Rhetorical Analysis Charles Lamb

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Charles Lamb masterfully shoots down a request from his good friend William Wordsworth by using many forms of rhetorical strategies, including multiple uses of imagery, LEP, and rhetorical questions, delivering all of it in a slowly degrading form of sincerity to decline Wordsworth’s invitation to visit him in the country. Lamb starts off his response ever so politely, pseudo-apologizing for his late response. Lamb does this because even though the offer isn't enticing to him, it is still a very kind gesture from a close friend. As he continues he expresses concerns as to the cost of this getaway, and seems to hint that it isn’t a cost of money, but maybe sanity, “If I shall ever be able to afford so desperate a journey.” his logical answer steers you towards the feeling that he will not be planning on accepting the offer. By not shooting down this invitation right away Lamb has time to explain why the trip does not entice him, and also exemplifies his friendship with Wordsworth. …show more content…

This shifts the feeling away from rejecting his offer because of the friendship to rejecting his offer because of the setting. Lamb continues on, describing why he would rather stay in London, and does this using imagery: “The lighted shops… the innumerable trades...the bustle and wickedness… the very women of the town…” Lamb continues to a point of rambling in order to show the immensity of his love for London, and how it trickles down to even the smallest details. Lamb’s love for his home is exemplified by his use of even more imagery to describe London, for example “London itself a pantomime and a masquerade…” His point is that he loves London and wouldn't want to leave for

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