishioners. Strong language throughout his sermon seems to deepen the emotion in his speech. By placing “grievous” and “harm” together, the priest hopes to create a sense of deadly pain and danger. This is intended to further bolster the powerful image of gambling as a disease.
The priest positions himself as a community member concerned from a social perspective, rather than an authoritative religious figure. Statistics adds credibility to his position and he attempts to prompt a surprised and concerned reaction within the congregation. The priest intends to draw on the emotions of the congregation, vilifying gambling as harmful by telling a story of a man who “assaulted” his wife. This story intends to make the parishioners feel that gambling is creating problems in the community that can be prevented.
The priest displays a concerned and frustrated tone throughout his sermon. He positions himself as a social expert, rather than one of religious authority. He attempts to manipulate the congregation’s thoughts, by positioning them as his friends. His final passionate observation “[to] weep with compassion” invites the parishioners to view gambling as misery, as misery is closely associated with weeping.
After an application by the North Geebung football club to install pokie machines, the Parish Priest of St Francis gives a passionate sermon opposing the move. He aimed to persuade the parishioners by presenting himself as a social expert, rather than a religious figure. Throughout the sermon the priest sustains a metaphor of illness through “contagiously”, “cancer”, “sickness” and “disease”. All these words have overtones of quick-spreading illnesses. This language invites fear within the parishioners. Strong language throughout his sermon seems to deepen the emotion in his speech. By placing “grievous” and “harm” together, the priest hopes to create a sense of deadly pain and danger. This is intended to further bolster the powerful image of gambling as a disease.
The priest positions himself as a community member concerned from a social perspective, rather than an authoritative religious figure. Statistics adds credibility to his position and he attempts to prompt a surprised and concerned reaction within the congregation. The priest intends to draw on the emotions of the congregation, vilifying gambling as harmful by telling a story of a man who “assaulted” his wife. This story intends to make the parishioners feel that gambling is creating problems in the community that can be prevented.
The priest displays a concerned and frustrated tone throughout his sermon. He positions himself as a social expert, rather than one of religious authority. He attempts to manipulate the congregation’s thoughts, by positioning them as his friends. His final passionate observation “[to] weep with compassion” invites the parishioners to view gambling as misery, as misery is closely associated with weeping.