Rhetorical Analysis Of John Downe's Letter To His Wife

John Downe’s letter to his wife creates an enthusiastic, persuasive tone to try to convince her to leave England and come to the United States. The diction he uses and the way he structures his sentences highlights the points he tries to make. He uses an array of rhetorical strategies and devices such as imagery, tone and attitude, and pathos to do so. Throughout most of the letter, Downe describes to his wife the lifestyle in the United States through imagery. The diction he uses gives a comforting, welcoming visual of what the United States has in store for his wife and family. Most of the persuading goes on in the first paragraph as he exemplifies all the great opportunities with leaving England and coming to the United States.