Rhetorical Analysis Of Jimmy Carter's Foreword To Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

In former US President Jimmy Carter’s Foreword to Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land, A Photographic Journey, he writes about his stance on the controversial debate of whether or not to preserve the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Carter claims that the human-spoiling of the pristine tundra and the life the ecosystem holds is not worth the little “benefits” it would cost “America’s only Arctic Refuge.” The author utilizes authoritative sources and his personal hands-on experiences, diction and rhetorical devices, and logical and emotional appeal to further convince the readers to believe and trust his judgment on the situation.

Carter uses multiple different sources of authority and personal connections. Carter first starts off by writing, “[my wife] Rosalynn and I.hike in these regions,” as a way to personally connect with the readers and to add a sense of relatability. One may come to the conclusion
He appeals to the audience’s emotions by revealing the cruel “tragedy” and intentions of the “industrial facilities.” From the “unforgettable and humbling experiences,” Carter mentions, the sudden plummet of mood further rubs salt into the wound of mankind’s destructive actions. Furthermore, Carter develops his argument by appealing to logos, in which he explains that even if the Arctic Refuge were to become demolished, the habitat would only “provide 1 to 2 percent of the oil our country consumes each day.” He shows the readers that the “alleged benefits” are nothing but “short-term economic gain.” Additionally, Carter brings up the trend of Native Americans losing their homes and culture for industrial and urban development, bringing both sides of opinion to feel a sense of guilt of history repeating. Carter does not just throw detrimental consequences at the audience, though, he even provides solutions such as, “driving more fuel-efficient vehicles,” to compensate for the opposing