Yes Virginia Analysis

Editor for The Sun newspaper, the unknown columnist, in his or her editorial, Yes Virginia, argues the importance and the reality of Santa Claus. The writers purpose is to prove to a eight year old girl that Santa Claus is real. The author adapts a jubilant and protective tone in order to argue to both children and adults that Santa is real.

The first paragraph establishes the idea that Santa Claus is real though others may say that he isn't. Their doubts are because their minds are too rigid and hardened. Through trivializing the other children's claim that Santa isn't real the her, "...little friends are wrong." The word little is often associated in this sense that children are not mature and their opinions small and powerless. Going on to then blame the parents that the reason the children believe in the wrong thing is because, "They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age." The language and audience it is talking about makes it clear that the parents and adults are in the intended audience.
In the second paragraph the thesis of the essay is presented, "Yes...there is a Santa Claus." By waiting until the second paragraph the author almost builds the emotion until this crescendo were the meaning behind the words is finally stated.
The paragraph goes on explaining that Santa is the feeling of, "...love and generosity and devotion..." and that without them, and in connection Santa, humans wouldn't be able to battle life. That the, "... external light with which childhood fills the world would be
extinguished."

The third paragraph is geared to the skepticism talked about in the first paragraph. That just because you don't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. The author uses rhetorical questions that have simple answers that support the thesis. Another positive is that by answering their own question the author is guiding the readers thinking. That as the reader is forming a response to the question the reader is immediately show the authors reasonings. Also again the author connects this to a adult audience by referencing them that the, " ... most real things...are those that neither children nor men can see."

In the fourth paragraph they essay turns to its conclusion and the bigger idea behind the essay. That only those with imagination and love, "...view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond."That a person must have these qualities to fully enjoy and have a full life. Again there is the use of rhetorical question, "Is it all real?" This question instead of like the others having a simple one word answer is complicated and its true meaning unclear. This almost mystical essence to the authors writing keeps the reader interest throughout the essay.

The fourth paragraph is incredibly short because its only purpose is to again tie everything back to Santa Claus and the topic of the essay. That Santa Claus will always live and,"...make glad the heart of childhood." This is because Santa isn't a person but a collective idea and feeling and therefore he can never fade and die and can not be proven to be not real.